long trip on a VStar 1100

"Michel" <mdl01.RemoveThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:e2071d4d.0407211455.7a90a38a@posting.google.com...
 > I've had my VStar 1100 since April, and I've used it quite a bit since
 > then, but mostly for rides about 2 to 3 hours from home. Now I'm
 > planning a longer cruise, of a week or 10 days with a couple of
 > friends of mine who have harleys. Have anyone here had any experience
 > with the VStar on longer stretch? I wouldn't have any hesitation with
 > a Road Star but I wonder if the VStar can hold it's place for long
 > trips.
 >
 > any view would be appreciated
 >
 > Michel
 > --
 > " we get old too soon and smart too late"

Earlier this month 4 of us did a 4 day, 1200 mile trip up to Canada from
Ohio. I have a 02 V-Star 1100 Classic and it was flawless for the trip
EXCEPT the seat! I took some extra tools but only needed them for the one
guy on a HD. I averaged over 50 mpg traveling on interstates, state routes,
and back roads, so I was happy with the mileage. Before I go on any long
trips again I'm going to look into getting the seat restuffed or replaced,
it just doesn't work for long periods of time.
Have fun and be safe.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: long trip on a VStar 1100 

Of course the bike can handle the trip, it's you that you should be worried
about.




"Michel" <mdl01 DeleteThis @hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:e2071d4d.0407211455.7a90a38a@posting.google.com...
 > I've had my VStar 1100 since April, and I've used it quite a bit since
 > then, but mostly for rides about 2 to 3 hours from home. Now I'm
 > planning a longer cruise, of a week or 10 days with a couple of
 > friends of mine who have harleys. Have anyone here had any experience
 > with the VStar on longer stretch? I wouldn't have any hesitation with
 > a Road Star but I wonder if the VStar can hold it's place for long
 > trips.
 >
 > any view would be appreciated
 >
 > Michel
 > --
 > " we get old too soon and smart too late"<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: long trip on a VStar 1100 

On Thu, 22 Jul 2004 11:58:52 GMT, "R Thompson"
<rthomps9.RemoveThis@columbus.rr.com> waived the right to be silent and
professed:

 >
 >Before I go on any long
 >trips again I'm going to look into getting the seat restuffed or replaced,
 >it just doesn't work for long periods of time.
 >Have fun and be safe.
 >

Hehe. I know of what you speak. Check out Pacific Coast Star. They
have a cheap solution to the seat problem. Mine is so much better than
stock.

--
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: long trip on a VStar 1100 

thanks for this input, the trip I'm planning is in the other
direction, from Quebec/Canada down to Vermont, NH, and Maine, and down
the coast of Maine to Mass. Probably around 7-800 miles return
depending on the side trips we decide to make. The seat has been one
of my preoccupation as well, even on short distance trips, 2 or 3
hours, it gets really uncomfortable, i don't think I can get a
replacement seat before departure, but I'll be looking for some kind
of padding. With all the complaints I've read about the seats on these
bikes, both on newsgroups and specialty magazines, I wonder why Yamaha
doesn't come up with a better padded one. Anyway. My other concern is
luggage. The two standard saddlebags on the Silverado are just barely
big enough for a set of tool, and a rain suit. I need to get a back
case to fit on the sissybar rack. I'm quite confident about the
mechanical reliability of my motorcycle, and I will bring tools for
safety, and hope not to have to use them.

Thanks for your input again.

Michel
--
" we get old too soon and smart too late"


"R Thompson" <rthomps9.TakeThisOut@columbus.rr.com> wrote > > >
 > Earlier this month 4 of us did a 4 day, 1200 mile trip up to Canada from
 > Ohio. I have a 02 V-Star 1100 Classic and it was flawless for the trip
 > EXCEPT the seat! I took some extra tools but only needed them for the one
 > guy on a HD. I averaged over 50 mpg traveling on interstates, state routes,
 > and back roads, so I was happy with the mileage. Before I go on any long
 > trips again I'm going to look into getting the seat restuffed or replaced,
 > it just doesn't work for long periods of time.
 > Have fun and be safe.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: long trip on a VStar 1100 

It used to be that an 1100 was a big bike. Nobody would have
questioned its abilities.

