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V Star 1100 mods/upgrade advice needed

54K views 37 replies 18 participants last post by  rebeckstrom  
#1 ·
Hi friends,

I own a 2003 Yamaha V Star 1100 Custom which is untouched i.e. everything stock.

I want to get some work done on the bike this year and the list is as follows:

1. Replace stock pipes with slip-ons or change the exhaust system completely.

Ive done some research and the decision is still not clear. Should I change the full pipe or should I get the slip-ons. The reason I want to do this is because the motorcycle sounds dangerously soft on the road.

If I get slip-ons, do I re-jet the carbs? Is that recommended or a necessity?

I assume it would be a necessity if the entire exhaust system is changed.


2. Add new tires.

This is long overdue and ive got 30k on the stock Dunlops. Any suggestions on a decent pair of tires? I was thinking Metzeler 880. I was looking at motorcycle-superstore.com but other websites / stores welcome.


3. Install Hypercharger or change Air Filter

This one may be more cosmetic than helpful but id love some input. I read a lot online about how these increase the power in a bike but wouldn’t a K&N air filter do almost exactly that? Maybe not as much but pretty close? If you have added a hypercharger on your bike and noticed a world of difference - I wanna know.

Also, would it be better to get 1. and 3. done together since re-jetting the carbs will definitely need to be done if a Hypercharger is installed? Am I right?

Your responses and comments are appreciated.

Thanks in advance. Cheers!
 
#2 · (Edited)
1. Just buy a full exhaust. Slip-ons do little for power and if you buy new - cost roughly the same as a full exhaut.

2. Can't comment on the Metzelers - never had, always heard good things though.

3. Don't bother with either. KN Air Filter makes no difference. Hypercharger is a small difference, but for less money you can get yourself a nice set of Pod filters and get much more power. (Check out http://www.sscustomcycle.com/products/engine/v-star1100.shtml or http://www.metric-magic.com/DragonsBreath.htm )


I had a KN Filter and V-H slip ons..No big difference from stock. The slip ons had a nice sound underload but were pretty quiet at idle.
 
#3 ·
3. Don't bother with either. KN Air Filter makes no difference. Hypercharger is a small difference, but for less money you can get yourself a nice set of Pod filters and get much more power. (Check out http://www.sscustomcycle.com/products/engine/v-star1100.shtml or http://www.metric-magic.com/DragonsBreath.htm )
Whoa! That Dragon's Breath looks badass! I wonder how much i'll have to shell out for installation. I'm in Toronto, Canada and toys are pretty expensive to maintain here.
 
#4 ·
I would recommend doing 1 and 3 together.

Hypercharger makes little difference, it's mostly cosmetic. If you would like more power I would go with the POD's as recommended. :)
 
#5 ·
I would leave the exhaust alone and just cutout the bafles. That sounds better than most new systems. It won´t cost you anything. Then do a pod kit and rejet. OH, you should plug your AIS before you rejet, too.
The pods will up your power and improve the look and the removal of the AIS will help the look on the other side.
I use Pirelli front and back. Good milage, good ride and I put in Dynabeads to get moe milage out of the tires.
Good luck with your Project and let us see some pics as you progress
 
#6 ·
It all depends on your budget. I'll start off with the tire question, I ride Metzeler 888's and find they have good grip in the wet and are very smooth. Other people I know ride the Michelin commander 2 and they love them. Check out the prices.

I'm going to be installing a pods set up from SScustoms to go along with my V+H slipons (budget doesn't allow full exhaust at this time). The hyper charger looks nice but imo it's mainly esthetic.

So there you go anothe POV ;)
 
#7 ·
Have the Metzeler's as well. Like them a lot. Much better than the Dunlop's I had previously.
 
#8 ·
Thanks all for the great responses so far.

My tire config is as follows:

Front tire
110/90-18 M/C 61 H

Rear tire
170/80-15 M/C 77 H

I would love a pair of Commander 2's but they don't come in the front tire size (i think). Metzeler 880 is the only decent pair ive found.


As for the pods, are they easy to install? How long do you think it would take a dealership to install them.

I'm from Toronto so (when the weather improves) i'll get everything shipped to a shop across the border in NY and have them install it all in one go.

Due to the nature of the upgrade i.e tires + pipes + air supply + rejet i think my wallet is going to get stretched a bit thin.

To offset that I'm thinking for going in for Jardine Drag Slip-Ons

I can get them for $165 and free shipping on motorcycle-superstore.com

Thoughts? I don't want to cheap out on tires.

