I have a Yamaha 1100 V-Star Classic which I bought new in 2003.  I've really enjoyed this bike.  Good power, pretty smooth, reliable, good-looking, and comfortable.  Dislikes?  The wire rims make me nervous about blowing them out and are a bear to clean.  The other dislike is that the gearing seems a bit low for high speed highway cruising (75+).

Cast wheels for this shaft drive bike would cost close to 1K, so I'm thinking of trading it in for a new bike.

The VSTAR 1300 and HD 1200R are in my general ballpark as far as price.  The 1200 retails for 8900 but I've not seen it for less than 10500.  The VSTAR lists and sells for about 10K.

I was in a Yamaha dealership today and took a good long look at the 1300.  It's a beautiful and unique bike.  Excellent detailing.  One thing I didn't like was the sense of "complexity".  Lots of this that and the other here and there (cables, etc.), though nicely routed.  It puts me off a bit though.

One thing I really like about most Harley's is that they seem "honest" for lack of a better word.  There aren't a lot of hidden or disguised this and that.  They seem to me to be a basic engine and frame, all hanging out there in a good-looking package.  I would resent paying THAT much more than MSRP for the 1200R, but it's a way nice bike.

So which way would you go?  

I know everyone's opinion and tastes differ, but I will share mine anyway:
Paying 10,000 for a sportster or V star seems way to expensive for what you are getting.  Here are several options that I would pursue if I was to spend that much on a new cruiser:
First of all, I would not spend more than about $7000 for a 1300 Vstar.  In my area you can get a 2007 ROADSTAR (1670cc engine) for $8200 (silverado for $9500).  This is a much better bike than the v-star.  Another option (my preferred one, since I drive one of these) would be the Honda VTX 1800. You can get a brand new 2005-2006 VTX1800 for about $9000-10000 and they are a superior bike in many ways (liquid cooling, power, looks, shaft drive).  The 2006 new 1300VTX's are running about $7000 right now.  Honda also has 1.9% financing which makes it an even sweeter deal.

Make sure you test drive what you will buy.  The sportster literally feels like a moped (in size, not power...it's plenty powerful with the 1200) compared to these other bikes.  It's TINY.  If you want power and reasonable price, the VTX1800 is tough to beat.  It blows away MOST harleys (except V-Rod) and costs about half the money of a 96CI HD.  L8r...
Taffer.  

Taffer, thanks for the post.  Are you saying you can get a NEW 2007 Roadstar in your area for 8200?  If so, where is this?  This is WAY below MSRP.  That's cheap enough for me to fly there and ride back (seriously).  I love the Road Star and for that price it would be at the top of this short list.

You're right; the 1200 Sportster is much smaller, even than my V Star 1100 Classic (OK, it's not a Road Star, but I still love it).  But the narrow and sporty feel is something I'm leaning towards lately, which is why I hit the dealer today.  The 1300 is big and wide, so totally different feel of course.  

I've sat on (not test driven) a Honda VTX 1800.  It felt REALLY heavy to me, almost as much as the Vulcan 2000.  Not sure I need all that displacement either.  

I bought a new 06 roadstar last summer
for 8300 plus tax. So 8200 this fall for an 07 isn't an especially good deal,
considering that they just announced the 08 roadstars will have FI  which will help in the horsepower area where the current roadstar lacks a little.  

Boy I sure would like to know where one can get these bikes at these prices. The sticker for an 1100 V-star Classic, which I am considering, is $8999 but I can get it for 8100 out the door. If I could get a Roadstar for anything near that I'd *** sure jump at the chance.
GT300TD  

If that guy is getting them that cheap get one there. I think you would be hard pressed to get one for less than 82-8300 in Nebraska. Mine was two years old with 7100 miles on it. It came with bags, windshield, back rest, highway bars. Definitely the v-star though.  

Hey bro, I hope you haven't plopped down any money yet, if your willing to fly or whatever there's a dealership in Alexandria, VA that's got some killer deals right now, they've got the 1300 Tourer for $9,690 (before the $750 factory rebate) and the non-tour for $8590 (again before the $750 rebate).  But the thing that really stuck me is they're selling Roadliner's for $11299 (once more, before $750 rebate).  That's like $100 more than the 1300 tourers MSRP.  Here's the link http://www.thecyclesport.com/new_vehicle_list.asp?Category=1&CatDesc=Motorcycles&Desc=&sid=08491327X9K21K2007J10I20I41JPMQ2799R0&ModelYear=2007&Manufacturer=2&DispType=0

I'm a little bitter, because two weeks ago I bought a 1300 Tourer, and traded in my 2003 Magna and ended up financing close to 9k.  Yeah...

Let me give you my impression of the 1300 though.  Compared to the Roadstar I think it's styling is a lot fresher.  Not to take away from the Roadstar as it is a great bike, but parked side by side I think the 1300 is better looking.  My one big gripe is the maintenance that's required.  Yamaha is claiming the 1300 needs a valve adjustment every 4,000 miles and many dealers are charging $762 for first service at 600 miles.  Now, I'm not at all used to this as I was previously a Honda owner and was stationed in Hawaii for 6 years where dealers don't charge $95 an hour for maintenance.  But I did find a Yamaha dealer that chargers way, way less.   Apparently the radiator doesn't need to be drained and removed to adjust the valves, as Yamaha claims. But still, valve adjustments every 4,000 miles seems a little excessive.

As far as the Sportster vs. 1300 comparison, there is no comparison.  Buying the 1300 will get you a lot more bike for a lot less, ever if you spring for the tourer.  If you want to get the Harley equivalent of the Tourer you're going to have to drop $17,000 for a Road King or a few grand less for a Heritage.  Yes you'll have a way nicer bike, but who has that kind of money?  Anyways, a lot of my buds have Road Kings, and the bags on the Tourer are way better.

