Cruisers

2008Yamaha V Star 1300

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The 2008 Yamaha V Star 1300 is a heavyweight cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Its 1311cc V-twin engine delivers smooth, torquey performance ideal for long-distance cruising and highway riding. Known for its comfortable ergonomics, shaft drive, and affordable price point, it appeals to both experienced cruiser enthusiasts and riders transitioning to larger displacement bikes.

Capacity: 1311.1 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 283.0 kg
Seat height: 714 mm
Power: 74.0 HP (54.4 kW)

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What’s new for the 2008 Yamaha V Star 1300

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Front suspension	Telescopic Fork, Coil Spring/oil damper, 5.31´	Telescopic fork
Rear suspension	Swingarm, Coil Spring/gas-oil damper, 4.33´	Single shock

Other years 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding45%

Daily riding65%

Touring65%

Two-up60%

Track10%

Best for: Built for laid-back boulevard cruising and weekend rides with strong low-end torque character typical of a 1300cc 60-degree V-twin.
Built for: A classic American-style custom cruiser with a torquey V-twin thump, belt drive smoothness, and a stretched-out riding stance meant for style and comfort over outright performance.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or high-speed sport performance.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 714mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Yamaha V Star 1300, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1311.1 ccm
Power: 74.0 HP (54.4 kW)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2615 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 100.0 x 83.0 mm
Compression: 9.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCI
Valves per cylinder: 4
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multiplate wet

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1689 mm
Overall length: 2489 mm
Overall width: 980 mm
Overall height: 1115 mm
Seat height: 714 mm
Dry weight: 283.0 kg
Wet weight: 303.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.50 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Double Cradle
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Single shock
Front wheel travel: 135 mm
Rear wheel travel: 109 mm
Rake (fork angle): 29.0°
Trail: 102 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 298 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 298 mm
Front tyre: 130/90-M16
Rear tyre: 170/70-B16

Other

Color options: Raven, Liquid Silver, Candy Red/Black Cherry

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2007	2008	2010	2012	2015	2017
Capacity	1311 cc	1311 cc	1311 cc	1311 cc	1311 cc	1311 cc
Dry weight	283 kg	283 kg	283 kg	283 kg	283 kg	283 kg
Seat height	714 mm	714 mm	714 mm	691 mm	691 mm	691 mm
Fuel capacity	18.5 L	18.5 L	18.5 L	18.6 L	18.6 L	18.6 L