Also, for the readers from NY state do you have a mechanic or a shop you trust?
 
#14 ·
Front tire
110/90-18 M/C 61 H

I would love a pair of Commander 2's but they don't come in the front tire size (i think). Metzeler 880 is the only decent pair ive found.
If your bike is completely stock then they make Commander II's for them. However, when I bought mine a lot of places were out of stock.

Also, my manual says that the front tire is 110/90-18M/C 61S
 
#13 ·
This will not hurt your bike.



I guess I said it at the beginning. Nearly everyone i have talked to who ownes an 1100 has done this bafle removal. It is easy, takes some time, but tghe end result is a nice sound. Rejet afterward because you have unbalanced the intake and output of the carbs pressure.
Go for it.
 
#10 ·
I'll throw in my 2 cents that's worth 1 cent: 1) Tires are crucial. Do those first. Not even a debate. I had Dunlops twice and got great performance so much that I stuck w/ them every time I replaced. Can't speak for the brand you listed. 2) K&N I agree is a waste. I've changed them out on several bikes and never could tell a difference at all. And the hypercharger seems cosmetic only. I've heard unless you dyno those things out & spend some serious money on performance then they are pointless. 3) Exhaust: You can remove the baffle in your factory pipes. It's a pain but it's free and definately is louder. Frankly, I saved up $400 and just bougth new exhaust (don't bother w/ slip ons). New pipes just change the overall look of your bike...that's assuming you arent' crazy about your stock pipes of course. But you will want to rejet your carbs if you remove baffles / change pipes. The kit is $15 and my local dealer charged me $75. (I won't touch carbs).

Good luck!
 
#11 ·
I put the MaxAir pod filters on. comes with the jet kit. I used a 1 7/8 hole saw for my pipes. looks cleaner than the one shown above. eventually, I will either have my pipes made or get a full set (more performance, only a little more money in comparison to slip ons). I personally love my Dunlop 404s. I have a buddy who had a hypercharger (not trying to beat a dead horse) and it is a PITA to get them dialed in right (lots of money for testing too). if the looks is what you want, you can get a pod kit, then replace the stock air filter cover with a hypercharger shell. you can even rig up the butterflys to the carb too so it looks like its a working hypercharger. I guess that's my 2 cents (or 3 or 4 cents)
 
#17 ·
I'm going to remove the baffles this season - fairly soon.

Does anyone have a link to any videos out there?

All i've seen are posts and articles with limited pics. What i'm getting confused about is how many layers to drill into. Will drilling out the first layer which shows outside be enough to jiggle the baffles and take them out or will I have to go further in with a screwdriver?

My bike is a 2003 Vstar 1100 Custom

Cheers all and hope everyone is riding safe!
 
#19 ·
Lol. If yadecide to do that invest in a hole saw designed for metal. You will have a much easier time than this dude.
 
#20 ·
I did the hole saw mod on my '03. Took like 10 minutes. There are 2 layers of metal you have to saw through and the second one is about 1/4" further in than the first. There are lots of how to videos on You Tube, just do a search "V Star 1100 exhaust mod". Like mentioned earlier, get a quality hole saw for metal.
Second link is more complicated than the hole saw mod.

This link has some decent directions. Scroll down to the bottom of the page.
http://www.vstar1100.com/exhaust.htm
 
#21 ·
Yeah, I've come across a lot of videos where people show what they've done. However, it was a challenge to find someone actually performing the act from start to finish. Thank you. The second video posted makes the pipes sound real nice. However, that's a bit much for me to do personally.

@Summer: I've got a bi-metal hole saw. That should be good, right?
 
#23 ·
I just bought my 1100 and it came with an extra set of stock pipes. Think I will be experimenting on those soon. I had a coworker that doesn't own a bike comment yesterday about how quiet my bike was.:eek:
 
#24 ·
I agree with all who told you to deal with the tires above all else!!!

As for the air intake: In my opinion the Hypercharger adds some cosmetic appeal, but does little to nothing in terms of performance. Rejetting will be dependent upon the pipes you choose. If you're looking for improved performance, PODs is the way to go.

As for pipes: I spent countless hours of study comparing sound clips, listening to actual pipes on bikes in real time, and discussing them with other riders. I was looking for a deep throaty rumble rather than something that resembled a screaming chain saw or weed wacker. I went with the Samson Ripsaws with standard baffles and was not disappointed.

