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Wandering Star
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V Star 1300 Tourer
Michael Schulte
04/01/2007
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Photography by Riles & Nelson
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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.
 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.
 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.
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