I think you'll be disappointed in the VStar tourer. Get the vulcan or the roadstar and add your own windshield and bags.

I thought the windshield on the tourer was way too tall and too straight up and down. The bags are nice on it though. The seating position felt horrible to me, but that's just me, maybe you'd like it better.

 

Sit, and ride each of them, and see what "fits" you.

 

considered a used tourer ? if you can 'only be approved' for 13k maybe you can find a good used bike and put your own accessories on it and still come out way ahead.... ?

 

I sat on a Vstar 13T and I kinda dont like the ergos on how you sit. Feels like your sitting on the tank and not in the bike.

I might have my choices down to a full dress Vulcan 900 Tourer or a 1700 Classic with nothing on it..

What would you all do? Go for the full dress 900 or the base 1700? I eventually want the bags and windshield on it if I get the 1700.

 

If I needed a larger bike, I wouldn't hesitate to jump on a Road Star. My dealer has a new '09 Silverado on the floor that I've drooled over more than once. Beautiful Black Cherry paint w/flames.

 

I traded my 1300 tourer in for my 1700, the tourer is a good bike and a nice ride in my view. It'll take you anywhere you want, the extended shield is a must in my view and I liked just the bags and shield for awhile. But, as I get older though, I am going for the full comfort mode LOL.

I don't know anything about the Roadstar, so I'll hold my comments on it.

 

I've had an 05 Nomad, 03 Roadstar 05, 04 RoyalStar Tour Deluxe, 00 Royal Star Venture MM, NOW I ride the Stratoliner. Out of all my past bikes, the 03 Roadstar I miss. It could idle in top gear on the highway. So much low end torque, and very smooth & stable at speed on the highway. I'd get another for a second bike if I had extra change.