Currently have a Honda Shadow VLX and am considering a switch to a larger bike. I've looked at both the V-Star 1300 and the Honda 1300 VTX. They seem generally comparable; however, I like the fuel injection and other enhancements on the V-Star 1300. The problem is that I'm 5'10" and the reach on the V-Star is uncomfortable. The VTX is much more comfortable. Should comfort win out here? Would modifying the V-Star be worth the effort? What's your general opinion on these bikes?  

I actually was looking at several metric bikes in that category (Honda, Yamaha (Star), Kawasaki and Suzuki) just recently and narrowed it down to these two as well.
I'm leaning towards V-Star a little more, because of such enhancements as fuel inject. However, to me, comfort would be more important. I am 5'11" and have Shadow Aero, so I'm cramped and need a bigger bike. When you say that V-Star is uncomfortable, what do you mean exactly?

BTW, if you haven't read this yet, it can be interesting for you:
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/0708_crup_honda_vtx_1300/index.html  

Hey BikerX! Thanks for the reply. I'm a newbie and I thought the Shadow VLX would be a great place to start. I was right in that but I just don't have enough room and its underpowered given my size. The Aero would even be a step up for me.

What I mean by "uncomfortable" concerning the V-Star is that the reach to the grips causes me to lean forward too much. I've got upper back problems, so I don't want to pay 10 grand for a new bike and find that it aggravates my back. I know modifications can be made with risers, etc. but I don't know if that's really worth it. On the other hand the bike is so well balanced--it's truly beautiful!

Ride hard but ride safe!  

I am a really big guy, so I kind of have the reverse problem-most bikes are too small. I think comfort is paramount if you are going to spend any kind of time in the saddle. You can always look at after market handlebars, or possibly pullback risers, but in my opinion, bikes today are expensive enough without having to spend a small fortune to make it fit you. (Save that money for chrome or performance add-ons.)  

On the other hand.....  Handlebar adjustments are usually simple and relatively inexpensive (unless you're installing ape-hangers and need longer cables).

First, ask your dealer to adjust the handlebars to the most comfortable position for you - rotating them towards you may be all your need. If not, then the next thing to do for relatively small dollars ($50-$150), you can buy spacers or different risers that can extend the bars anywhere from 3/4" to 3" or even 4". He may even "give" them to you if it means a sale -negotiate for them.  Of course, if that's not enough, then you're on to the next thing, which is a completely different set of bars - definitely mor emoney and trouble, but still something to negotiate over.

Given your size, I would expect success without going to the trouble of new bars. I am all of 5'-5", and bought a 2000 Valkyrie last June - realizing I'd probably have to make adjustments. I rotated the bars, then added billet spacers (1" gain), and I'm very satisfied at this point. I sat on a V-Star about a year ago, and the reach felt to me like a spacer may have been a lttle too short, but I could have adjusted it with a new riser pretty easily.

Don't give up things you really like and want that are an integral part of the machine (and difficult or impossible to change) just because a peripheral issue isn't quite right. AND negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. Go to a different dealer if you have to. Good luck with whatever you decide!!  

Thanks oldman2! I thought that might be the case--with spacers, risers, etc., but I wasn't sure. I truly appreciate the advice.  

Hey dudes. I just bought a new vstar 1300 and if fits me fine. I am 6'3" and might want a little more height on the bars. Haven't decided yet.
One thing though. You can't add risers to the bars, because of the way that the speedo is intregal with the bar mount. So you would want to just get different bars. As far as comfort, buy the bike you like best and make it fit. You'll be a lot happier in the long run.......which is what counts.
Heck, I'm already kinda wishing I had gone Road star for a bigger bike. But, I'm not complaining, the 1300 has TONS of power.  

a couple of items to consider: valve adjustments, which are necessary on the vtx 1300;i'm not sure if they're hydraulic (self-adjusting) on the v star. also, i'd prefer the belt drive of the yamaha over the shaft drive of the honda.  

Guys,
I've read a couple of fellas who traded their handle bars traded out for Roadliner handle bars and it gave them the perfect pullback and rise. They were saying that the original bars were to low an even hit their knees at full turn. Cant be to expensive to change out.  
campyman  

Considering a 2007 CTX1300 Honda or C90 Suzuki same price which would be the better bike  

One of the first mods a lot of people do to the VStar 1300 is to put on RSTD handlebars. They are much better.  

My husband I both bought vstar 1300 this year.  I am 5'4" and he is 5'10"  we both are expierencing upper back/shoulder stress when riding for more then a few hours (not to mention what it feels like after 3 days)

I found this web site that has the stuff to rise the handlebars even though the speed.. is there.  It is specialty for just this bike.  We are going to get one set and give it try.  DLC

http://www.roxspeedfx.com/cgi-bin/cart/showitems.cgi?subcat_id=304  

I can appreciate your dilemma, I was looking at the VTX1300 and the VStar 1300 in June.  "On Paper" the VStar is more attractive (Fuel Inj., Belt Drive, Auto Cancel Turn Signals, Lockable Hard Bags) however, in Eastern Canada the resale value of Vstars is terrible and I don't know why??  Nobody seems to know.  Everyone I talked to tells me they are great bikes, I test drove one myself and found that it worked great so my decision was hard.  I ended up buying the VTX because I found the riding position a bit more comfortable and I know the resale will be higher in a couple of years.  In the last month I have put 2500km (1500 miles) on it and I love the bike    .  The only thing I would change is the seat...after 400kms it gets uncomfortable.  I am looking at a Corbin or a Mustang seat for it.

Oh and I did the 1000km maintenance at my local dealer where they reset the valves and check the cables and change the oil, the bill was only $100.00.  Everything was in spec.  

this bike is fun..i have a 07 tourer,,but lots of engine noise,,,i have 3800 miles on it and its louder than the exhaust,,,why does the dealer always say,,its normal for everything i say?..i wish the lifters were self adjusting...also the service and aftermarket pars are alot of green,,,,  

the valve's are not seft adjusting,,,the noise gets louder and louder....along with the clutch and the clunking its almost funny....I have a 1300 tourer,,2007 and i have 3800 miles on it,,when i rev it up i can hear alot of sounds like metal on metal lifter noise i think....the dealer will say its all normal but why did they change the 08 then,,,,my first service was 345.00 and the next one is here,,,,see how you like the bike after a few miles.....I hear alot of complaints.....