The Sportster adds a tachometer...
The Sportster adds a tachometer to its handlebar. Both can be cramped for taller riders.
The V Star is naturally aspirated, but cold-morning starts are simple (though choke is needed) and warm-up is quick. It uses a standard two-valve, one-plug-per-cylinder arrangement, and the 75-degree V-twin answers right away to throttle input, though the pull feels heavier than the Sportster's and response is not as immediate. Dual Mikuni carbs fitted with a throttle-position sensor help keep things dialed in-the engine works so well you tend to forget about it. Part of that agreeable nature is a decent level of low-end and midrange grunt. Our dyno shows an early peak at 2250 rpm with a nearly flat torque curve all the way to 4500 rpm-a highly usable range for the majority of riding situations.
Accelerating and shifting are a breeze on both machines. The V Star implements a heel-toe shifter, while the Sportster goes with a single lever. Both five-speed transmissions perform flawlessly, but the V Star's positive shift action feels smoother at speed. It's a good thing the Classic's clutch lever is so amenable, too-you need to stir the cogs frequently to stay in the meaty part of the rev range, as the Star has especially short gearing.
The Harley's more visceral-a distinct rumble issues from the exhaust along with noticeable vibration and engine noise, even in neutral. The V Star expresses itself with a pleasant enough exhaust note at low revs, but it becomes buzzy at higher speeds. Thankfully not much of the vibe is felt through the Classic's rubber-mounted handlebar.
Both bikes have predictable steering and don't mind being leaned over; you can chuck them into corners all day long without fearing major repercussions (though the V Star's folding floorboards touch down pretty early). The Star's wide bar makes it easy to herd around even at low speeds, and the bike tracks solidly at any speed thanks to its lengthier wheelbase. The chassis also feels a tad more manageable than some of the 1300s we've ridden. But while it's a gas to toss around both bikes, it's much more fun to do so with the Sportster. The Harley's shorter wheelbase and responsive steering geometry lend themselves to aggressive maneuvers, though the engine's heft is readily felt.
75 vs. 45 degrees: Generic...
75 vs. 45 degrees: Generic chrome looks plain next to the Sporty's black powdercoated (and more powerful) mill.
But....
If there's a uniform Achilles' heel with these bikes, it's inadequate suspension, and it shows up quickly on bumpy roads. No matter which machine you're piloting, a solid, sharp-edged protuberance means you're going to feel the hit. The problem stems from limited travel and too-soft suspension rates. With the shock preload stiffened the Harley does better on moderate pavement irregularities, but the Sportster's one-piece seat offers little padding and practically no support. The V Star is most comfortable over the widest range of bumps, probably because of its longer 4 inches of rear travel. But its shaft system is guilty of some jacking at the rear when power is applied, even though the Classic motors away from stops pleasantly enough.
No one had any complaints about the excellent dual-disc front brakes on both bikes, but we felt the two-piston calipers binding the V Star's 298mm rotors gave us slightly more feel without being overbearing. The 282mm rear disk with a single-piston caliper also allowed better control than the Harley's.
On the open road both bikes set you out in the wind unprotected, though the Harley seemed less trying at high speeds thanks to a narrower bar and more aggressive riding position. Although we never got the chance to test the fuel-injected Sportster's quarter-mile acceleration, in top-gear, roll-on contests it walked away from the V Star. It simply had more power on tap, especially at higher rpm. Where the Star nips the Harley is in comfort-the wider saddle has a better shape and size but is a bit soft, and heavier riders will find bottom in a couple of hours. The passenger arrangement isn't bad, either, but a heavier passenger will readily bottom out the Star's soft rear suspension.