The Japanese brand Yamaxa made its first attempt to conquer the American motorcycle markets back in 1981. The Virago model was very popular, but in the mid-90s its star began to decline. Trying to improve the situation, Japanese engineers are releasing a new bike to the American markets. The cruiser concession remained unchanged, but apart from it, the model had nothing remarkable, and the 650 cm3 was, in principle, unable to compete with Harleys. This is how the first version appeared, called Drag Star.
In 1999, taking into account all the errors and shortcomings, the Japanese released a new version - Yamaha XVS1100 Drag Star.
Appearance
The design is interesting primarily due to the front fender and two chrome pipes. The front wing increases significantly downwards, reminiscent of the wings of cars of the thirties and forties. The Yamaha XVS 1100 Drag Star, however, looks modern and innovative for its era.
The wheels here are spoked, however, if you look from afar, it may sometimes seem that they are cast, due to the isolation of the groups of spokes. The passenger seat is not equipped with a backrest. This makes riding with a passenger dangerous, despite the fact that the seat is slightly curved upward in the rear.
Appearance, motorcycle versions
As already mentioned, the XVS1100 Drag Star is a “cruiser” and is made in the American style.
This means a large number of chrome elements, a significantly protruding front fork, a teardrop-shaped tank with an instrument panel located on it, and a wide “horned” steering wheel.
As well as a stepped seat with an overall low driver position and deep fenders.
This motorcycle was produced in three versions: Classic, Custom, Silverado, although the differences between them are minimal and come down to differences in external equipment.
Thus, the Classic was not equipped with anything additional, the Custom had a front windshield and a backrest for a passenger, and the Silverado, in addition to glass and a backrest, also had side panniers.
The Honda Steed 400 motorcycle model is capable of attracting the interest of many buyers who admire choppers.
At the time of its introduction, this naked bike also received very positive reviews and is often described as an iconic motorcycle.
Comfort
The bike is comfortable to ride on spacious trails, where this large motorcycle can easily maneuver at low and medium speeds. In the city, such a vehicle will quickly tire. For example, if you have to turn around somewhere in the yard, then, firstly, it will not be easy, and secondly, it may sometimes end in repairs. After all, the clearance here is small.
Also, if a person rides such a bike in a traffic jam, he will have to periodically prop it up with his foot. And this bike is far from light. If you use such a machine in suitable conditions, it will only bring pleasure. Of course, if the rider is experienced enough to ride such a motorcycle.
Conclusion about Yamaha Drag Star 1100
The Yamaha Drag Star 1100 motorcycle is ideally adapted to urban conditions. It maneuvers perfectly between cars and never gets stuck in traffic jams. You can make it even more maneuverable by installing a narrow steering wheel. The engine never overheats, even on the hottest summer days. When going on a long trip, you can attach three panniers to the motorcycle - one on the rear trunk and two on the sides. Three chests will be enough to fit everything you need. The only discomfort is in the standard standard seats. They are not too soft. You can, of course, purchase a tuning version, but then you will have to damage the family budget, because the cost of high-quality soft seats is quite high. Despite this, the positive characteristics outweigh, so the demand for this model will never dry up.
Dimensions and weight
This is not the largest cruiser, but perhaps one of them. The length, height and width of this machine clearly show that this is an impressive bike. Of course, such dimensions and weight cannot but affect maneuverability. But this cannot be considered a disadvantage, because this class was initially distinguished by significant dimensions.
The Yamaha XVS 1100 Drag Star has the following dimensions:
- curb weight – 275 kg;
- seat height – 690 mm;
- ground clearance - 145 mm;
- wheelbase – 1640 mm;
- height – 1095 mm;
- width – 895 mm;
- length – 2405 mm;
- tank volume – 17 l.
The dimensions are impressive, as is the weight. And the tank volume is appropriate. Of course, with this you won’t be able to go without gas stations for very long, but this is not critical. All the same, you won’t be able to travel off-road on such a bike.
