The 1100 used a reworked version of the venerable Virago 75-degree, air-cooled v-twin engine which had been in use since the early 1980s.

The Star carried over the shaft-drive layout from the Virago, but relied on a new suspension and frame, discarding the outboard dual shocks and stressed-member engine arrangement of the Virago in favor of a single-shock and twin downtubes.

Dual Mikuni 37 mm carburetors with throttle-position sensors are used to efficiently meter fuel to the 8.3:1, oversquare engine.

As opposed to the Custom's bobbed rear fender, 5 and 3/4 headlight, aluminum rims with spokes, exposed forks, 110 front tire and other custom touches, the Classic had longer fenders, floorboards, cast magnesium wheels, thicker brake and shift levers, a 7-inch headlight, substantial fork covers and a 130 front tire.

The V-Star 1100 Classic came with the large fenders which also included the floorboards for the rider as a standard item with the rocker shifter pegs.