2009 Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer
User Reviews
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still a wonderful ride
By (I am an Owner) on Jan 31, 2016The 2015 ride season is done and the 09 is sitting in the garage waiting for the snow to melt, well actually I'm waiting for the snow to melt and the temp to go up a tad. I have done a bunch of mods on the 09 but it is still an 09 1300 tourer. This bike runs and looks as good as the day I bought ... it 6 years ago. Sure I polish it after each ride, check the oil before riding and make sure all the lights and stuff work fine. The maintenance on this bike has been minimal but then it only has about 25K miles on it. I missed a few summers riding due to some deployments. But it always runs smooth, starts, without issues. Last year I had to leave it parked for a few weeks and the battery went dead but after a good charge it seems to be fine.
You won't go wrong buying a used 1300 tourer or a new one.
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Great bike!
By (I am an Owner) on Nov 28, 2014This is actually my second 1300T. I bought a new 08 and put a little over 15,000 miles on it. Took several long trips on it. The last trip we did 9 states in 3 weeks! I added a trailer hitch and trunk for the extra luggage.
I built a Harbour Freight trailer and couldn't be happier with it. ... Overall performance was great and we managed to get a overall 51 mpg while doing a lot of mountain riding. I took a handful of tools with me but never used a one of them! Unfortunately I sold it a year later. But this last summer I bought a low mileage. 09 and I'm planning another trip. I didn't even consider another brand or size. I knew I wanted the same great running, dependable, nice bike that I had. This is actually the third Yamaha I've owned. I would buy this bike again and again! I could see myself on the new Deluxe model, it has everything a tourer could want.
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VERY HAPPY BIKER
By (I am an Owner) on Jun 04, 2012Bought my V-Star in April 2012, It's a 2009 holdover with 16 miles on it. I loved the saddlebags and the self canceling turn signals. Took a test ride in the morning and traded in my old bike that afternoon. This bike is well made and rides on the highway like a dream! I am now a STAR guy!!
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Awsom
By (I am an Owner) on Feb 24, 2012Purchaced 09 1300t with zero miles. Plenty of power to cruse the ga mt and looks that would stop a crazed deer.
It holds its own agains more expessive bikes.
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I downsized or did I?
By (I am an Owner) on Nov 20, 2011I moved down, Vulcan 1600 Classic, Valkyrie Interstate, and a Road King. The bike is roomy for 2 up and it performs exceptionally well. Well balanced and the position I use when comfortable has me dead centered with no tendency to lean off center or tilt forward or backwards... that's an issue new ... or out of the game riders often miss. (Do you ever have someone watch you ride?)
Remember this if you are considering this bike? The displacement race has tricked our minds, bigger is better is nonsense. The Honda VTX1800 is a great example, great motor but handled lousy. This model supplies room and power, balance and handling enough. The Harley EVO was only 1340cc or 88 ci and had a little over 50 horse power yet it saved Harley in 1984 and prospered for 15 years. It still has a huge following. The Twin cam jumped to 88 ci and a 53 hp. But with cam bearing issues, weak oil pumps, cranks that scissored, and cam tensioner issues it set Harley back...who calls a Harley a Mid-sized cruiser anyway 1984-2005? 20 years ever once hear "nice mid sized cruiser."?
This motor in the XVS1300 has almost 50% more horse power and loads more torque. SOHC 4 valve per cylinder and water cooling with a frame of steel around 700 lbs wet. Mid-sized cruiser?
It has market appeal to riders wanting to move up and a price appeal so it tends to attract many riders inexperienced and even new so with that you don't exactly get opinions that are qualified in the mix to evaluate this model objectively or precisely. I wonder how many miles have been logged by riders on bike models in the 1100 to 1400 range? I would guess that range sums up the majority and yet "mid-sized"? The wrong term is applied in my book and they need to think up another...don't forget Moto Guzzi, BMW, Honda ST, and Harley in this Mid-Size range either...nothing but "mid-sized"...
In the day 427, 440, 429, that was a big motor muscle car but today? What's in a muscle car? Mid-sized muscle car? I just don't get this "mid-sized cruiser" term .....
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2009 V Star 1300 Tourer
By (I am an Owner) on Jul 30, 2011I have owned several bikes, but this one has been one of my favorites. It has just enough power to do anything you want, and the comfort is awesome. I would recommend this bike to anyone...
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Great bike and lots of power
By (I am an Owner) on Jul 11, 2011Owned an '06 Honda Shadow Spirit which I gave to the wife and moved up to this bike. Truly a great bike. If you don't need a CD player, cruise, or anything else a motorcycle really shouldn't have to distract you from the road then this is perfect. Sounds great, gets good mpg, plenty of power, and ... easy on the bumps. It will be in the shop way less than any HD and it will cost you less over time to own and maintain. VStar rated the best bike over the last decade and this is one of the main reasons why.
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Had for 12 months and 15600 miles
By (I am an Owner) on Jun 30, 2011I got this last year new, I love it, its a great bike, I have leather bags and they came with mink oil I wipe them down when I clean the bike and have had no problems with the bags leaking or the leather wrinkling.
I changed to a 2 in 1 pipes and a big air kit that allowed me not ... to need to chage the EFI. Its responsive no delay in throttle.
I would rather ride.
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Unbelievable Bike
By (I am an Owner) on Feb 06, 2011Nothing more can be said about this bike except awesome! I traded my HD Peace Officer Special for this VStar 1300 Tourer and I couldn't be happier. The ride is quieter, smoother, and more stylish. What more can I say? I even waivered with getting the VStar 1900 instead of the 1300 and I opted ... for the 1300 - I cannot put into words how happy I am. Yamaha is King!
