I took the plunge...new V-Star Question

[crawdad]

Well, I got tired of not having anything to ride while I'm bringing my two XSes back to life, so I took the plunge and bought a new V-Star today. It's a beautiful bike, and the ride is sweet.
One thing I didn't realize until after I had bought the bike (not that it would have made a difference), is that in order to change the oil filter, you have to drop one of the exhaust pipes and the right side floor board in order to get to all of the filter cover bolts. I was just wondering how any of you who have this bike handle this problem, i.e., any shortcuts, little tid-bits of information that might be helpful, etc. I change my oil often, so what would this do, if anything, to the longevity of the exhaust flanges, bolts, head, etc., from all the taking on and off? Would appreciate anybody's input. On a side note, I swear that when I parked the V-Star in the shop next to my special, I thought I saw a resemblance. They must be kin or something.

[turbodave_98]

Crawdad,
You bought a good new bike. Lots of information for both the VStar 650 & 1100s is available on delphiforums. Look under transportation and you will find motorcycle forums. International Star Riders Association is an excellent site.
Ref the oil change routine, there are aftermarket kits to make changing much simpler, Jardine makes a good one. The VStar 1100 cc engine is the one used in the Virago. That is the problem with changing the oil.
I have a 2002 VStar 1100 Classic and my favorite 1980 XS 1100G which I bought new in Omaha Nebraska in 1980 and finally a 1996 Royal Star. All great bikes.
My XS is a blast to ride, sits much higher than the cruiser ones. Is really fast too and reliable.
Good Luck with the new bike.
Dave

[NOMAD]

TURBODAVE,

How do you like that 96 Royalstar? I've been thinking about one for my next bike. I really like the look but didn't know if I'd be disappointed with performance.

Thanks, NOMAD

[turbodave_98]

Royal Star

Nomad,
I am nuts about the Royal Star. The most comfortable and best looking bike I have ever had. Next best to my 80 XS 1100 G.
It is a big bike, appx 800 lbs, with a long wheelbase but it handles better than the XS.
It has a detuned VMax engine with 1297 cc. 5 speeds, 4th & 5th considered overdrives. The bike in stock form is not underpowered it is improperly geared. In stock form at 70 mph it moves along at appx 2200 rpm therefore it has a slight shudder when under a load in 5th gear. That is solved by down shifting. The engine has a rev limiter that takes over at 5800 rpms.
I put a VMax differential in it and it really makes the bike a real strong runner.
Average mpg in stock form is appx 40 mph with a 4.8 gal tank giving a range of 150-200 miles before flame out.
The bike is no longer in production other than the Royal Star Venture, similiar in price and use as the Honda Gold Wing.
The Royal Star is a classic cruiser. Accessories are getting harder to find but a good source is Ebay. Rumor has it that it might be brought back into production.
You can get 100000-200000 miles out of the bike without major overhauls. It was built for low maintenance and long life.
I would strongly recommend buying one, prices range for nice ones from 5000-10000 K. Would recommend looking at Ebay for a source.
Hope this helps.
Dave