2013 Yamaha V Star 1300 Deluxe

2013 YamahaV Star 1300 Deluxe

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QIUCKRIDE

V Stands for Value

"CASUAL FULL DRESS” was the catchline of the day at Yamaha’s introduction for the V Star 1300 Deluxe. Senior Product Planner, Aaron Bast, used the phrase to describe trunkless touring cruisers that utilize fork-mounted fairings and are generally lighter in weight and amenities than their more fully full-dressed cousins. That would mean Harley-Davidson’s Street and Road Glides and Kawasaki’s Vaquero CFD tourers, as opposed to Victory’s Vision or Honda’s luxury-laden F6B.

Bast also told us it’s not just about looking cool anymore. Those days are gone. Today’s riders want a bike that’s a statement, sure, but it must also be a wise choice with curb appeal and practical amenities. Most important to current buyers, says Bast, is value.

This is where it all makes perfect sense. At $13,690, the V Star Deluxe is a lot of bagger for the buck. Its only competitors are the aforementioned big guns, which are $3400 to $6000 more than this latest Star and don’t offer standard GPS or Satellite radio capability.

I had a day and a half to me~tsur he Deluxe's valueto-cap ratio ou~the ` a~y o road iface~n4tcLä~-~tra1 41forh~'s~ Barbara. This included twisting backroads, tattered single lanes, sweeping highways and bum-numbing freeways.

Performance-wise, there were no surprises. Ninety percent of this new model already exists in the triedand-true V Star 1300 and V Star 1300 Tourer. These models use a liquid-cooled 60-degree V-Twin that spools up nicely, especially at higher revs. Well-tuned injection delivers the goods smoothly. With its double-cradle steel frame, belt final drive, plush, well-controlled suspension and beefy brakes, the V Star 1300 is a pleasure to ride on winding backroads. Star’s V Star 1300s are a tad excitable at middle-of-the-country Interstate speeds, and due to quick steering, a relatively high center of gravity and extra-wide handlebar, they require a commanding hand in parking-lot maneuvers.

For touring, the Deluxe is quite comfortable for riders sub XL. The all new batwing fairing and tall windshield, combined with situp ergonomics, stock floorboards and a wide, supportive rider’s seat, make a picnic out of long spells in the saddle. The pearl in the batwing’s oyster is the integrated, yet easily removable, Garmin zhmo 665 GPS/ audio system, which provides glove-friendly touchscreen, tum-by-tum navigation, 3D views and free lifetime map updates. It’s also Bluetooth compatible, waterproof and SiriusXM-capable, so subscribers can have on-the-fly access to all-important weather and traffic conditions.

A hand controller just off the left grip lets you toggle between iPod and satellite radio, as well as set the volume and select music tracks. It’s very functional and easy to use. Sound from the two fairing-mounted speakers is surprisingly bold and clear.

Other touring-oriented assets include new Deluxespecific, top-loading hard saddlebags that hold a respectable 15.2 gallons total. That’s 5.2 gallons more than the V Star 1300 Tourer’s bags. The Deluxe bags are lockable, as well, and play a key role in the bike’s pleasant aesthetic.

Out on the road, 4.9 gallons of unleaded fuel will come in handy, and if the Deluxe is on par with its siblings, you can expect 35 to 40 mpg.

Yamaha researchers could be right. Maybe it’s no longer about looking like we jusfföde out of some biker flick. But turning heads while making a buying decision that’s easy on our banK accounts? That will alwaysbe cool.

Jamie Elvidge

$13,690