The "Other Woman"
2008 V Star Black Cherry 1300T
The Star motorcycles philosophy is "Make it your own". I agree with that. The V Star 1300T, as it comes from the factory, is a darn good motorcycle. Smooth, comfortable, good looking, good gas mileage, with 80 cubic inches of 'OH MY GOD!' power and speed. The only Star factory accessories I ordered with it, were the luggage rack, and passenger floor boards. I felt it needed a few small changes to make it a GREAT motorcycle for me.
First modification was changing the handlebars. I'm not a big guy, well, not big in height anyway, and the reach was just a bit too much for me. And it had a vibration that would put my right hand 'asleep' after 20-30 miles. I went with the Star RSTD bars (Part #1D6-26110-01-00). The stock bars have a pullback of 10.5 inches, the RSTD's have a pullback of 14.5 inches. That additional 4 inches closer to me made it a perfect fit. This specification is debatable. Some list the stock bars at 10.5 inches, some list it as 12 inches. Either way, the difference fit me perfectly. From my point of view, it was a no-brainer on what bars to use. The RSTD bars gave me the pullback I needed, and still used the stock cables. That saved a few hundred dollars in not having to replace cables. Cost: $72
Once the bars are changed, a decision on grips must be made. Replace them with Kuryakyn ISO grips (Part #6235), or reuse the stock grips. Stock grips require purchasing new RSTD end caps (2 needed - Part #1D6-26246-00-00) and end bolts (2 needed - Part #90110-06123-00), which are just about $10 more than the price of Kuryakyn ISO grips. I opted for the Kuryakyn's. They are a little fatter than stock, better vibration absorption, and I think, better looking. Cost: $56
Next, the stock tall windshield, as it comes from the factory, gives just a flat out and simple, HORRIBLE ride! It stands up too straight, and creates a large wind buffeting area for the rider. Best way to describe it, is that it turn's the rider into a 'bobble head' toy. Fixing this is a two part process.
Change angle of windshield (to match angle of forks)
Add 'Lowers'
Changing the angle is a simple process, just drill an additional hole in the windshield bracket over 1/2 inch from the original top hole. This mod gave an additional benefit besides changing the angle to match the angle of the front end, the increased angle also effectively makes the windshield height shorter, approximately the height of a medium shield, instead of the tall shield. Easier to see over, if needed in inclement weather.
Next is lower's. Star, in it's infinite wisdom does not supply a set of lowers for this machine. There are 3 options. Custom make your own, buy a set of Buck's Lower's, or modify a set made for a different motorcycle.
I went with modifying a set of lowers that Kuryakyn makes for a HD (Part #1105). They were about 1/3rd the price of Buck's lowers, and the added advantage of being chrome, not Plexiglas. The modification needed to adapt this set of lowers to the 1300 is minuscule, just drilling 1 hole in the lower itself, to match up with the lower bolt hole on the 1300's windshield bracket. Adding the lowers also give an additional visual advantage, it hides the hole drilled in the windshield bracket to change the angle. After installation, it makes both modifications look like a 'from the factory' product.
These two changes make the 'bobble head' effect totally disappear. For the small amount of cost, the benefit is amazing. Cost: $62
(All pictures can be seen full size by clicking)
Next, the person that named the scoot the "Other Woman" rides with me often. This brought to light a number of issues. First being, the driver's seat is passable, but the passenger seat is horrible. A wise man once said: "Your riding time will be limited by your wife's butt". For seats, my long term fix is to purchase "Ultimate Seats", they are by far, the most comfortable seats for the 1300 I have found. But that is NOT an inexpensive fix. To get past the rest of this season, I went with a reasonable price semi-fix. A product called "Butty Buddy". A removable passenger seat. This gave my wife a 13 1/2in wide throne, which pacified her (and kept me alive). It is a foldable, 10 second pop-on that I can add any time she is coming along (flip side being, does not have to be there when she is not. Folds up and stores in the saddlebags) Cost: $99
(All pictures can be seen full size by clicking)
Second issue was the height of the stock passenger pad. Star does not make a 'tall' passenger backrest for the 1300. What it does make, is more like a butt stop, then a back pad. I was lucky enough to find DarnMike in the 1300 forums, who made a solid stainless steel extension, that raises the passenger pad about 4 3/4 inches. The fit & finish of these are as good as anything Star produces, and I couldn't be happier. Puts the pad in the middle of her back, and she loves it. If you are married, you understand the necessity to keep her happy! Cost: $150
(All pictures can be seen full size by clicking)
3rd issue was what the heck do you do with TWO $300 helmets when you park? Trust everyone's honest nature? That didn't fly for me. The solution to this was a product named "Helmet Guardian". Adds 2 helmet locks to the license plate bracket, one on each side. Cost: $44
(All pictures can be seen full size by clicking)
The rest of my modifications are pretty common, drilling the exhaust (1 1/2 in hole in baffle), and drilling the air box for more air flow. The increase in power is noticeable. Cost: 12 in drill bit extension (Home Depot) $9.95, 1 1/2 inch metal hole drill bit (Home Depot) $6.95
I did find one product I would HIGHLY recommend to all motorcycle riders. We live (or die) on the condition of our tires. And we just do NOT check our air pressure often enough. And there is no way we can hurt ourselves faster. The is a product named Accu-Pressure Tire caps. This is the most in-expensive tire insurance you can buy. I found about 200 sets of them on Ebay. Cost $2.37
(All pictures can be seen full size by clicking)
As I walk up to my bike, I can instantly see if my tire pressure is OK, Green is good, yellow means -4 lbs, red means -10 lbs. The peace of mind this supplies, is worth far more than its insignificant cost.
Well, That's about it for the first rendition of "Make It Mine". I will update both the bike, and this page, as time goes on, and I have enough extra cash to really go nuts! LOL
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