Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
VStar 650 or 1100 VStar 650 or 1100
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By Walkabout
  • 1 Post By Walkabout
  • 1 Post By Snakeboy

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Aug 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 4
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
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Aug 2015
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
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!
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Aug 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 4
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
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Aug 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
VStar it is then
You know that you want the big engine; there is no substitute for cubes, especially in the States!
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20 Aug 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 4
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).
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20 Aug 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
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.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 Aug 2015
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,523
The 1700 W-star is good I have heard...
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Aug 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 4
Alright! Appreciate the info fellas! I'll hold off on that 1700 man haha
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
GS650 vs Terra 650 vs KLR652vs DR 650?? marc_spence Which Bike? 3 28 Feb 2013 16:01
650 vs 1200 Oo-SEB-oO BMW Tech 5 12 Sep 2012 23:00

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 22:58.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top