--
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
 >> Stay informed about: long trip on a VStar 1100 

 >
 >It used to be that an 1100 was a big bike. Nobody would have
 >questioned its abilities.
 >
i've gone cross country on my sr 500 at 75+mph and no
problems. well, my ass hurt after 10-11 hours.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: long trip on a VStar 1100 

 >
 >thanks for this input, the trip I'm planning is in the other
 >direction, from Quebec/Canada down to Vermont, NH, and Maine, and down
 >the coast of Maine to Mass. Probably around 7-800 miles return
 >depending on the side trips we decide to make. The seat has been one
 >of my preoccupation as well, even on short distance trips, 2 or 3
 >hours, it gets really uncomfortable, i don't think I can get a
 >replacement seat before departure, but I'll be looking for some kind
 >of padding. With all the complaints I've read about the seats on these
 >bikes, both on newsgroups and specialty magazines, I wonder why Yamaha
 >doesn't come up with a better padded one. Anyway. My other concern is
 >luggage. The two standard saddlebags on the Silverado are just barely
 >big enough for a set of tool, and a rain suit. I need to get a back
 >case to fit on the sissybar rack. I'm quite confident about the
 >mechanical reliability of my motorcycle, and I will bring tools for
 >safety, and hope not to have to use them.
 >
 >Thanks for your input again.
 >
 >Michel
overnight yourself a set of gelpads.
google.com<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: long trip on a VStar 1100 

I hope you've got a driver's backrest. They are really comfortable and I
would guess indispensable for a long trip unless some of your gear won't
second as a backrest of sorts (strapped down sleeping bag, etc). You can
get one through Pro-tac that will run you $127, including shipping. Other
fancier ones are much more expensive. If you can't get a luggage rack for
the sissy bar soon enough, the rack from Yamaha that mounts on the license
plate holder and the passenger seat mount works ok and is very attractive.
You will be able to strap some lighter gear on there. I bought some
saddlebags through JC Whitney that turned out to be too small, so I
exchanged them for the larger ones of the same brand. As expected, they are
a bit too large and look a tad dumb when viewed from the front or the rear
of the bike, but them's the breaks. They have plenty of room, that's for
sure. As for the seat, I saw a site that showed how you can shave down the
stock seat and make it much more comfortable (they claimed). e's advice
sounds worth investigating in this regard.

"Michel" <mdl01.RemoveThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:e2071d4d.0407221530.270cc08a@posting.google.com...
 > thanks for this input, the trip I'm planning is in the other
 > direction, from Quebec/Canada down to Vermont, NH, and Maine, and down
 > the coast of Maine to Mass. Probably around 7-800 miles return
 > depending on the side trips we decide to make. The seat has been one
 > of my preoccupation as well, even on short distance trips, 2 or 3
 > hours, it gets really uncomfortable, i don't think I can get a
 > replacement seat before departure, but I'll be looking for some kind
 > of padding. With all the complaints I've read about the seats on these
 > bikes, both on newsgroups and specialty magazines, I wonder why Yamaha
 > doesn't come up with a better padded one. Anyway. My other concern is
 > luggage. The two standard saddlebags on the Silverado are just barely
 > big enough for a set of tool, and a rain suit. I need to get a back
 > case to fit on the sissybar rack. I'm quite confident about the
 > mechanical reliability of my motorcycle, and I will bring tools for
 > safety, and hope not to have to use them.
 >
 > Thanks for your input again.
 >
 > Michel
 > --
 > " we get old too soon and smart too late"
 >
 >
 > "R Thompson" <rthomps9.RemoveThis@columbus.rr.com> wrote > > >
  > > Earlier this month 4 of us did a 4 day, 1200 mile trip up to Canada from
  > > Ohio. I have a 02 V-Star 1100 Classic and it was flawless for the trip
  > > EXCEPT the seat! I took some extra tools but only needed them for the
one
  > > guy on a HD. I averaged over 50 mpg traveling on interstates, state
routes,
  > > and back roads, so I was happy with the mileage. Before I go on any
long
  > > trips again I'm going to look into getting the seat restuffed or
replaced,
  > > it just doesn't work for long periods of time.
  > > Have fun and be safe.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: long trip on a VStar 1100 

