Star classifies the stout V Star 1300 Tourer cruiser as “mid-size”, but its husky appearance and classic good looks are designed to appeal to riders looking for big cruiser character, without the elephantine burden of a two-liter bike. Because riders in the ever-blossoming cruiser market are primarily interested in relaxed backroad riding and average 46 years of age, the 1300 seems a logical correction to the bigger-is-better mentality. Befittingly, Star expects the new V Star 1300 to appeal to high-end customer considering a smaller, more-manageable mount.
Family resemblance aside, the V Star 1300 Tourer is not merely an 1100 Silverado with an additional 15 cubic inches and a two-into-one exhaust. In fact, a blood test might be required to establish a genetic link between the two, so broadly redesigned is the V Star 1300.
; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
RIDING STYLE: Helmet: Shoei Deluxe Modular. Jacket: Star Biker
Jacket. Gloves: Basic Star Leather. Pants: Tour Master Decker. Boots:
Tour Master Response SC Road. (Click image to enlarge)The new 80 cu in motor is a liquid-cooled, 60-degree four-valve, SOHC, fuel-injected workhorse that boasts an eyebrow raising 9.5:1 compression ratio—a sizeable jump from the air-cooled 1100’s 8.3:1 spec. The increased displacement comes courtesy of a 100mm bore and 83mm stroke. Forged rods ride a single crankpin, enhancing the V-twin vibe, while dual counterbalancers keep the peace. Twin carbs have been tossed in favor of fuel injection via dual 40mm injector bodies. Star cites an increase of 18 ft lbs of torque and 13 hp over the 1100.
; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
The V Star 1300 joins the Royal Star in the
liquid-cooled branch of the family. Star designers labored assiduously to
maintain the classic air-cooled V-Twin look in the 1300’s
performance-enhanced, liquid-cooled architecture. A discreet radiator has been
tucked between the downtubes. Internal water and oil lines, along with
brushed aluminum fins maintain the illusion. The move to a liquid-cooled
powerplant, coupled with a three-way catalyst exhaust, helps the V Star exceed
2008 EPA emissions regulations. (Click image to enlarge)Star crafted a winner with the 1300 motor. Acceleration is smooth throughout the throttle range and there is enough counterbalanced pulse to scratch the V-Twin itch. The two-into-one factory exhaust yields a warm growl that compliments the engine’s throb. Elongated gearing polishes the V Star’s highway performance, with the 5-speed 1300’s fourth gear ratio equal to the 1100’s fifth cog.
The clutch is beefed up, yet light enough in pull that riders suffering from mild arthritis will still be able to raise a glass after a long day’s ride. Gear changes are moderately smooth via the heel/toe floorboard shifter.
In another significant change, the V Star 1300 routes power to the rear wheel via a belt drive, whereas the 1100 is shaft-driven. In addition to burnishing the power transfer, the belt drive is customization-friendly for those who wish to fatten the rear tire or perform other, more diabolical, mutations.
The powertrain is enclosed in a
double-cradle steel frame that bolts to the engine at four points, including the
front cylinder head. A braced swingarm is bridled by a single linkage-mounted
shock, with adjustable preload and over four inches of swing at the rear axle.
Up front, a 41mm covered fork refines the road with more than five inches of
travel. Seven spoke cast-aluminum 16-inch wheels run either Bridgestone or
Dunlop rubber (we prefer the latter), with a 130 up front and a 170 at the rear.
; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
For a “mid-size” cruiser tipping the scales at close to 700 lbs, the V Star
has the comfort of larger riders in mind. A 66.5-inch wheelbase lengthens the
1100’s by just shy of two inches. The soft, oversize seat is set at a relatively
low 28 inches and has plenty of real estate for relocation of one’s assets. (Click image to enlarge)
The V Star 1300 handles the winding pavement with cruiserly aplomb, loping
through mountainous curves with a healthy appetite. Even with a respectable 36
degrees of lean angle, the floorboards are bound to encounter resistance from
pavement from time-to-time, and Star has wisely fitted the foot rests with
replaceable feelers. The dual-discs exhibit a soft response when gently setting
up turns, but squeezing a handful provides adequate stopping power. The
single-disc rear brake is likewise sufficient.
The tall windscreen is
distortion-free and provides ample coverage to any rider not currently under NBA
contract. On a relatively windless day, buffeting is not an issue, even at
70-plus mph. The rest of the touring package is geared toward light-duty
assignments. A short passenger backrest sits atop the hard shell,
leather-wrapped saddlebags that, while not copious, will keep your camera and
lunch under lock and ignition key.
The 1300 Tourer’s cruiser credibility is
enhanced by head-to-toe modern-classic touches, such as the distinctive, chunky
headlight, the stretched, low-profile 5-gallon fuel tank
and custom-friendly steel fenders—all of which conspire to present a sleek
take on the familiar cruiser aesthetic. The handlebar-mounted chrome instrument
pod features an analog speedometer, digital clock and dual tripmeters with
handlebar-controlled toggle, as well as the usual diagnostics. Fit and finish
are superb throughout. Beyond providing three color options, customization is of
paramount concern for Star designers. The V Star 1300 comes to market with 38
new accessories.
With the V Star 1300 Tourer, Star Motorcycles has produced
a lively, stylish cruiser in a mid-size package that is sure to resonate with
riders who have come to realize that “jumbo” just might not be the right size
for everyone.