Officially Joined Yamaha Fraternity Today: Bought 2006 1100 V-Star
10 posts from 10 voices-
I joined this forum about 2 months ago as I was looking for another bike. I have been riding mostly dirt bikes and duel sport bikes my entire life. My current bike is a Suzuki V-Strom DL-650 loaded out, But I really enjoy motorcycle camping in the mountains and as I have gotten older, I notice my right leg gets wore out on longer trips climbing on and off these taller bikes.
I was looking at getting a bike like the Yamaha 950 Tourer. I am here in central Louisiana about 35 miles south of Alexandria. Lafayette Powersports told me they had a Yamaha 950 on order, But it looks like they have no idea when they will get one.
So I am looking through the internet a few days ago and noticed Renegade Harley Davidson in Alexandria, La. had a 2006 Yamaha 1100 Silverado listed on their used inventory with 18,643 miles on it that someone traded in on a Harley. I went to check it out yesterday and it was in mint condition, So I had them fix up the paperwork and went and picked it up this afternoon. They had it listed for $5995.00. I ended up out the door riding off for $5300.00 which included tax, title and lic.
I already over the years got to know most the guys at the Harley dealership in Alexandria, So it was a great experience dealing with the guys. The owner cornered me up and even though I do not own a Harley, says he expects me to attend more of their events such as the Crawfish boils. Real good guy.
All I can say is wow. Why the heck did I wait so long to own a cruiser? the 35-40 mile ride home was sweet. I had a grin on my face the entire trip.
My wife who was always scared to ride the high duel sports, Now wants to ride. This bike handles great. It feels so light and makes parking lot tight turns with ease. I have never used a Toe/heel shifter before, so before I looked like an idiot trying to figure it out in bumper to bumper traffic I just used the old Toe shift method. Course before I left the parking lot i did accidentally bump the heel shifter with my boot knocking it into neutral, but thank god I was not moving and rev the engine like a fool. I just had to take a moment to become familiar with the floorboard position placing my feet more forward. After eyeballing it, I was good to go.Soon as I get time, I'll snap some photos and post them on here. In the mean time this is the bike I bought which has the photos on Renegades site. renegadehd.com/used/Yamaha/2006-Yamaha---6d2427cb0a0a0064009b88d2c46694b4.htm
Soon as I parked the bike late this afternoon, I told the wife, I could smell the Arkansas Ozarks and the Tennessee Smokey Mountains already.
The previous owner had added Kury grips, Passenger floorboards, Leather glass case, Riders footpegs, and aftermarket exhaust. ( I am not familiar with these particular pipes, But it has Jardine on them). I did not look close at them before it got dark, But it appears they are Slip-Ons. Got some bark to them when you crack the throttle.
Well anyway, Looks like I will be hanging out on this forum to learn everything from all you guys and gals about this ride. I guess I should figure out how to change my user name now that I have joined the cruiser world.
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Congratulations, and welcome to the family. The V-Star 1100 has been one of the most popular metric cruisers ever to hit the road.
I've only owned four motorcycles (and ridden a few more than that) but my V-Star 1100 is definitely the most balanced, easiest-to-ride machine I've ever ridden. They are almost completely bullet proof, with only a couple known (and rather rare) trouble spots. Even though the 950 and 1300 V-Stars are superior machines in every measurable category, I am sad to see the 1100 go (it was dropped from the American market this year).
I am sure it won't be long before you're adding your own personal touches to your bike, and there is no shortage of accessories for it. If you keep the valves adjusted and don't let the oil get too old, you will be just one more completely satisfied 1100 rider. I like mine more every time I ride. Even my buddies (who mostly ride Harleys) often comment on how much they like my ride. It has the classic air-cooled "old-school" design. It's the perfect mid-size cruiser, I'd say.
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Congrats on the new ride. I came over from sport bikes and fell in love with cruisers too. The 1100 is a great bike, there is literally a TON of aftermarket goodies available for them at very reasonable prices. It'll handle all day rides on the freeway with no issues, is air cooled (which really ups the "cool factor") and a breeze to maintain.
We're here to help and I'll also direct to sloneservices.com/SilverBack/VStar1100-FAQ.htm...commonly called the "KB" ...Dave Sloans V Star 1100 Knowledge Base is over 10 years of accumulated rider data, tips and stuff. You'll want to start on the top right side in the "GETTING STARTED" section to learn about some the V Star 1100 "must do" things.
Looking forward to seeing you around.
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Welcome & congrats on the 1100. I have the 04 Silverado. There great bikes and easy to maintain
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Beautiful bike. Im looking forward to my first long trip to the coast myself.
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Congrates on the bike. I came from the dirt bike world... and I still ride dirt bikes. My 08 1100 Silverado is my 1st road bike. The bike was purchased as a 25 year anniversary gift. The wife was a little hesitant at 1st, but has begun to really enjoy going for a ride. An example, we were cruising along the other day, when I notice she moving around on the passenger seat. When we stopped I noticed she was holding her camera.... she was taking pictures while we were crusing. So I guess she's pretty comfortable now. We are looking at a few things to make the ride even more enjoyable.
As far as the bike goes, with a little maintenance, they are bullet proof. The engine can go 100K miles with no problem. I know everyone wants more power, but mine is still stock, and it has never left me wanting or needing more power. But of course.... you never know in the future... .
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Congrats and welcome to the forum. I have a 950 but I've heard the 1100 is a great bike. Ride safe and have fun.
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Congrats on the new cycle and welcome.
The 1100 is a great machine.
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Congrats on your new ride and Welcome from Southern Maryland
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Congrats on the new bike and hurry on up here to the Tennessee Smokey Mountains thay are awsome to ride in i love them.
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