Motorcycle info help needed.

Chako · **on:** April 22, 2014, 02:08:29 AM

I have a 2009 V-star 1100 that I love dearly. It is my second motorcycle and I have added a lot of things to it. Oddly enough, I have saved the performance stuff for last because I was hesitant to do such upgrades. What I have done to the bike is extensive, and I am thinking there are 2 last things I would like to upgrade to make it my perfect motorcycle.

I have added so far:
1. Kuryakin ISO grips with palm rest.
2. Mechanical cruise control device.
3. A Batwing fairing with windshield and extra deflectors.
4. a lot of chrome for looks.
5. A Mustang seat with backrest.
6. Hard saddle bags.
7. Riser with new control cables to get the handlebar moved backwards 2 inches.
8. The all important Oil filter kit.
9. Light bar with two extra front facing lamps.

Now it is time to think about exhaust and air filter kit. I spent a lot making the motorcycle fit me better. I am happy to say I have very comfortable with it as it now sits. Last summer's riser and cabling and seat upgrade really helped with my comfort. Prior to that, I had added a batwing fairing and saddle bags to turn the 1100 into a bagger. This year, I think it should be about performance.

Last year I did a fair amount of highway travel with it. I found that at highway speeds, the motorcycle vibrates somewhat and appears to need a 6th gear which it lacks. In the city, the motorcycle performs nicely with no complaints. On the highway though, I just wished it would have an overdrive gear to settle the motorcycle. Not that much of a deal breaker, as it is more than drive-able. I just wished it was a little more refined.

After some research, I am thinking it might be time for an exhaust and air breather kit. I know this will also require a needle kit for the carburetor as well. I would like to settle it down at highways speeds if possible, and also have a little extra rumble sound wise. I do like the note of the stock exhaust. At least my neighbours aren't complaining, however, if I could up the note a little, it would sound perfect. This means I am shying away from drag pipes. I don't much care for the loudness. I just want a little more authority. I feel that if my Triumph America had a little more sound to it, I could have maybe not been in an accident were a car ran me off the road by side swiping me.

With that said, I am thinking of a 2 into 1 system. I hear this might give me what I want. Possibly looking at the Cobra 2 into 1 PowerPro or PowerPro HD. I haven't the faintest idea what is the difference other than a slight change in looks. These are full replacement mufflers. I wonder if slip-ons would do the job also. I need to do a lot more research however...which is the reason why I am posting this. Anyone have any ideas on exhaust systems and what one might recommend for my motorcycle?

I have also read a lot of bad press about the Kuryakin hypercharger. They do look cool however, but I am looking for something that might work better and maybe look less cool. I am currently looking at a Arlen Ness Big Sucker air filter, but I have several questions on these I need to find out. No clue what they mean by stage 1 or stage 2, and I have to wonder how often I would have to clean the filter as it appears to be very exposed to inclement weather. Does anyone have an idea on what would make a great air breather kit for a V Star 1100?

Any ideas and thoughts would be much appreciated. This looks like it might just be the last major upgrade I can do to the motorcycle. I know most people usually add an exhaust system first, but I decided to leave such things for last because the whole notion of more noise and less fuel economy had me concerned for many years. Now that I am on the Highway more, I am trying to smooth out the ride for more long distance riding if at all possible. I know more power is always a nice thing.

ducttapetech · **Reply #1 on:** April 22, 2014, 02:36:40 AM

I have no idea. Not to familar with that bike. I do think like you. I don't much care for a loud bike. Air breather is a good idea. I just don't know what kind for that bike.
One thing I do know, by the sounds of everything you have done, I bet it is one sweet ride.
Sorry I can't help.

live from Nate's mobile

Chako · **Reply #2 on:** April 22, 2014, 03:15:03 AM

I have it dialed in now for comfort. It took me a few years to eliminate the stock seat as I thought it didn't feel that bad. However, I once took a nasty dip by surprise and almost fell off the back end of it. Thankfully I had a grip on the handlebars. That is when I started to seriously consider a seat with a backrest.

Here it is, taken last summer.

Chako · **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2014, 03:29:58 AM

Yeah, I guess I am trying to pick other opinions on:

1. Slip on or full system exhaust.
2. Hypercharger versus other systems.
3. What brand might make a good exhaust system.
4. 2 into 2 or 2 into 1.

From what I sort of understand, a 2 into 1 might be better than the stock 2 into 2. I thought Cobra might be a good maker, but I understand there are others. Whatever I select, I do want to eliminate bluing, which means I would either look for a full heat shield, or something with a coating to prevent bluing. I am not a big fan of bluing of pipes.

As for the air filter, that is still up in the air. I know the Hypercharger looks cool, but there is a lot of online negatives about poor performance at highway speed. I am happy with city performance. Its on the highway I wish it would be a bit more refined. If I could add an overdrive gear on it, it would be perfect, but I can't. I guess the whole impetus for this upgrade is to get better highway characteristics if possible.

lowtech · **Reply #4 on:** April 22, 2014, 12:03:45 PM

I do repair bikes as a night time job for friends and friends of friends - I´ll have to look up specs on your US-Version of teh bike, but I´ll think about it a bit.

