Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic XVS11T: Specs, Background, Performance & More

The motorcycle culture in America is thriving and has become more diverse as more riders register their motorcycles every year. There are various factors behind the growing preference for motorcycles.

The ever-increasing oil prices are one of them. Motorcycles are fuel-efficient and budget-friendly. No wonder more people are shifting from four-wheelers to two-wheelers. The low maintenance, customizability, and freedom to escape the stress of the urban lifestyle also contribute to the increasing popularity of motorcycles.

This has led to an overwhelming influx of motorcycles on the market. More and more brands are utilizing the trial and error approach to capitalize on this motorcycle revolution. Therefore, finding a sturdy motorcycle that will fulfill your daily transportation needs and function as a reliable touring partner can be a difficult task.

If you need a bike with sufficient power, excellent riding comfort, and a good fuel economy, then the Yamaha’s V-Star 1100 lineup may have a model that possesses all of these qualities.

That’s why we have dedicated this bike profile to the Yamaha XVS11T Classic 1100 V-Star cruiser.

Read this review to gather all the necessary information about the Yamaha XVS11T Classic 1100 V-Star cruiser, including its specs, distinct features, price, and aftermarket parts.

Launched in 1999, the Yamaha XVS11T Classic 1100 V-Star cruiser garnered much praise for meeting all the requirements of American cruiser enthusiasts. The cruiser was an addition to the V-Star family first introduced as the 650 cc lineup. As always, the engine of these cruisers monopolized the attention of its target audience with its large 1063 cc displacement, chain-driven SOHC configuration, and advanced V-twin arrangement.

The engine and clean shaft drive of the 1100 V-Star Classic were borrowed from the Yamaha Virago cruiser’s design. But after tuning, the engine became more apt at producing low-end torque for a long and uninterrupted cruising experience.

With the engine and shaft drive perfected, the engineers affixed an all-new suspension system to an authentic frame to provide an exemplary riding experience for Yamaha fans. After all this hard work, the bikes graced the retail floors and were met with tremendous success.

The Yamaha XVS11T Classic 1100 V-Star cruiser did not undergo any more mechanical changes in its 12-year-long-production.

However, Yamaha’s design team experimented with the paint job of the bike, giving the bike a new look almost every year.

Here’s a brief record of color changes of the most sought-after models (2005-2011).

The Yamaha XVS11T Classic 1100 V-Star derives its name from its truly classic looks. From classic paints, heavily chromed headlight cover, pullback handlebars, and teardrop fuel tank, everything about this bike screams retro perfection.

The fuel tank features a stylish speedometer with a large face to allow for quick reading. Moreover, the bike looks timeless and expensive with its metal fenders, shiny cast-aluminum wheels, and liberal use of chrome plating.

The use of chrome on the two-into-two exhaust further augments the bike’s aesthetics.

The revised Virago engine is all about performance and impressive amounts of low-end torque. The air-cooled, SOHC 75° V-twin engine boasts a 1063 cc displacement.

The engine produces a maximum torque at 2500 rpm, allowing for a smooth cruising experience.

The engine features forged pistons that are lightweight, durable, and reduce vibrations at average speeds of 65-75 mph. The two-time Mikuni carburetors come with throttle position sensors, an electric fuel pump, and a side-mounted air filter to provide a crisp throttle response, linear power delivery throughout the rpm range and an uninterrupted flow of fuel to the engine. The engine comes to life with a single turn of the ignition. The single overhead cam reduces the excess noise as the engine starts.

To prevent overheating, the engine features ceramic composite, big-bore plating, and cylinder fins. These specs help maintain an optimum temperature for satisfying engine performance and extended longevity.

The two-into-two exhaust system with dual staggered pipes emits a deep rumble that all cruiser enthusiasts love.

Yamaha XVS11T Classic is a middleweight cruiser. Its power-to-weight ratio makes it easier to change the directions and speed of the bike. This improves the overall handling of the bike, making it a beginner-friendly ride. On the other hand, the low-end to mid-range torque and a top speed of 113 mph keep things fun and interesting for experienced riders.

