Calling VSTAR 1300 owners

[Cycle Man]

man i still fell like an idiot LOL

[Dennis in NH]

Originally Posted by Cycle Man

man i still fell like an idiot LOL

Dude. Don't sweat it. I like to think I'm the kind of guy that is happy to show my mistakes when I make them because everyone feels like a fool sometimes and maybe does a few not so smart things -- only a few are not afraid to admit it. I like to make it a point sometimes to show that I'm human too. And, of course, it's youtube -- anything you post, will get comments good/bad. If you cannot roll with it, then don't post a video.

Basically, you just drill deep into the muffler (using 1 3/8" drill bit) until you hit the flat metal (I used an extension and my drill). The round metal will fall into the muffler but when you rev the bike a few times, it will shoot out the back. I left the muffler on the bike when I did this; took about 5 minutes.

Dennis

[Cycle Man]

i want to try it but a litle nervous to take a drill to my new bike

[Dennis in NH]

Originally Posted by Cycle Man

i wait to try it but a litle nervous to take a drill to my new bike

I hear ya. I wouldn't do it since it's so new; just wait until it gets old or you scratch the heck out of it by dropping it.

However, if you look on fleabay and find a stock pipe for sale for cheap, get one, drill it and if you don't like it, you can go back to stock.

I also drilled my stock airbox to let more air in. I added a fuel management system too to help with any lean running issues like popping, etc.

I wasn't worried about my muffler since I scratched it when I dropped the bike from too much "Ride Like a Pro" practice while I was tired.

But the bike is still pretty good in stock form -- enjoy it.

Dennis

[bighouse]

I have the Hard Krome 3 inch straights on my bike. They are very mellow when cruising but will wake up the neighborhood if you want them too. They are probably too loud but I'm still young enough to like it loud. If you like loud you would love these pipes, if not the drilling of the stock exhaust is the way to go, not only does it sound good, it is also a great way to save you a few hundred dollars on an exhaust system. All you have to do is get a 1.5 inch hole saw and a 12 inch extension. Hook it onto your power drill and drill out the back plate in the baffle of your exhaust. It makes your bike sound great and also will not hurt your bike.

[Dennis in NH]

Hey Vstar 1300 owners, just want to show off my new mod (Memphis Shades Batwing); it makes my bike feel like a new bike. Now I can really put off buying that Street Glide I've been eyeing -- not that I have the bucks anyway .





Vstar 1300 is a fantastic bike and I think it keeps getting better for me.

Dennis

[johnvstar]

Originally Posted by bighouse

I was at my local dealer today and found a vstar 1300 for a heck of a deal, I'll be looking at buying a new motorcycle in about 2 months and saw this and started wondering about it. My questions are, how do you like it? What kind of things do you have to work on for this? Would you change anything about it. Lastly, I'm used to riding dirt bikes, 600 class sport bikes and smaller cruisers (suzuki 800cc cruisers), so I'm not really used to something with this much torque. How hard is it to ride. I sat on it and I love the stretched out feeling.

Last question, if you could go back and do it all over again, would you?

Sorry for all the questions, but I thought a bike like this would be out of my price range but then I saw the price and got really excited.

hey man! i got a 2007 vstar 1300 i love it this is a awesome bike, in my case i fabricate my pipes they all flat black.. this bike rocks! So do it. good luck & God bless

[RideNHonaStar]

Dennis, I just put the same batwing setup on my bike, and I had a question for you. Did u have to make headlight adjustments to shrink the gap between the light and fairing? I need to take a closer look at what adjustments I could make or if im going to fabricate some kind of custom sheetmetal part to hide the gap...

[Dennis in NH]

Originally Posted by RideNHonaStar

Dennis, I just put the same batwing setup on my bike, and I had a question for you. Did u have to make headlight adjustments to shrink the gap between the light and fairing? I need to take a closer look at what adjustments I could make or if im going to fabricate some kind of custom sheetmetal part to hide the gap...

This is the only real downside to the batwing. It doesn't fit tight to our square-ish headlight top. As a result, wind goes through there -- in Summer, it might be ok; in Winter, it's cold.

I added the plastic visor of one of my helmets to the bottom of the bat wing on the inside to deflect wind down -- keeping it away from me. I never used that visor anyway.

The other downside is that if I want to muck with my headlight aim, I need to remove the Memphis shield bracket to get at the hole to insert the screwdriver. Not such a big deal because once the headlight aim is set, you never have to change it again. But recently, I upgraded to an HID system on the headlight so I had to change it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31746615@N04/3964316684/



Here's a picture of the ballast of the HID setup:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31746615@N04/4319348006/



Dennis

[RideNHonaStar]

Alright, thanks for the tip. When this snow clears again I am going to take a closer look at what my options are going to boil down to.
Also, how is the Star Power in southern NH? I'm into weekly riding all over the state and looking for more riders to join.

[Dennis in NH]

Originally Posted by RideNHonaStar

Alright, thanks for the tip. When this snow clears again I am going to take a closer look at what my options are going to boil down to.
Also, how is the Star Power in southern NH? I'm into weekly riding all over the state and looking for more riders to join.