Going from a Magna to the 1300 was a HUGE change.  And honestly I much prefer the 1300 tourer.  It's not nearly as high strung and twisting the throttle and hearing that exhaust (though somewhat quiet compared to my unbaffled V-4 Magna) is sweet.  It's way more stable, and I don't feel like I'm going to wrap myself around a tree every time I ride it.  It's got some really good features with the instrument nacelle as well.  

Okay, one more thing that kinda annoyed me was that the right-side bag on the 1300 Tourer is shorter than the left-side, to accomodate the right-side exhaust pipe.  Couldn't they have just put the exhaust lower?  Also, if it's a "Star" why does the gas cap and engine cover say Yamaha?  Also there's a couple cheap peel-off stickers (one of which says Yamaha on the rear fender) that I immediately removed.  Also, tap those shiny chrome parts, a lot of them are plastic...

Bottom-line.  If you were looking to spend the MSRP for a new 1300, you now know you can afford a Roadliner.  BUY THE ROADLINER.  It's the king of the hill and a helluva deal.  Or buy the 1300, you can get it cheaper than you ever imagined, but be prepared for exorbitant maintenance fees.  

hey have you been reading the "professional" reviews about the two bikes that you are trying to choose from. it's good to get opinions from fellow riders, but taffer seems a little prejudiced in favor of his honda. him recommending the vtx1800 proves this. every article that i have read steers you away from this yacht of a bike... they recomment the vtx 1300 rather than 1800. now going back too the vstar 1300... this bike is going to win awards. all the articles praise this bike. and as far as prices you must remember that most people lie about what they pay for things. go to the dealer compare prices and you can get the vstar for about 8600-8900 excluding taxes destination etc. i got mine for 8700(before tax and stuff) at motorcycle mall in nj. i will just tell you this is a solid fast bike... you do your research and check out the bikes. good luck,
by the way... you ain't getting no new roadliner, roadstar, or vtx 1800 for under 10G.  

Fifthstone,

The price you are quoting for the Sporty Roadster is extremely high.  I bought a 2007 XLR brand new in March from my local Harley Dealer in NJ for $8,450 (black so I didn't pay extra for color options)out the door.  I am a tough negotiator and try to avoid paying for things if I don't have to - For example frieght and other BS Dealer costs.

I have two pieces of advice.  The first is to play two dealers or even more against each other to sell you a bike.  Second, buy the bike either before the season starts in your area, or towards the end.  The dealers want to move the bikes so they are more eager to sell.  

THe only other comment that I will make is that you should avoid those opinions that disparage a bike for other then a reasonable opinion.  The one person who said the sporty is like a moped might be speaking for himself but I found that aspect of the post less than fair.  you have to take your size (height and weight) riding abilities, and type of riding you are going to do into consideration.

I ride my sporty around town and have taken some decent long term rides from NJ through PA into Upstate NY without a problem.  

Whichever bike you end up buying don't let the dealer dictate the price.  The MSRP is only a suggested price....Good Luck  

HI, I have a 'new' 2005 roadstar silverado that I just paid $9900 'out the door'. That is the only figure to use when comparing these prices. Lots a places advertise $7,900 for a new roadstar, for example. Once you get there, the figure 'magically' increases be a few thousand dollars due to fees added on. Get a real "out the door" quote, as that's the only number worth paying any attention to. I personally researched the entire country and this was the best "real" price I could find.
I personally liked the roadstar better than the v-star 1300 for the much more comfortable amount of legroom, more power and better brakes. The air cooled  simplicity  has the 'honest' appeal of the Harley, for me.
*** I just checked the virginia site and lok at the fine print "PLUS FEES"! they'll add at least a thousand and probably won't even tell you the exact amount  until you are ready to write the check. Call and see for yourself.  

There are two Harley dealers within 25 miles of me.  One will sell a Sportster at list and charge no shipping or set-up.  The other wants $2000 more and will NOT negotiate.  Look around if you want the Sportster.  

if you want a bare bones you can get them for 9,000 but then start putting on all the extras and see what it costs.and i don't know if that dealer had a gun when they charged $700 bucks for the first service my dealer charged $120. Boots  

Limiting your choice to HD or Yamaha seems unnecessary.I rode a Royal Star(1300) for 6 yrs and a couple of Harleys over the course of several years.I now have a Kaw.1600 Nomad and wouldn't trade it forany other bike I've had.Kaw has 1500's and a nice 900 that will run with the bikes you are considering.  

I'm not sure who is doing the service on these V STAR 1300's but someone is either lying or getting ripped off.  I bought my 1300T in May. I have 7000 miles on it and have had the 1000 and 4000 mile service, neither cost me more than $125. I checked all over, road everything, I simply could not find a better bike for the price.  Add a Mustang seat and you will be cruising in style and comfort.  Good luck with your search.  

I joined the forum just to reply to this thread!  I bought an 07 Yamaha VStar 1300 after putting 10,000 miles on a Suzuki C50 (which is also a great bike) in just this past year.  I looked and looked, wanting more power.  I did not consider the Harley Sportster.  It just doesn't compare with the features, the power, the new technology, the agility, comfort, etc. of the Yamaha 1300 (my son-in-law has a Sportster 1200).  I looked at the Harley Touring bikes (Road King, Street Glide) in comparison.  But I just couldn't justify the more than double price.  I now have 1000 miles on the Yamaha 1300, I bought about 3 weeks ago.  Great decision!  If you need a Harley to have the Harley name, well then you need to buy the Harley.  But if you are looking for the best bike of the two for the price....no decision!  And there doesn't seem to be any problem keeping up with my riding partner's Roadliner!  And it is the best time to buy if you find an end of season deal.  Good luck!