[2007 V Star Tourer 1300 Exhaust]

Anyone have an opinion or experience on replacing the exhaust on the 2007 V Star 1300 Tourer? I am looking at VANCE & HINES 2 into 1 or COBRA EXTRA LONG SPEEDSTER 2 into 2 exhausts. I need a better sound from the bike - a little more rumble, easy installation, no backfire, or pop. Anyone try punching out 1 baffle? Any suggestions? Replys are appreciated.

[V-Star 1300]

Peabody,

Thanks for the reply. I am going Illinois to Montana in June. I look forward to hearing what your mechanic tells you.

[V-Star 1300]

Counting my break-in tune up, I've had 5, but I don't know if they had to adjust the valves every time. The wind buffeting issue creates so much noise I can't hear if the valves are rattling or not. I could hear my 650 easily (only needed adjustment 3 times in 45K miles). The gas mileage is another issue. In town I get 28 - 35 mpg. On the highway I have gotten up to 186 miles before the idiot light came on. Living in a flat state probably helps on trips, but in town it runs like a car. I got the Gold Card service at the dealership so I don't have to pay a dime for scheduled service for 3 years, so I don't worry about it too much. I will ask the mechanic next time I get one (in a few weeks).

[V-Star 1300]

Peabody

How many times did you have your valves adjusted? I have also experienced the lack of gas mileage and have had similar problems on trips. Have you talked to your dealer about the problem with the fuel capacity? I was led to believe I could travel at least 250 miles before refueling.

[V-Star 1300]

I bought a blue 1300 in May of last year. I hit my 600 mile break in in 4 days and 1,000 miles two days after that. As of today I have 18,100 miles and 10 states traveled to. The engine is impressive for a 13, but the wind buffeting is ridiculous. The windshield actually makes it worse! The wind is definitely channeling up from around the fuel tank. At 125 mph its insane, (not that I've gone that fast ) The bike is set 5 miles slow on the speedo (had it certified) and I had to have mine replaced after it stuck repeatedly during the first 2500 miles. I have also had a leaky hose and several bolts have rattled off the top end of the motor. Since I live in Florida (what's a "riding season"?) I ride every day, like I have since I bought my first bike in 1999.

I never did/have liked the "retro" look of the 1300, but I did like the reviews. Especially the motor performance. I had put 45,500 miles on my 640 custom when I impulsively traded it in for the 1300. If I can fix the wind issue with lower wind deflectors I'm tempted to paint it and add a few changes to the body. Has anyone found a set of wind deflectors for it yet?

One other thing, I think the countersunk fuel cap is shorting the true fuel capacity. I almost sputtered out at 170 miles. I coasted into a gas station and the "4.89 gallon" fuel tank only took about 3.7 gallons. It explains why the idiot light comes on at 3 gallons.

Any 1300 riders in Florida?

[2007 V Star 1300]

I'm back from Daytona and the bike was great in all respects. I'm keeping the bike and am doing the Montana trip in June. I am looking for suggestions on alternative exhaust systems. I know Yamaha just came out with an exhaust system for the 1300. Anyone have any suggestions based on your experience?

[2007 V-Star Forum]

I just bought a 2007 V Star 1300 Tourer. I came over from a 06 Harley Sportster 883. True the valves have to be adjusted every 4 to 8k miles. However, at least as the 06 883 standard goes, Harley riders have very high cost maintenance schedules. The 04-06 883s have a carb problem that requires a Stage 1 upgrade to correct. The upgrade doesnt fix the issue completely. Occasionally, when one opens the throttle, the bike spits and sputters. That mod costs about $1000 with labor and is usually done within the first few months of ownership. The dealer is unable to tune this issue out. There are quality issues and service issues. Not that the Yammy wont have some of their own, but dont let those guys riding Harleys fool ya. Owning one is not a trouble, maintenance free endeavor. I had the bike for 14 months, service couldnt figure out why I was getting intermittent check engine and battery lights, the spedo sensor went, somewhere around 3 or 4 voltage regulators were replaced, the cheap plastic clips to hold the battery cover on fail which cause the cover to come loose and fall of while riding. The two nuts holding the exhaust nuts on kept loosening and falling off. Theres more. Harley guys will probably, no they will argue, but they are no better with respect to quality or service as any other manufacturer. You pay for the name. More and More people are realizing this. Thats why Harley is closing 4 plants for a week in November due to sagging sales.

Glad to get 1 reply, I was beginning to wonder if anyone else rode a 2007 V Star 1300. My main contention is I feel Yamaha back doored me on the sale of the bike by not disclosing the valve issue. Adjusting valves every 4000 miles does not build confidence on the reliability of the motor. Unknown problems with a bike is always expected nowdays any make, it happens. After my Daytona trip I'll decide if I'm going to keep the bike. In June I'm riding to Missoula, Montana and don't want to stop inbetween Illinois and Montana to get the valves adjusted. I still feel this valve problem should have been disclosed before the sale of any 1300 V Stars. Thanks again for replying.

[2007 V-Star Forum]

2007 V STAR 1300 Tourer - I was shocked that every 4000 miles the valves have to be adjusted. The cost is around $150 each time. If I had known this I would have never bought the bike. I believe Yamaha should be responsible for this. I've had bikes since 1964 and have never had a motor that needed the valves adjusted every 4000 miles. A valve adjustment is a normal occurance when the bike has been riden for awhile, but every 4000 miles doesn't say much for the reliability of the motor. I've had Harleys, Hondas, Suzukis, Bridgestones, Ducatis and am 59 years of age, but this will be my last Yamaha. I may get rid of it after my Daytona trip in October. I'd appreciate some feedback and if enough people feel as I do, maybe we can let Yamaha know. This is the first bike I have ever felt disappointed about. The bike overall is a great rider and performer. I ride with all Harley friends and they can't believe the every 4000 mile valve adjustment. Feedback please!!!