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Old 06-29-2009, 06:09 PM   #1
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2008
From: Pullman

I Ride: Yamaha Vstar 649 and a Bicycle
650 vs 1100
Hi, I wonder if there is a big difference between 650 and 1100. I was thinking of upgrading to a 1100 V-star from V-star 650.
Any comment appreciated.
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Old 06-29-2009, 06:18 PM   #2
Zone Head
wadel's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2006
From: Pullman, WA

I Ride: XL1200, CB350, DR650, XB12XT
I'm assuming you are talking power here. I don't know about the vstars (maybe Johnny has ridden both) but I can tell a difference between the Sportster 883 and 1200, particularly in passing oomph. I believe there is about a 20hp difference between those two and the 883 weighs slightly more (less cylinder wall metal due to the larger pistons on the 1200).
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Old 06-29-2009, 06:35 PM   #3
Pit Crew
 
Joined: Apr 2006
From: Spokane, WA

I Ride: Suzuki DL1000
There's a lot of difference. 80lbs, probably 20 or 30 HP, torque, etc. Mostly you'll notice a lot of increased acceleration, not that there's anything wrong with that!

The weight might make it a little harder to move around the garage, but an 1100 is a very good all around bike. Then again, unless you feel your 650 is too slow, why give up the better fuel mileage, lighter weight, and cheaper payment/price? Planning on touring? With a passenger? Then you might want a larger bike.

This is kind of a pet peeve of mine. When I started riding (Ok, a LONG time ago) a 400 was a mid size bike and a 650 Triumph was a road burner. Yes, the Harley's were bigger, but they were generally 1200cc or less. The Honda 750 was considered a 50HP Superbike when it came out. Now it's considered a mid range ride and a superbike has 160HP. Realistically, you can get by just fine with a bike that makes 90HP or less. Even 50HP is great for a solo rider.

So if you want to upgrade, do it. If you need to upgrade, great. If you're doing it because you think you need a bigger bike to get respect? Then learn to ride your bike better and embarrass those folks who are on too big a bike.

Dave T.
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Old 06-29-2009, 06:39 PM   #4
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Joined: Oct 2007
From: Pullman/Spokane, Wa

I Ride: 2007 BMW F800S
I've ridden a Vstar 650 and was not impressed, overly vibey, no power, got up to 80 or so on the highway but took a while.

I'm sure the 1100 has more power but i'd be looking at a different motorcycle all together if I were you if you want something with some oomph and quality
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Old 06-29-2009, 07:38 PM   #5
Superbiker
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Joined: Mar 2009
From: Spokane Valley

I Ride: Suzuki Boulevard C90, Honda CM250C, My Wife's Scooter
650 is too early in the morning.
I'm usually up and about by 1100...

Oh...

You mean motorcycles!

KevinD
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Old 06-29-2009, 07:46 PM   #6
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2008
From: Pullman

I Ride: Yamaha Vstar 649 and a Bicycle
After riding 1 hour, I need "ass replacement!" I dont feel it any more.
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Old 06-29-2009, 08:17 PM   #7
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Joined: Jul 2006
From: Pullman, WA

I Ride: '73 CB350F, '86 VFR750F, '00 Aprilia RS250, '04 Aprilia RSV1000 R Factory, '04 Aprilia RSV1000 R Factory, '07 Vstar 1100 Classic
Yeah, I rode both...depends on what you want out of your bike. Its obvious you want a cruiser, so we'll just throw out any idea of getting a sportbike.

If you want more power, meaning faster acceleration and easier passing, and your bike is a few years old, then the most cost-effective route would be to rejet the carbs, get some performance pipes, and an easier breathing filter. If you do the pipes, a rejet is pretty much required. The trade-off is lower gas milage...but for some its worth it. These mods alone are enough to wake your 650 up and make it perform as well as an 1100...but if you go 2-up you're gonna be back where you started. The 650s just don't have the same torque as the 1100s no matter what you do to it.

If you want to maintain the milage, you should look into getting a stock 1100...but if you do, be forewarned you will want to do the same mods listed above to it! When I did them to my 1100 Classic, I swear it was a completely different bike...right around 20HP according to the "butt-dyno"...HUGE improvement...but my milage suffered.

Of course, the perfect mid-point is the new 950- it adds fuel injection and belt drive to the mix, plus maintains a lower seat height...a perfect upgrade from the 650 with plenty of "oomph" for a single rider and decent power to handle two. If you want a new bike, this sounds like the one you want.
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Old 06-30-2009, 09:54 AM   #8
Newbie
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Joined: Jul 2008
From: Pullman, WA

I Ride: Yamaha V Star Silverado
I don't know about you but I still love my 650. Though, I do have a Big Air Kit, and V&H pipes. Can get to 80 fairly quickly....but can't go passed because of the HUGE saddle bags. I'd just go over to palouse country sports and test drive a 950 and a 1100. At least sit on them. I won't be upgrading anytime soon, at least not until I can scrape the foot boards while doing a U-turn...still scares the bejeezus outta me to lean that far going that slow on such a "little" bike...granted we know we both chose the 650 because it was "small" and light but looks bigger. Every other day I get asked if its a 1100+ by HD riders. So if going for looks stay with the 650, actually need power, go bigger...maybe even get out of the V-Stars...go up to the road or warriors (if you still want Yamaha).

Better yet get TWO bikes...
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Old 06-30-2009, 10:20 AM   #9
Newbie
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Joined: Jul 2008
From: Pullman, WA

I Ride: Yamaha V Star Silverado
BTW here is how the B.A.K. and V&H pipes look:

Totally bad ass, looks big, sounds big....And get a new seat, I haven't done that yet either, but it's next on my list.



oh and must for everbody: Get pictures in front of the Cougar Statue...cops drove by and just waved



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Old 06-30-2009, 10:56 AM   #10
Track School Dazed
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Joined: Oct 2005
From: CENTRAL

I Ride: When I can
BIG Bike= longer wheel base= smoother ride.
Big Bike= More passing power.
Big Bike = weighs more

Lil Bike= Quicker handling, more fun on twisty roads or in traffic
Lil Bike= Wont wear out tires as quick as the heavier, more powerful Big Bike.
Lil Bike= Hates being in cross winds

I have both a 650 Vstrom, Lil Bike. Just finished a 3,200 mile thru 5 states on it, plus a 766 mile ride last Saturday.
And a BIG Bike. FJR1300. I tour on it most of the time.
Smoother, more comfortable on long rides.

I like how the Lil bike handles in tight corners, and I like the comfort of the Big Bike.
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Old 06-30-2009, 11:26 AM   #11
Superbiker
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Joined: Apr 2009
From: Bellevue, WA

I Ride: CBR600RR RRRRed.
1100 is 450 more.
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Old 07-01-2009, 03:26 PM   #12
MotoGP Champion
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Joined: Jul 2006
From: Pullman, WA

I Ride: '73 CB350F, '86 VFR750F, '00 Aprilia RS250, '04 Aprilia RSV1000 R Factory, '04 Aprilia RSV1000 R Factory, '07 Vstar 1100 Classic
...and there is that...
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