Thread: Repairing and reviewing your motorcycles strengths and weaknesses

As many on TD have a motorcycle/scooter as a first or second form of transport, I was wondering how many encounter inheritant model specific problems and how many do their own repairs. Also what are the pros and cons of your motorcycle and where does it shine? Around town in traffic or out on a dusty track? Good or bad for short and long trips?
As I do all my own mechanical repairs on my motorcycles, I will start with my latest repair. The starter clutch replacement. ( Approx 6 hours from start to finish). The new bearing has been beefed up since the original. My costs to repair $300 (6,000 baht) including oil. Quoted $1250.00 AUD from Yamaha dealer for repair.(approx 25,000 baht)





The starter clutch is a known weakness on the Vstar 1100. Thankfully about the only one. This is the faulty bearing that was replaced.
The bike itself is a good cruising bike and handles quite well for a large bike, even at low speed, although a bit big for lane filtering. The motor is smooth and reliable with adequate power to get you to the legal limit. Its shaft driven and very reliable as you would expect on a Japanese bike. The seat is large and comfortable for some long rides although the upright seating position may not suit some. There is absolutely no storage so panniers are a neccessary item.