The Star motorcycles philosophy is "Make it your own".  I agree with that. The V Star 1300T, as it comes from the factory, is a darn good motorcycle. Smooth, comfortable, good looking, good gas mileage, with 80 cubic inches of 'OH MY GOD!' power and speed. The only Star factory accessories I ordered with it, were the luggage rack, and passenger floor boards. I felt it needed a few small changes to make it a GREAT motorcycle for me.

First modification was changing the handlebars.  I'm not a big guy, well, not big in height anyway, and the reach was just a bit too much for me. And it had a vibration that would put my right hand 'asleep' after 20-30 miles. I went with the Star RSTD bars (Part #1D6-26110-01-00). The stock bars have a pullback of 10.5 inches, the RSTD's have a pullback of 14.5 inches. That additional 4 inches closer to me made it a perfect fit. This specification is debatable. Some list the stock bars at 10.5 inches, some list it as 12 inches. Either way, the difference fit me perfectly. From my point of view, it was a no-brainer on what bars to use. The RSTD bars gave me the pullback I needed, and still used the stock cables. That saved a few hundred dollars in not having to replace cables.

Once the bars are changed, a decision on grips must be made. Replace them with Kuryakyn ISO grips (Part #6235), or reuse the stock grips. Stock grips require purchasing new RSTD end caps (2 needed - Part #1D6-26246-00-00) and end bolts (2 needed - Part #90110-06123-00), which are just about $10 more than the price of Kuryakyn ISO grips. I opted for the Kuryakyn's. They are a little fatter than stock, better vibration absorption, and I think, better looking. Cost: $56

Next, the stock tall windshield, as it comes from the factory, gives just a flat out and simple, HORRIBLE ride! It stands up too straight, and creates a large wind buffeting area for the rider. Best way to describe it, is that it turn's the rider into a 'bobble head' toy. Fixing this is a two part process.

1. Change angle of windshield (to match angle of forks)

2. Add 'Lowers'

Changing the angle is a simple process, just drill an additional hole in the windshield bracket over 1/2 inch from the original top hole. This mod gave an additional benefit besides changing the angle to match the angle of the front end, the increased angle also effectively makes the windshield height shorter, approximately the height of a medium shield, instead of the tall shield. Easier to see over, if needed in inclement weather.

Next is lower's. Star, in it's infinite wisdom does not supply a set of lowers for this machine. There are 3 options. Custom make your own, buy a set of Buck's Lower's, or modify a set made for a different motorcycle.

I went with modifying a set of lowers that Kuryakyn makes for a HD (Part #1105). They were about 1/3rd the price of Buck's lowers, and the added advantage of being chrome, not Plexiglas. The modification needed to adapt this set of lowers to the 1300 is minuscule, just drilling 1 hole in the lower itself, to match up with the lower bolt hole on the 1300's windshield bracket. Adding the lowers also give an additional visual advantage, it hides the hole drilled in the windshield bracket to change the angle. After installation, it makes both modifications look like a 'from the factory' product.

These two changes make the 'bobble head' effect totally disappear. For the small amount of cost, the benefit is amazing. Cost: $62

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Next, the person that named the scoot the "Other Woman" rode with me often and really hated the seat. Well she did, before she got her own. In one of our 'discussions' about the seat, in a heated moment, I foolishly used the "GET YOUR OWN" line, and promised her I would buy her a bike if she passed the motorcycle safety course. Damn if she didn't surprise me and actually do it! (The Minx Marauder Website) On the 1300, the driver's seat is passable, but the passenger seat is horrible. I was looking at the "Ultimate Seats", they are by far, the most comfortable seats for the 1300 I have found. But that is NOT an inexpensive fix. And I was not in love with it's looks, seemed too bulky; like it should be on a Goldwing, not a 1300. I went to a less expensive seat. The Saddleman Explorer Special, with studs, from Shane for $340. (SS Custom Cycles Website) This seat is a vast improvement over stock, both in looks & comfort.

• DAMN good looking. Being a 1 piece seat, much more of the Corbin look, than the Mustang look. quality is excellent
• passenger seat is 'Momma Approved'
• since it uses front key lock, and existing rear bracket, no harder to get under seat if needed than stock, or to use the helmet lock. Just unlock it, lift it up, or slide it off.
• definitely 1 inch lower, as measured where my eyes hit the windshield
• maybe a half inch closer to bars, if that. very close to stock
• the seat 'bucket' works like a backrest. Height is from my butt to a few inches over my belt
• feel is much more IN the bike with the saddleman,  than ON the bike with the stock seat. Much more control in the 'twisties' because your butt is planted, no sliding around
• like all new seats, feels too firm at first. Takes a few hundred miles to 'mold' to your butt

Second issue was the height of the stock passenger pad. Star does not make a 'tall' passenger backrest for the 1300. What it does make, is more like a butt stop, then a back pad. I was lucky enough to find DarnMike in the 1300 forums, who made a solid stainless steel extension, that raises the passenger pad about 4 3/4 inches. The fit & finish of these are as good as anything Star produces, and I couldn't be happier. Puts the pad in the middle of her back, and she loves it. If you are married, you understand the necessity to keep her happy! Cost: $150

3rd issue was what the heck do you do with TWO $300 helmets when you park? Trust everyone's honest nature? That didn't fly for me. The solution to this was a product named "Helmet Guardian". Adds 2 helmet locks to the license plate bracket, one on each side. Cost: $44

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Removed the plastic chrome 'Stan' strip from the tank, and changed to a more personalized look by using vinyl decals from www.purpleharley.com

Now, there is one thing all 1300 owners have to admit... the horn is UGLY! Added a chrome cover to help it a bit; added a new Air Cleaner cover. When I purchased the passenger floorboards, I should have paid the extra, and gotten the chrome ones. Didn't, so that left a real plain looking area. Turned out to be a perfect place to add another personalized decal.

I did find one product I would HIGHLY recommend to all motorcycle riders. We live (or die) on the condition of our tires. And we just do NOT check our air pressure often enough. And there is no way we can hurt ourselves faster. There is a product named Accu-Pressure Tire caps. This is the most inexpensive tire insurance you can buy. I found about 200 sets of them on Ebay. Cost $2.37

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As I walk up to my bike, I can instantly see if my tire pressure is OK, Green is good, yellow means -4 lbs, red means -10 lbs. The peace of mind this supplies, is worth far more than its insignificant cost.

• Custom Tank Decals
• Saddleman Explorer Seat
• Chrome Horn Cover
• Ride To Live Air Cleaner
• Accu-Pressure Tire Caps
• SSCS Lowering Kit
• Helmet Guardian Locks

• Low Speed O2 Mod
• Cobra Fi2000R O2
• Drilled Air Box
• Guardian Bell
• Stan Removed
• Drilled Exhaust

Well, That's about it for the this rendition of "Make It Mine". I will update both the bike, and this page, as time goes on, and I have enough extra cash to really go nuts! LOL

Tipi

Email: Tipi@LiveFree-RideHard.com