We all know that old adage about comparing apples and oranges; they're so different that any matchup would be worthless. But did you ever sit down and really think about that literally? Sure, the taste and texture might be worlds apart, but they're both sweet, seed-delivery devices grown on trees, sold around the world at a handsome profit. So even though experientially apples and oranges are very different, on paper they're very similar.
The same is true of these two bikes. In plenty of concrete ways, these machines have much in common. They're both equipped with fat-ish tires front and rear; the Star with traditional matching 16-inchers, and the Honda sporting a 15-inch rear and 17 front. They're both built-up from standard versions and outfitted for touring-the Interstate adding floorboards, a windshield and saddlebags to the base Stateline model, while the V Star also adds bags and a shield, but ups the ante with a backrest as well (both V Star models have floorboards). Both engines are liquid-cooled, single overhead cam V-twins, though the Star sports one more valve per cylinder. They have the same basic complement of instrumentation, with thoughtful additions of a clock and a second tripmeter, but no tachometer. They even have the same claimed weight of 712 pounds.
Chunky and Clunky vs. Sleek and Minimalist
But it doesn't take a motorcycle enthusiast to tell these two apart. While the two bikes are very similar on paper, how their makers executed their final designs are radically different. The Interstate is a mashup of svelte, swoopy chopper lines, like the acclaimed Fury, featuring a dropped neck and curved downtubes. The V Star 1300, on the other hand, is an evolutionary step from the V Stars introduced in the 1990s. Star has advanced the 1300 Tourer stylistically, but overall it's still parked in 2006 taking a long, hard look at the 1950s. The upright seating position, tall windshield, and equal-size balloon tires harken back to the Wild One. The Honda has full fenders and tires, which, on that sleek chassis, are almost ironic-like an alternative band covering a country tune.
The Interstate has a slouchier, more spread-out riding position, and a seat dropped into the weeds, thanks to the longer chassis. The Honda's stretch gives it a look far outside the norm, and also helps it package its components behind covers for a leaner, cleaner look. That said, the refinement of the V Star is more apparent in the little details; from up close, the real metal parts (compared to the Interstate's plentiful plastic) just look higher quality.
It was quickly obvious in our testing that the two bikes have not only radically different wrappers, but also very different missions. Honda has targeted the younger, cool cats with their new 1300 series customs-or, roughly the same guys Harley is going after with their dropped-to-the weeds Dark Custom line. In other words, style is everything, and suspension is nothing. The Star 1300, however, seems to cater to a more mature audience, with refined suspension, better power, and a more classic look. While the V Star is a true light-to-medium-duty touring rig, the Interstate is more like an around-town cruiser that thoughtfully comes with saddlebags.
The one thing they do have in common, though, is the size of the target audience.