In Las Vegas, Nevada this afternoon, Yamaha and Star Motorcycles dealers were introduced to the 2007 V Star 1300, in both standard and touring versions. According to Yamaha, these are intended to be mid-sized cruisers with big cruiser character (in terms of both visual presence and feel).
Star Motorcycles is also enthusiastic about the engine performance of the V Star 1300 models. They feature a 1304cc, 60 degree v-twin engine with single overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. Although the bikes look like traditional air-cooled designs, a carefully hidden radiator provides water cooling to the new 1300. Yamaha claims 18 more horsepower and 19 more pound feet of torque over its existing V Star 1100 cruisers.
Dual balancers are designed to keep the engine smooth, without robbing the rider of a strong power pulse feeling from the big v-twin. In addition to water cooling and the other modern features described above, the new v-twin engine is fuel injected by dual 40mm throttle bodies.
The 1300s feature a "full size body" -- wheel base is 1-1/2 inches longer than the 1100s. Seat height is a low 28 inches.
Design features include belt drive (very important to its customers, according to Yamaha's studies), and a flangeless fuel tank (4-1/2 gallons in the traditional location and .4 gallons under the seat). Front and rear fenders are genuine steel.
The all-new machines feature a unique gauge cluster, headlight, and even have 2x35 watt accessory light plugs built in.
The tourer adds a windshield, passenger back rest, and leather-covered hard saddle bags. The standard model should be available in U.S. dealerships this September, with the tourer following in October. U.S. MSRP for the standard model is $10,090, while the tourer is 11,190, unless a special color (liquid silver/charcoal silver) is selected which results in a price of $11,390. Take a look at the Star web site for additional details and specifications on the V Star 1300 and the V Star 1300 Tourer.