A fleece big enough to sit on can help a lot. Did a run from LA to Indy on
a Kaw 900 a number of years back. did the 2nd half of the trip sitting on a
blanket folded 4 layers thick. HUGE difference
SamB

"Michel" <mdl01 DeleteThis @hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:e2071d4d.0407221530.270cc08a@posting.google.com...
 > thanks for this input, the trip I'm planning is in the other
 > direction, from Quebec/Canada down to Vermont, NH, and Maine, and down
 > the coast of Maine to Mass. Probably around 7-800 miles return
 > depending on the side trips we decide to make. The seat has been one
 > of my preoccupation as well, even on short distance trips, 2 or 3
 > hours, it gets really uncomfortable, i don't think I can get a
 > replacement seat before departure, but I'll be looking for some kind
 > of padding. With all the complaints I've read about the seats on these
 > bikes, both on newsgroups and specialty magazines, I wonder why Yamaha
 > doesn't come up with a better padded one. Anyway. My other concern is
 > luggage. The two standard saddlebags on the Silverado are just barely
 > big enough for a set of tool, and a rain suit. I need to get a back
 > case to fit on the sissybar rack. I'm quite confident about the
 > mechanical reliability of my motorcycle, and I will bring tools for
 > safety, and hope not to have to use them.
 >
 > Thanks for your input again.
 >
 > Michel
 > --
 > " we get old too soon and smart too late"
 >
 >
 > "R Thompson" <rthomps9 DeleteThis @columbus.rr.com> wrote > > >
  > > Earlier this month 4 of us did a 4 day, 1200 mile trip up to Canada from
  > > Ohio. I have a 02 V-Star 1100 Classic and it was flawless for the trip
  > > EXCEPT the seat! I took some extra tools but only needed them for the
one
  > > guy on a HD. I averaged over 50 mpg traveling on interstates, state
routes,
  > > and back roads, so I was happy with the mileage. Before I go on any
long
  > > trips again I'm going to look into getting the seat restuffed or
replaced,
  > > it just doesn't work for long periods of time.
  > > Have fun and be safe.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: long trip on a VStar 1100 

I took a trip from San Diego up the coast to Eureka, then east across the
Cascades just below Mt. Shasta, then down to Lake Tahoe and across Nevada
and Utah into Colorado, over the Rockies to Fort Collins and down through
Denver into New Mexico, skirted the New Mexico border and into Arizona and
back across southern Arizona into California and back to San Diego.

I don't recall the total mileage, but I made the trip on an XS750 that I
bought new in 1978. It was mostly stock, I only added a windshield and
luggage rack.that included a backrest. I had no saddlebags. I used a
backpack that was attached to the backrest on the forward side of the rest.
I had no passenger, so I put the backpack there. This left the luggage rack
available for a small ice chest that I kept a few drinks in, which came in
very handy in the deserts of Northern Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona.

One of my riding buddies on that trip was not very adept at packing and
attaching stuff to his bike, he had bungie cords going to odd places at
strange angles that were completely ineffective. I used baggage straps that
I could secure my load (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and ice chest) in just
a few minutes, and my load was very steady and solid. You don't want your
stuff to shift, and you really don't want it to fall off. My riding buddy
lost his helmet (helmet laws were not enforced in most places at the time,
but some states required them) one day while driving on a coastal road with
a sheer cliff to the ocean below on one side. the helmet bounced in front of
a car thatjammed on the brakes without warning, and the motorhome behind
nearly went over the cliff in avoidance of the rear end collision.

I don't remember fully, but I think I had a sheepskin seat cover that helped
my tender ass remain comfortable. (I am not sure on this point because I
traded the 750 for an XS1100 that most certainly did have the sheepskin
cover. I don't recall when I fell in love with sheepskins, but I am pretty
sure it was with the 750.) In any case, the sheepskin helped no matter which
bike it was on, and you may benefit from getting one since the time is too
short to get a whole new seat.

Your issues seem to be storage and comfort. Look at a sheepskin seat cover
for the comfort and use some good quality straps to secure your backpack to
the sissybar/backrest.




