A Review of the 2012 Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer

Middleweight motorcycles have grown by leaps and bounds in the last ten years, and one touring motorcycle that's leading this charge is the 2012 Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer. There's a lot to like in a touring motorcycle that has a price that's just as comfortable as the riding position. In many ways, the V Star 1300 Tourer is an example of the very pinnacle of the evolution of the cruiser motorcycle. It isn't so refined that you feel afraid to take it out of the garage, and it isn't so powerful that you have to twist on the throttle carefully to keep the rear wheel from breaking loose. What it does have is an irresistible style, comfortable ergonomics, and all the charisma you could want in a ride that costs about the same as a bare-bones Dyna Super Glide.

2012 Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer Styling

The single greatest complaint that could be lodged against the 2012 Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer is the fact that it's only available in one color. For 2012, that color is slate gray, but it's important to note that in place of a color selection, Yamaha stylists came up with a great-looking graphics scheme for the tank, including a chrome, three-dimensional tank badge. Marginally out of place is the tall standard windscreen, but again, there's a positive to this in that the larger screen provides more rider and passenger protection from wind buffeting. The luggage packs on the Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer are hard plastic wrapped in leather that conform to the bodywork of the V Star exactly as you would expect it to. Finally, standard equipment includes a passenger backrest that has enough surface area to actually allow itself to be called a backrest, rather than some backrests that do little more than prevent a passenger from falling off.

2012 Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer Engine

Yamaha's 1,304cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine is at the heart of the 2012 Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer, producing loads of torque while keeping the motorcycle's center of gravity low to maintain its handling prowess. The V Star 1300 is a fuel-injected motorcycle that includes roller-rocker arms in the engine valves. This helps to improve the power output of the engine by reducing the friction and heat buildup within the valve train. This is similar technology to what one finds in racing cars. Although the 2012 Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer is a liquid-cooled motorcycle, the bike seeks to retain the clean, uncluttered look of an air-cooled motorcycle. To do this, the radiator is positioned between the front frame rails, as opposed to on top of the frame rails as you see on many competing imported motorcycles. To maintain this look, all the cooling hoses are routed in hidden locations so that they can't be seen in profile.

2012 Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer

Although the only major changes to the Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer occurred last year, and even those weren't particularly drastic, a review of the 2012 Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer would be remiss to avoid mentioning that there is very little, if anything, that actually needed changing on the Tourer. It still has a fresh, new feel and plenty of power for even the most discriminating riders. Perhaps in three or four years, the bike will be due for a few tweaks. For now, however, just enjoy the ride.

Sources:
Star Motorcycles: 2012 Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer: www.starmotorcycles.com