Let's face it: Modifications are a matter of personal preference. I know guys who have thrown thousands of dollars worth of stuff at their bikes in search of that allusive outcome they seek. Their garages are full of stuff that didn't produce the outcome they were seeking. Others have done their homework prior to purchasing and installing aftermarket products, and are pleased with the outcomes of their choices.

Finally, a closing comment, just a thought to consider: We're talking about an 1100 here. It's nice to try to wring every watt of power that you can out of the machine, but it does have finite limitations due to its size. If one is planning substantial expenditures to improve performance, it might be prudent to simply upgrade to a larger bike.
 
#25 ·
Agreed. Tires have been ordered and will be getting replaced in a week or two. I still haven't taken the bike out of hibernation. The weather in Canada just blows!

I too have spent quite a bit of my time listening to pipes, etc. I guess I was comparing this to the awesome explosive sounds my Harley 883 Sportster with Screaming Eagle pipes used to make. Sigh. I too have been told on many an occasion that it's "nice and quiet".. UGH!

I think i'm going to just drill out the baffles and suck it up on this one the cheaper route. What's the worse that could happen :p

I have ordered a new K&N filter for it though. That should be a good replacement to my paper crap and wake the bike up a bit.

My plan is to move up to a larger bike in the next 3/4 years anyways.

I have time this tuesday to do this so i'll document it properly and make a video for everyone to see.

Wish moi luck ;)!!
 
#36 ·
I too have spent quite a bit of my time listening to pipes, etc. I guess I was comparing this to the awesome explosive sounds my Harley 883 Sportster with Screaming Eagle pipes used to make. Sigh. I too have been told on many an occasion that it's "nice and quiet".. UGH!
Your comment brings to mind this fellow with whom I ride who has quite an inventory of slightly used pipes in his garage. He was never happy with the sound that his bike made inspite of all the money he threw at it in the form of new pipes. I finally figured out that he was trying to make his bike sound like a Harley. I then suggested in jest that if this was his desired outcome, why not simply buy a Harley. Next thing I knew, he had a Harley Road King with Screamin' Eagle pipes on it. Hope he's happy.

On a related note: My ideal has always been a Liner, but I never could bring myself to take the plunge. I've put considerable time, effort, and money into personalizing my 1100 to get it just the way I want it. Now this spring my dealer offered me what I consider to be a fantastic deal on a trade up to a Liner. After some tedious and painful consideration and discussions with my wife, I've come to the conclusion that I'll stay with the 1100. It would cost me thousands to personalize the Liner to my satisfaction, and at the age of 70+ and being of relatively feeble health, how much enjoyment of it do I realistically have left in me?

Apologies for the hijack.
 
#26 ·
When I did the exhaust mod I also modified the stock air box http://www.altsale.com/airmod.htm At that time I rejetted also. Surprised you have not been out yet. Down here in the banana belt of Ontario I've been out riding for 3 weeks. If you have questions on either sent me a PM.
 
#27 ·
Sorry, should have explained why. My bike was out getting painted and a friend and I are going to put it back together this weekend. Plus, my front tire was ordered from the States with someone bringing it for me. I didn't want to go out without getting it changed. I'll go for short rides next week though. Very excited.
 
#28 · (Edited)
Michael pretty much hit the nail on the head. Just one last note...keep in mind that any modifications you make, you will never recoup the money back out of them when you go to sell.....at best you'll get maybe 25% of what you paid.

But....if like me, you like to change things often.....the 1100 is a perfect bike to choose because you can find everything used and pretty cheap. I generally change the total look of my bike every year...so it's really not a matter of things not working out....it's a matter of being bored with the look and wanting a change without having to drop another $5000+ on another used bike.

In the last 6-7 years, the look of motorcycles has changed from the ugly fat rear tire drag stretched look...to the old school hard tail skinny tire lane splitter...and all points in between. It's nice to be able to keep up a bit on the different looks.
 
#29 ·
before another "did you re-jet" question..

ANY TIME You increase air either going in, OR leaving the engine, you WILL have to Re-Jet to have a properly running bike! The bike is set from the factory to have a restrictive intake, and an equally restrictive exhaust and is jetted accordingly. Once you start changing these in and out values, you need to adjust fuel in to make the bike run correctly. Will it run without being re-jetted? Sure, but you will be running lean, burning plugs, heating up the engine un-necessarliy and popping and back firing.