Video
With Drag Star 1100, you can't even think that life can be boring. This is one of the large and loud motorcycles from YAMAHA. Sitting in the comfortable saddle of this monster and pressing the starter button, you will hear the “civilized” growl of the engine.
We bring to your attention a video that will allow you to see this handsome man in motion.
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Comments (11)
- Anna:
02/27/2015 at 19:13Oh, beauties, what can I say. The photo selection is cool. I would go on a trip around the world on such a motorcycle.
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- Zolotoiy:
03/01/2015 at 09:13
a worthy chaper, everything in the best traditions, nothing superfluous, everything is simple but tasteful. Yes, such a motorcycle is the dream of any biker. When I look at it, my heart skips a beat......
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- Ruslan:
03/01/2015 at 11:48
Of course, with our manufacturer it’s heaven and earth. I remember as a child it was an unrealistic dream, but now you can acquire all this beauty without any problems.
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- Elf:
03/02/2015 at 10:26
Serious machine, not for a beginner! 140 km/h + will give out with a bang. Although at these speeds you lose in comfort. The appearance is luxurious. Motorists will look with respect at the owner of such a car. Harley Davidson style lovers will love it. It’s not scary to go on a long journey in this one, and of course, all the girls are yours =).
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- Dmitriy:
03/06/2015 at 11:45
Still, for all its beauty and sophistication, Drag Star is much inferior to its “classmate” Harley-Davidson Dyna Fat Bob. Firstly, it is still fuel-injected, and secondly, Harley’s V-twin engine allows it to explode faster at low speeds. But the price on the secondary market is almost identical.
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- Alexander:
10/12/2015 at 14:32
I fundamentally disagree. The price tag for HD and Yamaha is significantly different, the 1100 cc version of the Drag Stara can be bought for around 230-250 thousand rubles (in decent condition). You can see how much HDD of the same year will cost on any Internet resource where motorcycles are sold
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- admin:
10/12/2015 at 18:12
Alexander, if we are talking about competition, then a lower price is a good competitive advantage.
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- Banzai:
05/24/2016 at 12:16
I’m crazy about people who don’t have this moto, but they talk about it with a smart look, for example elf, firstly, the drag is perfect for a beginner, secondly, only idiots ride a 140+ cruiser, this is not what the moto is for, I use it on the highway I don’t ride more than 120, not because it’s not comfortable, but because I just don’t want to, you have to ride it to understand what I’m talking about. Now Dima for you, the carb for a cruiser is superiority, and not a disadvantage I know firsthand, last year I was in the Crimea, injection motors literally cried from their gasoline, and about the explosion, 6 seconds on the drag and 4.8 on HD, the difference is not great, but you want get blown up - welcome to the hayabusa, sledgehammer, etc. club. Before the dredge, I had a 1800 stick, it accelerates to hundreds in about 3 seconds, but it is of little use for long-distance driving, high fuel consumption compared to the dredge, and in terms of comfort it is much inferior to the quality of gasoline demanding, unlike carbs. In 2 years of using the dredge, I have never regretted switching from a Honda to this bike
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- Konstantin:
06/24/2016 at 01:39
Good day! I would like the authoritative opinion of respected people. Height 195, weight 140. How can you be worthy of the first mot or is 650 enough? Is the fit comfortable enough for my measurements? I take it for driving around the city and surrounding areas. I live in a mountainous area with not very good road surface - Sevastopol. Thank you!
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- Inna:
07/21/2016 at 17:28
With such dimensions, 650 cups will be too small. You will “grow out of it” very quickly, especially on the hills, plus you will never be a passenger. I’m from Simferopol myself, so I know the Crimean roads firsthand)) 1100 is an excellent choice, even for a beginner. The model is very well controlled, obedient, and clearly balanced. I also have a dredge, I’m not going to change the model itself. I’ll just add some cubes, sometime next summer))
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- Alexander:
08/11/2016 at 08:32
I’ve been riding a drag 1100 for three years, before that I had a Fizer 600, then a liter, a Yamaha p6, a ruff 650, a Kava Klkh cross, a Yamaha in the old 1100.. I returned to the cruiser and am happy) the technology is super, it’s nice not only to ride but also to know that it’s simple do you have…))
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Specifications
The car is not particularly powerful, but such a cruiser does not require high engine performance. The local torque and power are enough to use the motorcycle comfortably. Of course, if you use the equipment for its intended purpose, like a cruiser.
