Now, why would a vstar 1100 be a better starter than a warrior? Is it the 20 lbs weight difference? Is it the fact that it stops slower? Handles worse? Gets out of the way slower? If I were going to choose a starter bike for somebody I cared about, I'd put them on a warrior any single day before I put them on a vstar anything.
Engine2009 V Star 1100 Classic2009 Midnight Warrior
Bore x Stroke95 x 75mm97mm x 113mm
Carburetion(2) 37mm Mikuni®; throttle position sensorTwin-Bore electronic fuel injection; throttle position sensor
Compression Ratio8.3:18.36:1
Final DriveShaftBelt
IgnitionTCITCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
Transmission5-speed, multiplate wet clutch5-speed close-ratio; multiplate wet clutch
Type65-cubic-inch (1063cc) air-cooled 75° V-twin; SOHC, 2 valves/cylinder102-cubic-inch (1670cc) air-cooled 48° V-twin; pushrod OHV, 4 valves/cylinder
Chassis2009 V Star 1100 Classic2009 Midnight Warrior
Brakes/FrontDual hydraulic disc, 298mmDual hydraulic disc, 298mm
Brakes/RearHydraulic disc, 282mmHydraulic disc, 282mm
FrameSteel; hidden shockAluminum monoshock
Suspension/FrontTelescopic fork; 5.5-in travel41mm KYB inverted fork; 5.3-in travel
Suspension/RearSingle shock; adjustable preload, 4.5-in travelSingle shock; adjustable preload and rebound damping, 4.3-in travel
Tires/Front130/90-16120/70-ZR18 Radial
Tires/Rear170/80-15200/50-ZR17 Radial
Wheels7-spoke cast5-spoke cast
Dimensions2009 V Star 1100 Classic2009 Midnight Warrior
Fuel Capacity4.5 gal4.0 gal
Fuel Economy**44 mpg39 mpg
Ground Clearance5.5 inSpec Not Available
Height43.3 in44.1 in
Length97.0 in93.9 in
Seat Height27.9 in28.1 in
Wet Weight628 lb / C: 634 lb650 lb
Wheelbase64.8 in65.6 in
Width37.2 in36.8 in