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MY-MY-MY
By (I am an Owner) on Sep 12, 2010What ever you do, do NOT hesitate to buy this bike. We bought a 2009 650 V-Star and felt that for 2 passengers it was under-powered so we debated between the 1100 Silverado and the 1300 Tourer. We are GLAD that we went with the bigger bike.
This bike is a dream-boat. With my wife on the back ... we can still out ride most crusiers of its class. We never hit bottom and it curves like a beauty-queen. Seats are comfortable for both which is a lot to say about the passenger seat. We love this bike. It is suited not only for the younger guys and gals but for us old gizzers, too. We feel like a million bucks on this bike.
DOn't think twice. BUY IT!
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AWESOME RIDE!
By (I am an Owner) on Aug 29, 2010This bike does great on the highway, and in town cruising. It feels really comfortable, and my passenger has no complaints. This bike handles very well compared to my old Kawasaki,the only downfall is cosmetics, and sound. This bike is not applicable for dressing up the handlebars or giving it an ... exhaust system, to give it that specific sound. I have had the bike about a month, and have been looking for all kinds of different accessories.
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Well Made 2009 Vstar 1300 Tourer
By (I am an Owner) on Aug 04, 2010I purchased the 2009 Yamaha Vstar Tourer just a few weeks ago and am thrilled. Just completed 1100 miles and it has been a joy to ride. Getting over 50 MPG makes it a blast when passing the gas pumps. Roll the throttle back and hang on. The seat is very conforting. No sore butt on long rides. I like ... the leather covered hard bags that lock using the ignition key. I also like the tall windshield. The Vstar 1300 Tourer is great in the curves. I have yet to scrape the foot boards. If you want a mid size cruiser for around 10 grant then the Vstar 1300 Tourer is a great pick.
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Won over by a great sales pitch
By (I am an Owner) on Oct 03, 2009Upon entering the dealership on my quest for a "pair" of bikes I was met by the sight of a beautiful looking bike. I had no idea what size it was. I pondered and walked away. After telling the salesman that I was looking for an 1100 Silverado for myself he told me a story about an owner that had ... one and brought it in for his 1000k oil change. This owner was given the 1300 tourer to drive for the day and when he brought it back he immediately traded the 1100 in on the 1300. I bought my bike a week later. Since then i have had numerous opportunities to ride. To say the least I am ecstatic about having been convinced to get the 1300. All kinds of power and comfort. The passenger seat is bigger than a lot of others. I may have to find a shorter windshield as the tall one makes me look through the top 2-3 inches. Overall I am about the happiest man on earth right now. Each time I put my bike away after a ride i can't wait to get back out for another. This is after 12-13 years without a ride. Thanks to the salesman for his pitch and Yamaha for making such an awesome machine.
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great bike NOT waterproof saddle bags
By (I am an Owner) on Jun 17, 2009I love the bike. It is smooth and all the power I will need. The only complaint I have is the saddle bags. They look great but I have had a cover for the bike (which I would suggest) but I took it to work today and it rained. Not the leather is all warped and wrinkled. I'm not just a little ... ticked off, I'm livid. I've only had it for one month and teh saddle bags look like crap. I still love the bike.
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Mid Sized Bagger is a Blast
By (I am an Owner) on Apr 29, 2009After having not owned a bike in about 12 years, this spring I decided it was about time to get back into riding. My choice would be a mid sized cruiser - at 45 I realize that perhaps I am a bit past blasting around on crotch rockets, and besides, my wife has seen me on one and is not impressed. ... I spent a short two weeks looking at Triumph, H-D, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki and ended up deciding on the Yamaha V Star 1300T.
When I picked her up from the dealer and started up the engine for the first time, I was pleasantly greeted with a nice low rumble from the exhaust. As I sat there with my feet firmly planted on the ground I checked the center of gravity. This bike has a fairly heavy curb weight but that weight is centered low enough that it takes no effort whatsoever to keep her up and balanced - even with one foot on the ground.
My next surprise came when I got out on the road and gave the throttle a slight twist in third gear. I shot forward with a huge grin on my face. For the first 1000 miles I took it easy on her but once I hit the magical 1000 mile mark it was time to get the throttle past the 1/2 way mark.
I moved onto the freeway and shifted into 5th gear. Even at 60 mph a slight twist of the throttle gives an amazing amount of pickup and cars begin to disappear quickly in the mirrors. I found that it didn't really matter how fast I was going, or what gear I was in, there was always plenty of power available when I needed it.
This is no sport bike however, it really doesn't take much to scrape the rider floorboards, but they make a great gauge for lean angle!
This bike looks great right off the dealer floor, but there are plenty of accessories to be found at your dealer and many places on line as well.
The 1300T comes with leather wrapped hard saddlebags, a passenger backrest and a fairly tall windscreen. I am 5'10" and my head sticks just a little bit above the windscreen giving me a fair amount of wind buffet that really is not all that annoying. The saddlebags have plenty of room for a long weekend ride, especially if you couple them with a suitcase which slips over the backrest.
One of the other things I love is the availability of three separate odometers, of course there is the main one, but then you have two trip meters as well. In addition, once the low fuel light comes on there is another trip meter which counts the miles since the light came on. Additionally, Yamaha rates this ride at 42mpg, yet I have consistently shown 45 to 47 mpg. This gives wonderful touring range with the 4.9 gallon tank. This gives good range but doesn't keep your backside on the seat to long to get overly uncomfortable. The riders seat is very well proportioned and I have not had any complaints from my passenger even after two hours on board.
Over all this is a great mid sized bagger and I would certainly recommend it to anyone.
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