2002–2007 · Cruiser · Buyer's Guide
XVS 1100 Drag Star Classic (XVS1100A)
Chrome, Shaft Drive, Pure Presence
The Machine's Character
The XVS 1100 Drag Star Classic, sold in the US as the V-Star 1100 Classic, is a metric cruiser built the old-school way. Its air-cooled 75° V-twin displaces 1063 cc and makes 62 hp. The number that really matters is 63 lb-ft at just 2,500 rpm, because that pull comes in where you actually ride. The shaft drive means there's no chain to clean or adjust. A steel double-cradle frame, a 64.6 in wheelbase and plenty of rake give it the long, low stance. Valanced fenders, a big chromed headlight and a lot of polished metal make it look like far more money than it costs.
This is a cruiser you ride, not one you tinker with. It stays planted when the pace rises, it's cheap to run, and the basic mechanicals last well with routine care. It suits riders who want the look and the unhurried rhythm without paying big-brand money, and the 28.0 in (710 mm) seat makes it easy for shorter riders to get on with. Now the honest caveat. It weighs 624 lb (283 kg) wet and has no ABS, so treat it with respect in parking lots and in a panic stop. On any used example, check the starter clutch and make sure the passenger seat bolt recall was done.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Power | 62 hp (46 kW) @ 5,750 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 63 lb-ft (85 Nm) @ 2,500 rpm |
| Displacement | 1063 cc |
| Engine | 75° V-twin |
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Final drive | Shaft |
| Fork | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 298 mm |
| Front tire | 130/90-16 |
| Rear tire | 170/80-15 |
| Wheelbase | 64.6 in (1640 mm) |
| Seat height | 28.0 in (710 mm) |
| Wet weight | 624 lb (283 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 gal (17 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
- Rear Suspension Adjustable Standard
Known issues
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Passenger seat mounting bolt failure (recall)
The passenger seat bracket bolts may fracture, causing the seat to detach and potentially causing injury. Yamaha issued a safety recall to replace the bolts free of charge.
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Starter clutch failure
The starter clutch can fail, often bending or breaking the mounting bolts. Using the throttle while starting is often cited as a cause. Repair is expensive and requires engine disassembly.
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Noisy valve train / lifter clatter
Persistent tapping from the cylinder head area. It usually comes from valve clearances that have opened up past specification on the screw-and-locknut rocker-arm adjusters, especially when the periodic valve clearance checks have been skipped. It is usually not harmful, but a louder top-end ticking that keeps getting worse points to excessive clearance and more wear on the valve train.
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Carburetor backfiring and poor fuel economy
Owners with aftermarket exhausts or poor carburetion setup report popping through the exhaust and poor fuel mileage. Usually resolved with proper carb jetting and synchronization.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the Yamaha XVS 1100 Drag Star Classic with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: Yamaha XVS 1100 Drag Star Classic vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
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