Hey, to me, Spring is Mar 1st -- I know it may still snow but temps. are almost always north of 35F which ain't too bad. I tend to ride most weekends at least a few hours -- if wifey is ok with it.

I like to ride to Kittery in Maine, Gilford in NH, sometimes Lincoln in NH, or just up 101W toward the beach. Sometimes I go 101W towards Keene. Other times, I just go out for a short ride just to get a coffee somewhere. I don't know of any other Vstar riders around here but if you might be going for a ride, give me a holler -- PM me or something and maybe we can hookup. Who knows maybe an hour ride up, a cup of coffee or whatever, shoot the sh**, and then you or I can continue the ride alone or continue -- I like it unplanned and easy. If you know anyone else, that's good too.

Dennis

[bighouse]

Well it's been a while since I posted a pic of my bike, and I have done a few things to it since, so here goes. BTW sorry about the crappy quality, it was taken with my phone.





So far I have added the Hard Krome 3 inch big straights exhaust. Memphis shades 21 inch windshield, saddlemen saddlebags, and Cobra sissybar for the lady friend.

In the future I plan to add Cobra Fi2000 and SSCC air kit.

[RideNHonaStar]

Looks good bighouse. The quality is fine, you must have a good phone. As soon as the rain quits (maybe Tuesday), I'll take my V12 out for a photo shoot!

[RideNHonaStar]

Did I say V12? I couldn't see a way to delete my mistake... but I meant V13 ... have mercy

[RideNHonaStar]

Alright, I want to post pics of my bike. I couldn't cut and paste the image to here, so how do I do it?

[bighouse]

The best way to do it would be to create a photobucket account (btw its free) and use the direct image codes they have underneath the photo and put that into the response. That will put your image in.

[johnzak]

i just got a 1300 v star last september never rode before it seems i had no problems with size and put 700 miles on before winter im ready to go now

[RideNHonaStar]

OK, I have a pic of my 1300. Mods are, from first to most recent: Drilled out exhaust baffle (I should have done this the first day I got the bike), an air horn I bought at Pep Boys, Star passenger floor boards, Mustang Seat, and just last week a Memphis Shades Batwing with the 5" black screen, crome trim and 3 pocket fairing bag. I am totally enjoying the bike and look forward to 10,000 miles this season.DSCN0302.jpg

[Dennis in NH]

Hey RideNHonaStar, looks good. Drilled does sound good.

I have a drilled one in the basement (a little scratched but still looks good) if anyone wants to give it a try and keep their stock muffler.

I ended up getting a scratchless one so I have an extra.

I even have a Yamaha shield cut to 19" and bracket -- guess why? I got the same Batwing .

I also ended up removing the left side chrome cover -- this covers the fuel valve. It is turned off when someone does a valve adjustment. Mechanics tend to forget to turn it back on -- guess how I know?

I see you took off the chrome accents on the tank -- I'm contemplating that since when I wash/dry/wax, etc., I catch it and put fuzz on the bike.

Dennis

[Dennis in NH]

Originally Posted by johnzak

i just got a 1300 v star last september never rode before it seems i had no problems with size and put 700 miles on before winter im ready to go now

Glad the Vstar 1300 is treating you well. You will love it this season more than last. Starting riding in September is nice due to Fall but it gets better in Summer. I love to remove my Batwing and just go shieldless if it's really hot.

Dennis

[bighouse]

Originally Posted by RideNHonaStar

OK, I have a pic of my 1300. Mods are, from first to most recent: Drilled out exhaust baffle (I should have done this the first day I got the bike), an air horn I bought at Pep Boys, Star passenger floor boards, Mustang Seat, and just last week a Memphis Shades Batwing with the 5" black screen, crome trim and 3 pocket fairing bag. I am totally enjoying the bike and look forward to 10,000 miles this season.Attachment 5032

That is one sharp looking bike you have there. It looks awesome.

[johnzak]

yeah i cant wait dennis it should be fifty degrees this weekend i hope to put some miles on

[johnzak]

ridenhonastar could you tell me how to remove chrome from tank and about drilling baffles i would appreciate it

[RideNHonaStar]

Originally Posted by johnzak

ridenhonastar could you tell me how to remove chrome from tank and about drilling baffles i would appreciate it

Super easy john... on my 2007, the 'chrome' on the tank was make of foam and stuck on like a sticker. I gently heated it with a hair dryer and slowly peeled it off. I use spray polish from my local bike shop to finish the clean up. And the baffles were super easy. I went to the hardware store and picked up a hole saw meant for metal. I think it was 1-1/2", but Dennis could correct me (its packed in my tool box in the shed). Also I used a 12" extension from the drill so it would reach the baffle in the exhaust. From the time I squeezed the trigger on the drill till when the baffle was drilled was literally 10 seconds. Bike sounds good, not too loud but definately noticeable.

[johnzak]

thank you ridenhonastar i will try chrome first

[casilver]

Hi all, recently (mid January) picked up an 09 1300. Love this bike. Very smooth. Mine came with a much shorter windshield, not the tall shield, but the bike was new, with 0 miles. I'm guessing someone ordered it with this windshield and backed out. I'm not sure how tall it is, but is under the normal "nose" height.

