[tflaim]

I'm getting the itch for a new ride. I want a little more power, but I really don't need 1300cc. The V-Star 950 comes with everything I have added to my Shadow. I really like the hard bags, floor boards windshield. My concern is I've never seen one on the road.

I know I don't have to ask, but comments are welcome.

 

[Spool]

I've seen plenty of them on the road. No personal experience with them but I will say I think the V-Star 950 is one of the better looking motorcycles to come in recent memory.

 

[h13man]

The rear wheel horsepower and torque are about 8% less than the twin pin 1100's but 657 lbs. of weight vs. Ace Tourer @ 663 lbs. might be something to consider considering it being air cooled. Otherwise I think Yamaha has the styling edge on most metric cruisers but they don't have a radiator to design around.

 

[LuvinTheV]

I test rode one and the valve noise was really bad. I asked the dealer about it and they said that they all sound like that.I checked out the V-star forum and it seems a lot of 950 owners complain about the valve noise. It also felt really top heavy. I ended up getting a VTX1300,similar weight to the 950,only about 12 pounds heavier, but a lot more power and a lot less top heavy. I'm not saying the 950 is a bad bike,I really like the looks of it but it just wasn't my right for me.

 

[Scuba77]

The 950 looks great. I haven't put a leg over one but my last two bikes have been Yamaha s, a Stratoliner and currently a FJR. Both bikes have been problem free. Just do the maintenance and they'll take you far.

If you have a dealer near by check out the Indian Scout, they are quick, nimble, will zig and the price is right.

 

[Swe-eet ace]

Hot bike. Cheap. Lots of aftermarket help. Reliability is great. The 950 make close to the power my 1100 does. So it's a win win

 

[Hondaguy]

Yamaha is COMMITTED to the Cruiser with their "Star" bikes. They make the best Metric Cruisers IMO

They have been building metric Cruisers for a longer time and have a major ongoing investment in the cruiser market segment. Longer than even Victory which is considered an American metric bike.

Yamaha makes everything they build from pianos to motorcycles with the best quality parts and design using Kaizen principles. Their bike division is not an "also ran" They make their Drum hardware in their motorcycle factory. None of their divisions are "also rans". They are near or at the top in every division from Wave Runners to Pianos and Bikes.

Do I sound like I work for them? Well I did go to Yamaha University in Orange County.....for their music division...

You cannot go wrong with a Yamaha. Ask anyone who has owned a Yamaha V Star 1300 how they like their bikes. The 950 being air cooled (and Yamaha knows how to do air cooling with their ceramic coated cylinder walls) makes it simple, I tests rode a Bolt a couple years ago....The 950 has some giddy up

The bikes are so good they can become boring.....LOL Just ask me.

 

[LuvinTheV]

I guess I should have mentioned in my earlier post,other than the valve chatter and top heavy feeling I was pretty impressed with the 950.

 

[tflaim]

Thanks for the insight, now I just need to get off my wallet!

 

[Ramie]

They use the 950 engine on their Bolt, my son owns one and i'm impressed it's got a lot of snap.

 

[cshaw07]

i wish my shadow was air cooled.. so much less it would need.

 

[philcrudo]

As for me valve clatter is a big turn off. My V-Star had the same clatter after two years had to get rid of it went to Honda. No valve noise much quieter engine all arround.

 

[Hondaguy]

One thing to remember about water cooled engines is they are generally quieter than air cooled bikes. Much Tighter tolerances = quiet. Water jacket = Quiet

Air cooled bikes must expand and contract to a greater degree as their temps are always changing. Water cooled bikes stay at a constant temperature. It is natural; for an air cooled bike to have more valve noise. Yamaha at least uses roller rockers.