The five-speed transmission and clean shaft drive offer a smooth riding experience. The multi-plate clutch makes gear shifts an easy task.

The suspension system absorbs all impacts when going over a bumpy road so you can enjoy a smooth ride.

The XVS11T Classic has thick tubeless tires attached to the retro-style aluminum wheels with seven spokes. The front tire of XVS11T Classic is 130 mm wide and the rear tire is 170 mm wide. The tires look stunning, give the bike its commanding profile, and improve the handling and stability of the bike. Thanks to these tires, you don’t have to worry about slippery hazards related to rainy weather.

Just make sure that your tires have the right air pressure and enough grip needed for good traction on wet roads as worn-out tires can be a problem.

Strong motorcycle brakes are crucial to inspire confidence in a rider. Hence, the V-Star engineers affixed a 298 mm double front discs and 282 mm rear disc brakes to the XVS11T Classic cruisers. Both front and rear brakes come with a two-piston caliper, are reliable, and offer substantial stopping power.

The V-Star 1100 Classic is known for its exceptional riding comfort. This bike has proved that riding pain-free for long hours is possible. The low-slung seat is plush and firm so you don’t feel any back pain. The handle grips are large but they won’t tire your hands because the position of the handlebars and floorboards ensure an ideal stance for long-distance cruising. The only problem is that the floorboards touch the ground when doing tight turns around corners.

The Yamaha XVS11T Classic and 1100 Custom share the same dimensions, technical specifications, and muted tank graphics. But the distinct styles of these bikes set them apart from each other.

The 1100 Classic variant has profound vintage-style features such as cast magnesium wheels, long fenders, roomy floorboards, and a wide front tire. The liberal use of chrome on the Classic variant adds to its old-school charm.

On the other hand, the 1100 Custom variant looks modern with its narrow front tire, shiny aluminum rims, bobbed rear fenders, and naked front fork (with no covers).

The Yamaha XVS11T Classic 1100 motorcycle is powered by a V-twin air-cooled 1063 cc engine and can achieve a top speed of 113 mph.

The engine of the Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic features two-time Mikuni carburetors for an accurate supply of air and fuel. Due to its carburetion system, the cruiser offers good engine output and an average mileage of 35.8 mpg.

The Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic XVS11T is a mid-sized cruiser. It has an overall length of 96.9 inches, a width of 37.2 inches, and a height of 43.1 inches. The 28.0-inch high seat gives the bike its long and low profile. The cruiser has a curb weight of 628 lbs. Its well-distributed weight makes it stable, easy to handle, and a good entry-level bike that will suit all riders.

Just like all other models of the Yamaha XVS11T Classic 1100, the 2011 model weighs 628 lbs on a full tank.

Adding a larger, more powerful cruiser to its V-Star lineup was by far the best decision made by Yamaha. Introduced as the 650 cc motorcycle, the V-Star family flourished with the addition of the stunning V-Star 1100 cc motorcycles.

Breathtaking retro looks combined with modern technology and a powerful engine, the XVS11T Classic 1100 motorcycles are able to fulfill all the needs of its riders. From daily commutes to leisurely urban rides, interstate touring, and motorcycle camping trips, these bikes can do it all.

One look at this exquisite traditional cruiser is enough to tempt anyone to customize this bike before going on a camping adventure. One can easily upgrade the motorcycle to suit one’s individual level of comfort and lifestyle needs. This can be done by adding saddlebags, fairings, crash bars, luggage racks, seats, rider and passenger backrests, and sissy bars.

All of these aftermarket parts can be bought online from reliable brands such as Viking Bags at affordable prices.

These add-ons are an investment just like this long-lasting bike. The Yamaha saddlebags will help you carry your belongings not just on long motorcycle trips but also on your commutes to work.

The crash bars can keep you safe from nasty leg injuries that may result from an accident. The seats, sissy bars, and backrests provide excellent riding comfort which is an important factor for an enjoyable cruising experience.