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VStar 650 or 1100 VStar 650 or 1100
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 18 Aug 2015
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VStar 650 or 1100
Hello Everyone,

Brand new to the forum. I am about to purchase my first bike. I have it narrowed down to a VStar 650 and a VStar 1100. I am 6'5" and hanging around 280lb. I want to ride cross country with my Uncle and was wondering which would be better. I get that I don't have much road time so the 650 would probably be safer. I think I will move on from the 650 to the 1100 fairly quick so it also makes sense to just get the 1100 but to be a little more cautious...that and the fact that I am a pretty big guy and feel like the 650 may be too small for what I want to use it for.

Any suggestions or input?

Thanks
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Old 19 Aug 2015
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Hi Perdition,

Welcome to the HUBB,

Where are you located ? do you mean the Yamaha VStar?

If you are set on buying a cruiser then Id probably go with the bigger bike as you are are a big guy.

BUT have you thought about travelling elsewhere on your bike ? If so have a test ride on an 800/ 1200 BMW GS, Yamaha Super Tenere, KTM 1190/1290, Suzuki VStrom 1000, Ducati MultiStrada. These bikes are not cheap compared to the VStar, but they are a lot more versatile......

Buy a bike that fits you and that you will want to ride long term, not just for this trip. I know a few guys that have recently traded in cruisers for BMW GS or KTM's and are having a lot of fun.

Good Luck!
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  #3  
Old 19 Aug 2015
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Hey Gipper,

First off, thanks for the advice. I'll probably stick with the Yamaha VStar now for cost and style reasons. Still kind of young so I don't have loads of money and don't really want to finance a bike.

As far as what I want the bike for...I will use it as my daily driver and not just for the trip. I was just posing the trip out to the forum to see if there would be a considerable difference in comfort over a long ride. Some places say 650 is fine cross country...others say not at all.

Thanks for getting back to me though Gipper.

P.s. From Texas. Going up to Michigan to meet up with him and then head off.
Last edited by Perdition97; 19 Aug 2015 at 16:38. Reason: State
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  #4  
Old 20 Aug 2015
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VStar it is then
You know that you want the big engine; there is no substitute for cubes, especially in the States!
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Old 20 Aug 2015
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Not quite sure if you were serious or you were poking at the "bigger is better" mantra we have going on over here. Haha

I think I may just go for the 1100. It's only a couple hundred more (used).
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Old 20 Aug 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Perdition97 View Post
Not quite sure if you were serious or you were poking at the "bigger is better" mantra we have going on over here. Haha

I think I may just go for the 1100. It's only a couple hundred more (used).
No, no poking.

Even the 1100 is a small engine in cruiser bike terms and you are going a long way up north, just as a start.
In your case, I think would soon want to change the 650 for the 1100.
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Old 20 Aug 2015
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The 1700 W-star is good I have heard...
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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
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Old 21 Aug 2015
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Alright! Appreciate the info fellas! I'll hold off on that 1700 man haha
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