If a person wants to drive one on a race track at top speeds, he most likely will not feel pleasure. This car is not designed for that.
| Motor type | V-shaped, 2 cylinders, 4 strokes |
| Power | 61.5 l. With. |
| Torque | 85 Nm |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h |
| Acceleration to 100 | 5.2 s |
| Fuel consumption per hundred | 5.65 l |
| Drive unit | gimbal |
| Transmission | five-speed |
| Frame | tubular steel |
| Rear suspension | pendulum, monoshock absorber, stroke 113 mm |
| Front suspension | telescopic fork, 41 mm, travel 140 mm |
| Rear brakes | single disc, 282 mm, 2-piston caliper |
| Front brakes | two discs, 298 mm, 2-piston calipers |
The cardan drive is here for various reasons. And many will like the special sounds that occur when changing gears on such a transmission. Those who want almost silent shifting should pay attention to belt-driven motorcycles. The chain drive will also make certain unpleasant noises.
Estimated cost
Production of the XVS1100 Drag Star continues today, but only for the Japanese domestic market, as well as for the United States.
It is no longer supplied to Europe, which is why it is impossible to find the new motorcycle in showrooms.
Although some people buy new motorcycles from Japan and the USA and ship them.
Such motorcycles, manufactured in 2014 and with virtually no mileage, can be found on the secondary market, although their price is substantial, about 600,000 rubles. and higher.
Also, the secondary market offers enough motorcycles from earlier years of production and with mileage.
The cost of such motorcycles depends on the technical specifications. condition and version of the bike itself.
As a result, the cost of a Yamaha Drag Star 1100 varies over a wide range - from 180,000 to 450,000 rubles.
To accelerate to 100 km/h, the Kawasaki ZZR 400 motorcycle will need only 5 seconds.
Here is another bike from Kawasaki, which will be an excellent option for those who like long trips on all kinds of roads.
What do the owners say?
Many bikers highly value this machine. Although it has been out of production for a long time, it is still easy to maintain and reliable. According to owner reviews, this car is capable of long trips. However, no one advises moving far from civilization.
Reviews note that this is one of the first cruisers with a futuristic design. And this is easy to see if you look at a couple of photos and videos. The model looks more interesting, even than many modern road motorcycles. The design of the car is superior to any other sportbike, not to mention a cross-country motorcycle.
If you want a more reliable and interesting car, this bike will be an excellent choice. Parts for it are easy to get, considering how much most of these parts cost. According to the description of those who have been using this car for a long time, it almost immediately pleases you with comfort; you practically don’t need to get used to it.
If you need to drive hundreds of kilometers on a flat road, this car is just right. It’s another matter if we’re talking about thousands of kilometers, then it’s time to think about a touring motorcycle or a touring enduro. And it's not that this is a bad model, it's just that the class itself is intended for something else.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the Yamaha XVS 1100 Drag Star is a magnificent motorcycle for its era, which combines decent technical characteristics and elegant design. Even if this is a modern car, it is already clear that it will go down in history.
History of the model
The first motorcycle that Yamaha created became very popular in its time, so the company continued producing motorcycles.
Over time, production increased and the company decided to expand production and begin supplying its motorcycles to the USA.
In order to interest American consumers, the company decided to create a motorcycle belonging to the “cruiser” class, made in the American classic style, which was set by Harley Davidson motorcycles.
The first “cruiser” from Yamaha was the Virago bike, equipped with a 750 cc air-cooled engine. This happened in 1981.
This model was quite successful and was in demand almost until the mid-90s, after which the demand for them decreased significantly.