First advice: Don´t choose a breather/filter kit by looks.

More later on...

Enjoy your bike!

Chako · **Reply #5 on:** April 22, 2014, 12:50:06 PM

Much appreciated. I know this is a multi tool forum, but we do have a lot of varied membership. I thought someone might have an opinion on which way I should go. Still doing research on the topic and to be truthful, there appears to be a lot of mixed messages online.

Chako · **Reply #6 on:** April 24, 2014, 12:28:48 PM

I think I may have figured out my air upgrade. I think It might be a Maxair Predator Pro kit.

Here is a 2005 article on the older kit. It states a 10 hp increase and around the same for torque when combined with an aftermarket exhaust system.

http://www.roadbikemag.com/PDFs/InstallationsPDFs/V-StarPower.pdf

My only issue with this, the filters will not be hidden under the gas tank, which means they aren't all that easy to get to. I wonder how much of a pain that will be to change and clean them.

ducttapetech · **Reply #7 on:** April 24, 2014, 01:18:13 PM

I think they should be even easier to get to. They mount on the side of the engine I believe.

live from Nate's mobile

Chako · **Reply #8 on:** April 24, 2014, 01:29:31 PM

I had originally thought that, but these do go under the tank. I believe those that mount on the side of the engine are called pods.

ducttapetech · **Reply #9 on:** April 24, 2014, 01:35:59 PM

Gotcha. What about the pods. We they give your some extra ponies, or not as much as the other?

live from Nate's mobile

Chako · **Reply #10 on:** April 24, 2014, 10:09:09 PM

No idea. I guess I am just going to have to research the living daylights out of this topic before I do anything...that is if I do anything.

jim guy · **Reply #11 on:** April 25, 2014, 04:33:33 AM

Cobra makes pretty good exhaust, bassani does too. 2into1 headers make more power than 2into2. I prefer the looks and sound of 2into2 better. Most full systems are double wall or have heat shields so they wont blue. The hyper chargers are good air cleaners. Ive never had any issues with them. They come with a k&n filter. If your concerend with water getting in, they make a water resistant sock that goes over them. If you just go with slip ons you wont need to re jet the carbs. Full system and hyper charger will have to be jetted and tuned to run proper

jim guy · **Reply #12 on:** April 25, 2014, 04:36:07 AM

Pods are just a simple foam or cloth filter that clamps to the carb itself. I run them on inline 4cyl bikes and my triumph. Not sure if they would work or fit on a v twin that has the carbs under the tank

jim guy · **Reply #13 on:** April 25, 2014, 04:41:15 AM

Slightly off topic but since we are talking bikes! This is me at the track on my busa.

lowtech · **Reply #14 on:** April 25, 2014, 10:19:46 AM

Pod Filters are the things that go on the rubber imntakes on the carbs - No matter where they end up.
In case of your bike, they end up under the tank, because that´s where the original Airbox was. A HD twin for example has the Carb mounted pointing out of the V , at teh place where the chroem cover sits on your bike, so that´s where a Pod would end up there. Usually yoiu use more of a pancake syle filter there to have room for your knee.

I would think cleaning the filters is no big deal, it´s recommended every 30000 mls or something like that and removing the tank is no problem.
After reading your link, i´d say go for that mod if it is in your budget - 10 horses are a lot.
And it´s always good to use proven parts like teh combination used in teh feature. If you decide to use other parts, I´d suggest to have them tuned to work together properly by a pro with emission testing and dyno equipment. Nothing worse that spending money on performance parts that will decrease power output or make your engine run lean because they don´t fit together or are not propelry tuns.
Here in Germany it would be an illegal mod as you alter the power output, emissions and sound. You´d need a certificate stating the actual nois level and have it comply with the current law, have an emissions test and a dyno certicficate so the new power output can be written doen in the papers.
Even if it was possible to legalize a mod like that over here, in most cases the paperwork is more expensive than the parts and labour.

The only problem I can imagine is that you move the intake under the tank where heat builds up on longer stop-and go or rush-hour traffic phases so that the engine will take in heated air and loose power under that circumstances.

Chako · **Reply #15 on:** April 26, 2014, 10:35:01 PM

Thanks for the information.

Well, last weekend I couldn't start my motorcycle. Everything pointed to the battery, so I placed it back onto the charger and left it there for a few days, and still no show. A friend of mine lent me his battery charger and after a few hours of charging, the motorcycle purred like a kitten. I am relieved. I figured I might have to remove the gas from the tank, etc.

So now, when I get my Jeep back from the body shop, I will buy a better battery charger. I have 3 in the garage but they are all too powerful for a motorcycle battery, and the one I was using, well, that one may not be working at good as I thought. Mind you, when I had my motorcycle accident back in 2010, I had just bought it from Canadian Tire and was returning home with it...so it may have been slightly damaged in the crash even though it worked fine these past few years.