"Michel" <mdl01.DeleteThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:e2071d4d.0407221530.270cc08a@posting.google.com...
 > thanks for this input, the trip I'm planning is in the other
 > direction, from Quebec/Canada down to Vermont, NH, and Maine, and down
 > the coast of Maine to Mass. Probably around 7-800 miles return
 > depending on the side trips we decide to make. The seat has been one
 > of my preoccupation as well, even on short distance trips, 2 or 3
 > hours, it gets really uncomfortable, i don't think I can get a
 > replacement seat before departure, but I'll be looking for some kind
 > of padding. With all the complaints I've read about the seats on these
 > bikes, both on newsgroups and specialty magazines, I wonder why Yamaha
 > doesn't come up with a better padded one. Anyway. My other concern is
 > luggage. The two standard saddlebags on the Silverado are just barely
 > big enough for a set of tool, and a rain suit. I need to get a back
 > case to fit on the sissybar rack. I'm quite confident about the
 > mechanical reliability of my motorcycle, and I will bring tools for
 > safety, and hope not to have to use them.
 >
 > Thanks for your input again.
 >
 > Michel
 > --
 > " we get old too soon and smart too late"
 >
 >
 > "R Thompson" <rthomps9.DeleteThis@columbus.rr.com> wrote > > >
  > > Earlier this month 4 of us did a 4 day, 1200 mile trip up to Canada from
  > > Ohio. I have a 02 V-Star 1100 Classic and it was flawless for the trip
  > > EXCEPT the seat! I took some extra tools but only needed them for the
one
  > > guy on a HD. I averaged over 50 mpg traveling on interstates, state
routes,
  > > and back roads, so I was happy with the mileage. Before I go on any
long
  > > trips again I'm going to look into getting the seat restuffed or
replaced,
  > > it just doesn't work for long periods of time.
  > > Have fun and be safe.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: long trip on a VStar 1100 

 >
 >I took a trip from San Diego up the coast to Eureka, then east across the
 >Cascades just below Mt. Shasta, then down to Lake Tahoe and across Nevada
 >and Utah into Colorado, over the Rockies to Fort Collins and down through
 >Denver into New Mexico, skirted the New Mexico border and into Arizona and
 >back across southern Arizona into California and back to San Diego.
 >
 >I don't recall the total mileage, but I made the trip on an XS750 that I
 >bought new in 1978. It was mostly stock, I only added a windshield and
 >luggage rack.that included a backrest. I had no saddlebags. I used a
 >backpack that was attached to the backrest on the forward side of the rest.
 >I had no passenger, so I put the backpack there. This left the luggage rack
 >available for a small ice chest that I kept a few drinks in, which came in
 >very handy in the deserts of Northern Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona.
 >
 >One of my riding buddies on that trip was not very adept at packing and
 >attaching stuff to his bike, he had bungie cords going to odd places at
 >strange angles that were completely ineffective. I used baggage straps that
 >I could secure my load (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and ice chest) in just
 >a few minutes, and my load was very steady and solid. You don't want your
 >stuff to shift, and you really don't want it to fall off. My riding buddy
 >lost his helmet (helmet laws were not enforced in most places at the time,
 >but some states required them) one day while driving on a coastal road with
 >a sheer cliff to the ocean below on one side. the helmet bounced in front of
 >a car thatjammed on the brakes without warning, and the motorhome behind
 >nearly went over the cliff in avoidance of the rear end collision.
 >
 >I don't remember fully, but I think I had a sheepskin seat cover that helped
 >my tender ass remain comfortable. (I am not sure on this point because I
 >traded the 750 for an XS1100 that most certainly did have the sheepskin
 >cover. I don't recall when I fell in love with sheepskins, but I am pretty
 >sure it was with the 750.) In any case, the sheepskin helped no matter which
 >bike it was on, and you may benefit from getting one since the time is too
 >short to get a whole new seat.
 >
 >Your issues seem to be storage and comfort. Look at a sheepskin seat cover
 >for the comfort and use some good quality straps to secure your backpack to
 >the sissybar/backrest.
 >
 >
 >
 >
those triples are great bike. shaft drive, buckets of power
and you can kneeboard them around curves. your route is also
one to drool over.
i did the ironbutt 1000/24 thing on my sr and was a cripple
for 3 days. an xs750 would have been much better, but i blew
mine up in 96. is yours still on the road, or did you loose
track?<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: long trip on a VStar 1100 

