Road Star vs. V Star 1300

[FoggiestIdea]

I’ve been enjoying the 2001 Road Star my brother in law had me store in my garage while he is deployed. After getting all the carb issues resolved it rides great. When he returns, his R* will be shiny, have new fluids, the correct jets, new plugs, new intake and fuel lines. Plus it runs significantly better than when he dropped it off.

So I have been doing my research and was interested in the V Star 1300 tourer. Found one nearby to look at. Never been near one. Sat on it, chatted with the salesman and left. Now I’m settled on getting a R*. The V Star was just not as comfortable for me, (fat old man). The V Star was beautiful and a 2013 with 4,000 miles. I liked the idea of water cooled and EFI but my heart is with the R* now. Just my opinion. Looking forward to owning my own soon and this forum is a great resource.

Thank you from The Palmetto State (SC)

[Lug Nut]

They are nice bikes, great touring middle size bikes. Not a big or comfy as Road Star, doesn't sound as good,

[Shores]

I've ridden a few of the 1300s. The fuel injection is nice and they are faster than the road star, but they just don't have the soul in their stroke or their transmission. Definitely a lighter bike and a little easier to handle.

[Brad_G]

If you can find an '08 or newer Road Star it will be fuel injected.

[Father Pobasturd]

I have had traumatic experiences with water cooled bikes. Not saying you would, but, just saying. You'll be hard pressed to find anything as dependable as a Road Star. 7 years and 60K miles of ownership with only a worn out ignition switch replaced.

[129drifter]

FoggiestIdea -- Thank you for helping take care of (and fixing up) your BIL's bike while he is away serving our country!

Ive had 3 Road Stars in the last dozen years or so. My neighbor and very good friend down the street had a V Star 1300 Tourer model for about 10 years that I rode a bunch of times.

The main thing that is different between a Roadie and the V Star is physical size and ability to stretch out a bit more to be comfortable on rides of 100+ miles. The Road Star 1600 / 1700 models also seem to have more of a low center of gravity feeling while riding which is nice.

His bike made good power being fuel injected and liquid cooled. That bike was rock solid reliable the whole time he had it. I helped him with all of the routine maintenance stuff and the only repair we ever made was the starter relay went bad. That was quick and easy to fix.

[boomerA]

Having a '07 R* and a '15 1300 Tourer, I can sum up the main differences thusly: I ride IN the R* and ON the 1300. I bought the latter for when the former is down for repairs (mostly aftermarket electrical issues) so that I can continue to get my TWO WHEEL Therapy. The 1300 is quicker and has a higher redline, but the R* feels a bit more solid, with crosswinds.

[boomerA]

Also, aftermarket exhaust choices are a lot fewer with the 1300.