And the fun continues. While removing the bolt that holds the battery cover in place, the darn thing slipped out and fell somewhere. I have looked inside the motorcycle with a flashlight, a magnetic picker, etc to no avail. I have looked all over the garage floor as well. Wouldn't you know it must have crossed the time warp continuum, as it plain vanished. I even rocked the bike back and forth to see if I could hear the infernal part. That is a first on me. shrugs.

So now I will have to order a replacement bolt or something. Can't do that without my vehicle though...and the shop has had it since last Monday. Sigh.

Chako · **Reply #16 on:** May 12, 2014, 01:11:07 PM

Well I just pulled the trigger on a Maxair Predator Pro breather kit for my motorcycle. I kept fence sitting on the issue. Now I have nowhere to go but forward. At least the kit comes with everything needed, including carb needles.

http://www.maxairengineering.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=prod&Product_Code=mk-yvs1-P

Now that I have finally jumped on my last bike upgrade pathway, now all I need to consider is new exhaust. Still undecided if I should buy a whole new exhaust system such as the Cobra 2 into 1 Pro HD, or go with slip ones such as the Vance and Hines Classic II's.

What I do know is I want something that won't annoy the neighbours, or myself.

EDIT: I bought the nicest battery charger ever. It will even do diagnostics.

http://www.optimate.co.uk/optimate%206.htm

This quickly told me my original gel battery was DOA. Got a replacement now, and good to go.

toolguy · **Reply #17 on:** May 12, 2014, 06:15:24 PM

Nice ride.I went trough some of the very same upgrades as yourself.It's a fun trip,enjoy.

Here is what I ride.

Chako · **Reply #18 on:** May 16, 2014, 12:04:46 PM

That looks beautiful.

I bought the air breather, but am now uncertain if I still want to go with this upgrade of sorts. I have done a lot more digging, and I do not want loud pipes. It appears the only non OEM exhaust systems out there make too much noise for my liking.

The whole "loud pipes saves lives" is a stupid argument. Fact is, most people that get you will turn into you, or come at you head on...not hearing that annoying overly loud exhaust to let them know you are there.

So now I am waffling again. I do like my neighbours.

toolguy · **Reply #19 on:** May 17, 2014, 12:36:17 AM

Thanks.

You may want to look at a company called Supertrapp.They provide a noticeable increase in performance with only about an 8DB increase in sound.

I used them on an '84 Yamaha V-Max as well as an '89 Harley FXRS-SP.They provided a dramatic increase in performance with a modest and acceptable increase in noise.

They're a tunable exhaust based upon your performance modifications.

Keep us informed.

Chako · **Reply #20 on:** May 17, 2014, 01:09:19 AM

Thanks for the info. I went to their official website, and they do not make an exhaust system for my motorcycle.

toolguy · **Reply #21 on:** May 17, 2014, 01:12:51 AM

I'm sorry.

They didn't even offer slip ons for your V-Star?

That's crazy,since they do make systems for other Yamahas.

Chako · **Reply #22 on:** May 17, 2014, 02:02:11 AM

Nothing. There is also something I found that I thought might work...but after thinking about it...that would play havoc on your motor. It is called a peacemaker exhaust. I checked and they only make one for my bike up to 2003, and mine is a 2009. However, bonus marks for making one of the corniest video.

Chako · **Reply #23 on:** May 18, 2014, 09:43:59 PM

I still haven't decided which way to go yet. On the flip side, I had a nice ride today.

toolguy · **Reply #24 on:** May 18, 2014, 10:19:15 PM

Hey brother you'd fit right in. LOL.

Chako · **Reply #25 on:** May 18, 2014, 11:03:59 PM

Chako · **Reply #26 on:** May 24, 2014, 05:45:48 AM

I talked to a police officer at work today, as I was fence sitting once again. I asked him about his thoughts about after market exhaust. He looked at me and told me that was a gray area of the law, and what was I waiting for, go for it so long as they weren't straight pipes.

With that last piece of the puzzle down, the new exhaust should come in later next week. Still haven't received my air breather kit yet.

Chako · **Reply #27 on:** May 28, 2014, 12:25:24 AM

Update...got the air breather kit from Maxair in the mail today. Still waiting for the Cobra 2 into 1 Power Pro HD exhaust to come in. Should come in later this week.

toolguy · **Reply #28 on:** May 29, 2014, 04:40:14 AM

Cobra makes good equipment.

Keep us updated when installation is completed,with pics of course.

Chako · **Reply #29 on:** May 30, 2014, 02:47:29 AM

Got the exhaust system in today. Now I have all the parts required for the next upgrade build. Only have to talk to the Yamaha dealer to have them installed.

Hello Lurker! Remove this ad and much more by logging in.

Motorcycle info help needed.

Donations

Community Links