Yamaha 1300 VSTAR or Harley Davidson 1200R Sportster?

I had one more thought after reading these again; there are other bikes that could be and probably should be.  For me the fit, power, fuel injection, comfort for long trips were all important.  I looked at the Honda VTX (1300 felt top heavy to me, but won't for everyone and had excellent reviews and a bit lower in price, the 1800 was just too heavy for me at this point, but again, won't be for everyone.)  I really liked the Kawasaki 1600, but again, felt heavy.  I very much liked the Roadstar looks and feel, but the power and easy turning weren't there considering the engine size compared to the 1300.  I might consider the Roadstar when it comes out in the Spring with its fuel injection.  So, if you haven't jumped on anything yet, keep looking.  Several great thoughts in this forum.  I do think there are some great non-Harley bikes with more features for the money.  Find the one that fits you!  

VStar VS Sportster? Which is to compare Apple to Orange.

VStar is a bigger bike with later technologies. It is roomy, it handles well and runs smoothly.Sportster, on the other hand, is a simple, raw machine. It gives some sort of historical feel. The engine is a little bit rough but easy to maintain, and it has lots of torque for it's weight.

For the $$, VStar probably gives you more “physically” right out of the box. But for the fun factor and the potential to customize, Sportster is hard to ignore.

I think it is like buying a car. For less than $30,000 you can get a RX-8 or a 350Z, but there is nothing wrong if you want some thing like an old Mustang.  

Just as jvincent said. I bought a 1100 v-star then traded up to a 1300 royal star venture . Both of these were 2005 &2006 bikes. I just done some trading with a man for a 2001 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic Fi. After riding it for a short trip, I feel that I traded up again. I sure like the Kawasaki  

Atlantic Cycle, Freestate Cycle, etc, etc.  They all charge $95 an hour for labor (Maryland, D.C., northern Virginia.  The valve adjustment takes a lot of work, which means it takes a long time.  I was told 7-8 hours for the entire first service, which would equal over $700.  I told them to go jump in a lake and found a cheaper dealer, but still paid $340.  If you're paying $125, I have to question how much their labor rate is.  If it's $25 an hour that might make sense. If it's anymore I doubt their actually doing the valve work.  

I have a chance to buy a 2005 Yamaha 1100 Silverado (loaded) with 1,500 miles on it for$7,950.00. That doesn't seem like a gereat deal but I'm new to the sport. Should I wait and get a new Yamaha 1300 with water cooling and fuel injection? It seem like the difference is only about $3,000.00???  

You can get a good deal on an 07 Dyna now, and HD is running a special on labor for certain upgrades.

We have had 883 sportsters, and my wife currently has a 1200c , I've had 2 Dyna's an 88 and a pumped up 95"(1550) , I currently ride a 103 (1690) FLHX .

The 1200 sporty is a good day trip bike, if you want to do >250 miles a day or multiday riding or much 2 up I'd suggest getting a Dyna instead, more torque, more comfort, better re-sale.  

Vstar versus Harley, Metric versus American, same classic question with new and different models. It all boils down to what makes you feel good and works for what you intend to do with it. I ride the 1300 VTX and feel that for the money it is the best bike for me. I like to tinker and the Honda is like working on my Ford truck.

As far as the best deals out there I have found out that the best place to start is the various forums for the type of bikes you intend to purchase. There is a wealth of information there and lets not mention the practical knowledge from the members. Some even have buy, sell and trade forums with some awesome deals.

In the end the only thing that really matters is what bike puts a smile on your face when you are riding, waiting to ride and payng the payment.  

I paid $9250 for a new 2007 Yamaha 1300 Tourer (Colorado)about a month ago so I don't think the $7950 is much of a deal. The Tourer has everything, windshield, hard bags, back seat with sissy bar. I would not buy a bike that is NOT fuel injected.  I have had two fuel injected bikes. The Yamaha 1300 has much newer technology and it shows in the ride and the running.

I had considered the 1100 and the Roadstar. The 2008 Roadstar will be fuel injected (coming out in March) so that might say something about the older technology. They ran rougher and did not have the pep that I have found with the fuel injected. I like being able to get around cars and trucks, fast! So I would suggest looking for an end of the year sales, look on Craigslist and ebay for good deals.  The 2008's are in and so any 2007's left with dealers, you can get a good deal.  I just went over 1300 miles on the Yamaha 1300 today and I can't say enough good about this bike!  

We have an '07 Sportster Custom in the family and I've ridden it quite a bit.  While I like the bling on my Electra Glide, I also appreciate the simplicity of the Sportster.  It's a frame, an engine, and minimal instrumentation- just you & the machine. All '07 & newer Harleys are fuel injected so there's no fiddling with a choke- just get on it & go.  The engine is rubber-mounted and non-counterbalanced, so it has enough vibrations to let you know you're on a real motorcycle and it sounds, well, like a Harley.
It's also fast, reliable, and very easy to maintain.
Two things to do that will help you decide which one you want to buy- 1) try to test ride both bikes before buying, and 2) compare the build quality (paint, fit & finish, chrome plating, etc.) between the two.
Good luck with whetever you get.  

i have zero experience on a bike. i am fascinated by the mechanical/design elements but my concern is theft of a bike!  regarding power of an engine... one post above wrote that a suzuki c50 hasn't enough power. given the harleys have 96cu (1584cc) my hunch is that size is perfect!  so a v-star 1300 is close and a roadstar 1700 is close! when i sit on either of these bikes, they do seem bulky.  what is a metric version of the H-D sportster 1200?  i have met several cutomers  at the Hollywood, Calif (honda, suz, kaw, bmw) dealer who really like their 2 cylinder BMW R1150RT . (i understand the sports touring Honda ST1300, Yamaha FRJ1300, Kawasaki Concours 1400, BMW R1200RT are diff from a cruiser) anyone thought maybe they'd like a sports tourer?  

Wow Guess I got a real deal. I purchased a 2005 v Star Silverado with 230 miles on it. Yup, 230. for $6500. Bike is like factory new  

I have been researching several bikes lately for my first purchase in, well, lets say a while.
I have read in several places about the V Star 1300 having trouble with clutch / drivetrain noise. Anyone experience that????
I also am looking at the Suzuki C90T. I like both bikes but, am taking my time makin a desicion. Anyone wanna help???
I'm 6'3" and 210 lbs. Harleys are just tooooo expensive, though they do make me drool.  

I used to own a 2002 V-star 1100 classic, which I liked. The other guy that pulled out in front of me in the car I guess didn't like it so it got totalled. I am now recuperated from my shoulder surgery and went looking for a new motorcyle. I was looking at the Roadstar, but not out yet, I looked at the Raider, but no floor boards. So I was looking at the 1300 Vstar Tourer, Silver/Silver.
This brings me to the (2) questions I have..
1) Who has one and how do you like it?
2) Here the list is $11,390 does anyone know of a less expensive dealer within a resonable distance from Naugatuck CT?  

                Thanx,
                      Barry  

Hey Froggerrun have you thought of getting an 07 Roadstar? I just picked one up in Feb and the dealer gave me a great deal $14250 out the door that' after tax(in CA ),title, tags and $700 in chromy parts. Brand new. Might be last years model, but they should work with you to get it off of the showroom floor.  

Oh, I forgot to add that I got 4 years of the YES extended warranty also.