Anyway, I really like the height of the windshield, I can feel more of the breeze coming through, but it's not harsh at all. My only concern is my gf says she gets pretty strong wind sometimes at around 70mph.

So far, I've drilled out the baffle cap, the airbox front and back, put lever covers, and a tank bib.

lol, Wow. I don't have 15 posts yet, so I'll have to post some more before I can attach a pic... will be back shortly ;-)

[johnzak]

i got those chrome accent strips off now no one will ask me who stan is my brother in law saw the bike read the tank and said who is stan r looked like n iguess thanks for tip ridenhonastar looks good too

[Dennis in NH]

Originally Posted by johnzak

i got those chrome accent strips off now no one will ask me who stan is my brother in law saw the bike read the tank and said who is stan r looked like n iguess thanks for tip ridenhonastar looks good too

Ah shoot. You'all did this -- now I think I'm going to do it. But I have to wait until work is over. Just the thought of being able to wax that black tank completely without leaving lint sounds good -- like a piece of fine jewelry .

Dennis

[internationalballer]

Wow, that tank looks much better without the chrome strips on it, I never did fully like the looks of tank with them on. That was the first pic I had seem with them removed.

[RideNHonaStar]

Originally Posted by casilver

Hi all, recently (mid January) picked up an 09 1300. Love this bike. Very smooth. Mine came with a much shorter windshield, not the tall shield, but the bike was new, with 0 miles. I'm guessing someone ordered it with this windshield and backed out. I'm not sure how tall it is, but is under the normal "nose" height.

Anyway, I really like the height of the windshield, I can feel more of the breeze coming through, but it's not harsh at all. My only concern is my gf says she gets pretty strong wind sometimes at around 70mph.

So far, I've drilled out the baffle cap, the airbox front and back, put lever covers, and a tank bib.

lol, Wow. I don't have 15 posts yet, so I'll have to post some more before I can attach a pic... will be back shortly ;-)

Hey, my girl isn't a fan of the wind either, but wind in the face is just one of the great things about riding a motorcycle! Im not too sure yet how much more she's going to get now that I did away with the tall windshield for the Batwing.

[casilver]

Yeah, I think a little wind is very nice, but she says sometimes, she feels like her head is going to get yanked off her neck... but she's able to tuck in closer to me, and she says that makes it ease up. But if she's not really happy on long hauls, I may have to get a 17 or 19 inch OEM screen to go on the existing OEM brackets.

OK, well, I've past the required 15 posts, so here's a pic of my "other" babee:

[calibobby]

Originally Posted by johnzak

i got those chrome accent strips off now no one will ask me who stan is my brother in law saw the bike read the tank and said who is stan r looked like n iguess thanks for tip ridenhonastar looks good too

Was it difficult to remove the chrome strips? How did you do it?

[calibobby]

Originally Posted by calibobby

Was it difficult to remove the chrome strips? How did you do it?

Never mind about the instructions. I now see Riden's post above.

[RideNHonaStar]

Hey check it out...as some of you might know, the shape of the V1300 headlight doesn't work well with the Memphis Shade Batwing. So today, i fabricated my own little custom piece for the front of the fairing so the gap above the light isn't so apparent. Tell me what you think.

[johnzak]

looks nice i woudnt know you fabbed it

[Dennis in NH]

The fab'ed piece looks good; can you tell us more? what material and how did you bolt it up? drill? I wonder if chrome would look cool.

Thanks,

Dennis

[RideNHonaStar]

To make it, I picked up so sheet metal at the depot, in the HVAC isle, and a pair of metal sheers to cut it. Then I made a template using poster board paper to get the shape. Traced it onto the sheet metal next. Then I liked it up on the batwing and drilled the holes. I used spray primer and gloss black to paint the part and the screws to mount it. I used 1/2" metal screws to mount it, but if they for some reason loosen and become road debris, I'll get screws with nuts to replace. All in all it took about 5 hours from start to finish, mainly because it sucks watching paint dry. I plan on making another one, maybe using multi layers of sheet metal to give it more depth, but I'm liking it. My first attempt at fabrication.

[ccRider246]

That is such a nice bike. I was looking at one at the dealer 2 weeks ago. A new '08 is going for 6299. I couldn't believe it. I wish I had the bucks for one now. For some reason, I had never really looked at the Yamaha line. I went in to check out a C50 and also looked at a VTX 1300. The salesman recommened I look at the V-Star 1300. They bought a bunch of new '08's from some failing dealerships and are selling them cheap. They were even offering 1.99% financing. I like the fuel injection and belt drive. This bike will definately be at the top of the list when I am ready to buy again.

[RideNHonaStar]

Hye cc, its a great bike. Whatever u choose from what u mentioned you will not be disappointed.

[engineerjle]

I don't care for the look of the exhaust. The sound isn't terrible...it seems louder when moving than sitting still. I would like it to be a bit louder, but not rediculous loud. The state tests for noise in Delaware for the safety inspection. (that's what I've heard) I've heard they check to see if baffles have been removed also. Anyone else have expirience with that?