I've got an 05 1100, and it's great. I think that's the last year they made them with carbs -- perhaps it was 06 or something.
Anyway, I've known some people who love the 650s, I've known far more who got sick of it in 6 months to a year, becuase of the lax power. I forget the stock HP, but the 1100 comes with just over 50. . . I've known most people to get that dynoed at around 62-65 or so with pods under the tank, new jets and exhaust. Above that? You're talking stuff like modified cams, etc.
I can tell you that stock, I thought the 1100 was fine everywhere but the highway, where past 120 it screams like its testacles were in a vice, and I was always reaching for the non-existent 6th gear. But with the bike breathing better after mods and rejet, it's fine for power (at least for me -- perhaps I could do with another 10-20hp, but that's it.
I've also ridden the 950 and 1300 Vstars when they came out. I found them to ride very similar -- deadly smooth. it was like riding my buddy's C50 -- the kind of bike where you'd be so relaxed that you'd all of a sudden wonder, "what happened to that last 2 miles?". The 1100 isn't like that. . .it's a good, solid reliable bike, but you 'feel' the ride a bit more. It's got more of a personality, and not in a "this peice of crap is so querky only I can start it", but rather just a bit more of a feel of the road in the ride.
I found the 950 and 1300 to operate much smoother at slow speeds compared to my 1100 -- a trait I noticed as soon as I got mine.
Overall, I still dig the 1100 and get loads of compliments on it from mechanics and enthusiasts who would take it over the 13. Every so often I think about chucking it and getting something else, but can't bring myself to do so.
You mentioned a 1700? Then you're up to things like the raider and strat, which use a 1900cc engine, I beleive. I loved riding the raider. Nice bike. The strat and roadliner always felt like lazyboys on wheels. Always thought they handled like pigs at slow speeds; worse than my 11, that's for sure.
Anyways, all the rides you're looking at are bulletproof, and great purchases. Good luck and we'll see you out there.
Bookmarks