"e" <tooftoof.DeleteThis@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:M4bMc.20387698$Of.3383544@news.easynews.com...
 >
  > >
  > >I took a trip from San Diego up the coast to Eureka, then east across the
  > >Cascades just below Mt. Shasta, then down to Lake Tahoe and across Nevada
  > >and Utah into Colorado, over the Rockies to Fort Collins and down through
  > >Denver into New Mexico, skirted the New Mexico border and into Arizona
and
  > >back across southern Arizona into California and back to San Diego.
  > >
  > >I don't recall the total mileage, but I made the trip on an XS750 that I
  > >bought new in 1978. It was mostly stock, I only added a windshield and
  > >luggage rack.that included a backrest. I had no saddlebags. I used a
  > >backpack that was attached to the backrest on the forward side of the
rest.
  > >I had no passenger, so I put the backpack there. This left the luggage
rack
  > >available for a small ice chest that I kept a few drinks in, which came
in
  > >very handy in the deserts of Northern Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona.
  > >
  > >One of my riding buddies on that trip was not very adept at packing and
  > >attaching stuff to his bike, he had bungie cords going to odd places at
  > >strange angles that were completely ineffective. I used baggage straps
that
  > >I could secure my load (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and ice chest) in
just
  > >a few minutes, and my load was very steady and solid. You don't want your
  > >stuff to shift, and you really don't want it to fall off. My riding buddy
  > >lost his helmet (helmet laws were not enforced in most places at the
time,
  > >but some states required them) one day while driving on a coastal road
with
  > >a sheer cliff to the ocean below on one side. the helmet bounced in front
of
  > >a car thatjammed on the brakes without warning, and the motorhome behind
  > >nearly went over the cliff in avoidance of the rear end collision.
  > >
  > >I don't remember fully, but I think I had a sheepskin seat cover that
helped
  > >my tender ass remain comfortable. (I am not sure on this point because I
  > >traded the 750 for an XS1100 that most certainly did have the sheepskin
  > >cover. I don't recall when I fell in love with sheepskins, but I am
pretty
  > >sure it was with the 750.) In any case, the sheepskin helped no matter
which
  > >bike it was on, and you may benefit from getting one since the time is
too
  > >short to get a whole new seat.
  > >
  > >Your issues seem to be storage and comfort. Look at a sheepskin seat
cover
  > >for the comfort and use some good quality straps to secure your backpack
to
  > >the sissybar/backrest.
  > >
  > >
  > >
  > >
 > those triples are great bike. shaft drive, buckets of power
 > and you can kneeboard them around curves. your route is also
 > one to drool over.
 > i did the ironbutt 1000/24 thing on my sr and was a cripple
 > for 3 days. an xs750 would have been much better, but i blew
 > mine up in 96. is yours still on the road, or did you loose
 > track?

I don't know where my 750 is, I traded it in at the Yamaha store for the
1100.

I remember the insurance carrier on my 1100 asking why I needed such a big
bike. Now an 1100 is viewed as too small for a short trip of 700 to 800
miles <hehehe>. I am wanting a Road Star in the worst way because I "need"
the cubic inches, 1100 cc's just isn't enough ...<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: long trip on a VStar 1100 

i did that once. good thing the harley guy brought a rope. ended up
harley guy bike puked on the side of road. i had to pull him & his HD
with my magna 20mi. to nearest town.. then, give him a ride home.
(another 80mi.) stopped at bar along the way home and, the guy
wouldn't even buy me a beer.. oh well, stuff happens..
motorpsycho jim
03 v-max
95 magna
===================
long trip on a VStar 1100

Group: alt.motorcycles.yamaha Date: Wed, Jul 21, 2004, 3:55pm (EDT-3)
From: mdl01 RemoveThis @hotmail.com (Michel)
I've had my VStar 1100 since April, and I've used it quite a bit since
then, but mostly for rides about 2 to 3 hours from home. Now I'm
planning a longer cruise, of a week or 10 days with a couple of friends
of mine who have harleys. Have anyone here had any experience with the
VStar on longer stretch? I wouldn't have any hesitation with a Road Star
but I wonder if the VStar can hold it's place for long trips.
any view would be appreciated
Michel
--
" we get old too soon and smart too late"

.............................
Motorpsycho Jim
http://forums.delphiforums.com/V_MaxRiders
 >> Stay informed about: long trip on a VStar 1100