The Yamaha V Star 1300 Deluxe and 2017 Yamaha R15S demonstrate two unrelated solutions to road travel. The North American V Star is a 1,304 cc touring cruiser with a windscreen, hard luggage and integrated audio. The Indian-market R15S is a compact 149.8 cc sportbike designed to deliver R-series styling with a more accommodating single-piece seat.
Both have two wheels and tuning-fork badges. Beyond that, the comparison requires a fairly large table.
V Star 1300 Deluxe and R15S Specifications
| Specification | V Star 1300 Deluxe | 2017 R15S |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,304 cc liquid-cooled 60-degree V-twin | 149.8 cc liquid-cooled single |
| Claimed output | Not officially published | 17 PS at 8,500 rpm |
| Claimed torque | Not officially published | 15 Nm at 7,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Final drive | Belt | Chain |
| Fuel capacity | 18.5 liters | 12 liters |
| Seat height | Approximately 691 mm | Approximately 800 mm |
| Wet weight | Approximately 323 kg | Approximately 134 kg |
Touring Cruiser or Lightweight Sportbike?
The V Star 1300 Deluxe was equipped for long paved journeys. Its fork-mounted fairing, short windscreen, locking side cases, passenger backrest and audio/navigation system added touring function without moving to a full-dress machine. The low seat helps at stops, but the long wheelbase and substantial mass reward deliberate low-speed handling.
The 2017 R15S used the earlier R15 platform with a Deltabox frame, fuel-injected single-cylinder engine, front and rear disc brakes and a six-speed gearbox. Its single-piece seat offered easier passenger access than the split-seat R15 V2, while the fairing and committed riding position retained the miniature-sportbike character.
Choose the V Star for relaxed highway touring, luggage capacity and low-revving V-twin character. Choose the R15S for congested roads, low running costs and light handling. Attempting to make the R15S carry the V Star’s luggage is an engineering project, not a purchasing strategy.
