READER MOTORCYCLE REVIEW: 2001 Yamaha V Star 1100

By Heidi Roy, Ontario, Canada

Heidi's height: 5 feet 4 inches

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I ride a 2001 Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic and absolutely love it. My husband passed it down to me, and it never lets me down. I have ridden to Alaska and California from my home in Ontario, Canada. My odometer reads 61,250 miles, and I plan to ride it for many more. Long trips and short trips are a joy and comfortable to boot.

Heidi and her 2001 Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic.

The only change I made was to install a Mustangseat. This changed the seat height from 28 inches to 26 inches, which suits my 5-foot-4 height perfectly.

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Related Articles:
REVIEW: Yamaha V Star 950
PRODUCT: Mustang Seats for the Yamaha V Star 1300

11 thoughts on READER MOTORCYCLE REVIEW: 2001 Yamaha V Star 1100

  1. Which Mustang seat did you install on your V Star 1100 Classic? My wife is 5 feet 2 inches and has the same bike. She would love to find a lower seat for it.

    1. Doug,The reader wrote that she installed a Mustang Seat on her bike. I suggest calling Mustang directly to inquire. Tell them you saw this on Women Riders Now and would like information about a seat that will lower your wife’s bike. They are extremely customer-service oriented and I’m sure they’ll help you with what you’re looking for.Thanks for reading WRN!

  2. Think it’s a sexy bike. Older bones could use some shocks but I’ll keep on my 73 Honda 350. I have a Steve McQueen complex. I like it basic and a bit rugged. I like to keep things minimalist. But when I move up this looks comfy.

  3. I would love to see Madeline's bike from Canada. Intersted in the description of the wrap stuff she put on her bike. I have a lot of friends who ride this bike in the ladies group I ride with, Motor Maids, Inc.

  4. I started out as a passenger but after a few unfortunate relationships, decided that I'm not relying on anyone to cart my ass around I'll ride my own. My 2008 V Star 1100 Classic in Raven with ghost flames is perfect for my 5 feet 9 inch height, no mods necessary. With the cold Michigan winter, didn't get as much riding done as I had hoped, but I've logged more than 4000 miles on it since June last summer. My 1100 is comfortable and a real “looker” garnering comments from folks wherever I go. Just recently put a windshield on and am getting to my chrome rear fender rack to make it a solo rider. Hitting the highway soon and lovin' it!

  5. I just got a 2008 1300 V Star. Love it! Haven't got many km's yet but the difference on the highway compared to my previous bike, 750 Honda Shadow, is amazing. Highway riding is a breeze, lots of get up and go when you need it and still easy to ride in town. I, too, am vertically challenged, 5 feet 3 inch with my boots. So we lowered it by an inch. Waiting on a new Ultimate seat. After riding on the stock seat for 225 km, my mind was made up. Looking forward to a trip to Sturgis this year.

  6. I enjoyed this review and all the comments very much. After riding for nearly a year, I realize I love long rides and my Triumph Bonneville was not created for this purpose. I love my Bonnie, but find myself asking to switch bikes with my boyfriend's Shadow after 150 miles. Thankfully he does to give me a break. I see a cruiser bike in my future.

  7. I had a V Star 650 and recently bought the Yamaha V Star 950. I find that it has as much or more power then my husband's V Star 1100. Since it is belt driven the power is increased above the cc's. As far as gas, my husband's quote: “That 950 makes its own gas.”

    We just went on a 2300-mile trip to California and back to Idaho, and I averaged 50 miles to the gallon, even with the 50 – 60 mph wind gust. Happy shopping, but do try the V Star 950.

  8. Hi there! I have the exact same bike and I live in Ontario. Same year, same colour, etc. I love it too! It's been so amazing to me and I'm so proud of its performance and handling through the years. I've done quite a bit of custom work to her (her name is Cheri). =I had her lowered 1.75 inches, light bar installed, passenger seat removed and replaced with a chrome luggage rack, accented the tank and fenders with chrome-looking plastic wrap around stuff (not sure what its called but it looks cool) and had some chrome accessories places on the front and rear fenders.

    I've riden Cheri in the Carribbean and through Canada and the US – she loves me as much as I love her and she's been so good to me. So glad you are enjoying your 01 V Star as much as I am. It is great, reliable, good looking bike.

  9. Beautiful bike. You are my inspiration. I've only been riding 11 months and put on 12,000 miles, but look forward to my first summer of long weekend rides with my hubby. Last summer I was just too new to go a long way. Can't wait.

  10. Hi Heidi,

    Can you give me an idea of how the bike runs over 100km/hr (say 110? – Toronto 401 driving!). Do you feel like the rpms are riding high and affecting your fuel consumption?

    Do you think a 1300 would be a better size for long trips – stability, gearing, fuel consumption?

    I have a 2000 V Star 650 and will be upgrading in the next few years – need lots of info!

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