To restore its former glory, Yamaha released a new model called Drag Star to replace the Virago in 1995. The first motorcycles were equipped with a 650 cc engine .
This version had the full name Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star. This model was interesting, but it could not compete with Harley Davidson due to its small-capacity engine.
To rectify the situation, in 1998 the company launched a more solid cruiser model called the Yamaha XVS1100 Drag Star.
This motorcycle could already easily compete with Harleys . It will be discussed below.
Yamaha XVS 1100 - Brief Review
Yamaha XVS 1100 Drag Star / Yamaha XVS 1100 Drag Star
Yamaha XVS 1100 Drag Star series motorcycles were produced in 2 versions: Custom and Classic. These typically Japanese cruisers with classic proportions are a worthy compromise between weak “six hundred” and heavy motorcycles in the “one and a half liter and above” class. The harmonious design of the Yamaha XVS 1100 is made in the “Harley” spirit. The external detailing of these motorcycles, as well as their finishing, is a tribute to the classic canons.
The powerful air-cooled V-twin is characterized by a reliable and simple design. For better response, the ignition system uses signals from the electronic throttle position sensor. The 5-speed transmission is distinguished by sufficient clarity and rather large shift strokes. A huge plus is the cardan transmission, which requires a minimum of attention and maintenance. Typically a chopper frame does the job well.
Sufficiently dense suspensions match the class of the Yamaha XVS 1100 - they are energy-intensive and soft, without compromising handling. The front double-disc layout and single-disc rear layout provide the heavy cruiser with decent braking dynamics. The anatomical shape of a comfortable saddle with lumbar support and a comfortable fit allow you to relax while enjoying the road.
Yamaha drag star 400 modifications
Two modifications of the Yamaha drag star 400 appeared on the market at the same time: custom and classic. Motorcycles have different seats, fork covers, fenders and headlights. In addition, the classic modification has a larger rear wheel than the Custom modification.
Yamaha drag star 400 classic
Owners claim that the Yamaha drag star 400 classic has a higher level of comfort due to its wide and comfortable seat. In addition, the wing of the classic modification protects from water and dirt flying from under the wheels.
Yamaha Drag Star Classic. 400 cu.m. Profile photo
Yamaha drag star 400 custom
Yamaha drag star 400 custom for aggressive riding. This modification is lighter in weight and has a narrower steering wheel. This model is faster, but the stability is worse than the classic one.
Yamaha drag star 400 custom. Profile photo
Flaws
Overall, the motorcycle is reliable and solid, not the most expensive in its class.
The width of the tires is also considered a disadvantage. If the front ones changed from version to version, the rear one was constant, 170 mm. For roads where there may be nails, twigs, glass and other debris that could pierce the camera, the driver had to carry two spare tires, front and rear.
If in automotive realities this is not so critical, then in a motorcycle it created additional problems.
and dignity
We can say that this bike is average in everything, which is why motorcycle enthusiasts like it.
The undoubted advantages due to which the model is still in demand include:
- high reliability of the power plant;
- excellent level of comfort for a bike;
- soft suspension that absorbs all road irregularities well.
Power point
The classic air-cooled engine with two valves per cylinder is a simple design without any frills or frills.
Starting with the first Virago, versions for Americans are equipped with a 2-cylinder 4-stroke V-engine
- camber angle - 750;
- working volume - 1061 cm3;
- power - 62 hp;
- maximum torque - 85.0 Nm;
- number of valves - 4 (2 per cylinder);
- cooling - air;
- fuel supply - carburetor;
- ignition - electronic;
- start - electric starter, kick starter leg present.
Transmission and clutch
The principle is standard, the gears are switched on one after another, without the possibility of skipping (sequential scheme). It does not cause any problems, although some users note a rather free and long travel of the clutch pedal, which takes some getting used to. The drive is cardan.
Torque from the engine to the rear wheel is transmitted using a driveshaft.
The clutch is standard for Yamaxa models - 2 discs, oil bath.
