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Review Yamaha XVS 1100 A Drag Star Classic

Heavy in motion

Cruiser. Isn’t that those sluggish motorcycles with bad brakes and dusty designs? Nice ?? but not necessarily. The 1100 Yamaha Drag Star Classic does away with some prejudices.

Yamaha has a knack for custom bikes: The Virago models already seemed to have leased success, the XVS 650 Drag Star and, since 1999, the 1100s are also very popular. Chopper for the masses. But chopping is out. Cruising is in. That is why both drag stars were given a classic version with a discreetly renovated dress, which, especially with the XVS 1100 A, is reminiscent of the mother of all modern cruisers: the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy.
And in contrast to the conventional Drag Star, the Classic is a fat boy in every respect: a 130 mm front tire and larger, sweeping fenders make for a (heavy) appearance, and at 298 kilograms the Classic is almost half a pound heavier than the classic Basic version. The front seems to be milled from solid, massive fork bars with metal cladding and across in front of it a mighty tube, at the ends of which are the indicators. The driver has a clear view of the chrome-plated headlight housing, in which the world is distorted and reflected as if through a wide-angle lens.
Very important innovations, the icing on the cake on the cruiser, are the rocker switch and the running boards in VW Beetle format. Down a gear: One step on the front pedal, to upshift one on the back with the heel of the boot. Too bad that the side stand mount near the gear lever is in the way of big shoes and so occasionally for rather uncool switchers.
After getting used to it, it works with the gear changes. Then the driver is the "cruisiest ?? all exercises: shift gears early and enjoy torque. A light one in the saddle of the Drag Star Classic, the engine pulls through beefy from idle. The V2 also copes with high speeds without complaint, but it runs out of steam in terms of performance.
When strolling in the large corridor, the Yamaha exudes the nonchalance that cruising is all about. What is still missing is decent sound. This V2 doesn’t bubble, it doesn’t rumble, the engine sounds like the distant "flap, flap, flap" of a helicopter. So quietly that the drag-star driver’s thoughts are constantly revolving around an accessory exhaust system. Nothing illegal, of course, just a little more bass would be nice.
Until there is enough money for other pots, the many loving details of the XVS cheer you up. Alone in the driver’s field of vision there is more all around than on some other motorcycle. The massive hand levers, for example? ergonomically shaped and enough material to mill a fork bridge from it. The brake fluid sloshes in a matt polished aluminum container that couldn’t be nicer. And the perfectly shaped handlebar swings from hand to hand in wide arcs. In tight corners, however, thighs and handlebar ends get in each other’s way. But when does a cruiser draw such small radii??
For example, with a sporty approach on winding streets in the Black Forest. The Drag Star chassis is quite tempting. The typical cruiser design of the suspension travel ?? a lot in front, little behind? and the elevator-like gimbal reactions during load changes do not interfere in the winding curve. Despite the long wheelbase and flat steering head, the load can be jagged into an inclined position for cruiser conditions. And even some sports drivers would be happy about the effective brakes. Unlike many Yamaha, the super brakes of the YZF-R1 are not installed, but the pliers of the ordinary XVS 1100. The foot brake lever, like the running boards, seems to be reminiscent of the VW Beetle: Here and there, there is a standing pedal.
Loud running boards herald the end of the lean angle, and that’s why the driver leaves it to a short sprint, even if the Drag Star is incredibly fun. Your real purpose is relaxed gliding. See and be seen. The boulevard can also be a little longer, as the range and seating comfort are generous. In the back seat, however, there is little to laugh about; in the long run the upholstery is far too hard.
S.But olists who have 18,390 marks and something for fat boys can choose the Classic with a clear conscience. Nicely finished and easy to drive, the 1100 Yamaha is difficult to maintain. A real cruiser without the usual side effects. In other words: »born to be mild. ??

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