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V Star 950 Tourer

Just bought the 950 Tourer and have been loving it ever since. I haven't ridden for 30 years, so this would be an intro bike for me. It rides well and is easy to handle. It has the power and feel of a bigger bike, but is still small enough for a beginner to handle with no problems. It doesn't ma...tter if I'm on the highway or a country road or city traffic, I just don't want to get off of it. Read Full Review

Great First Bike

Just bought my V*950 tourer in Dark Cherry last month. The 950 is my first bike. I've always wanted a yamaha 1100 and then I saw the 950! I'm 6'1" and 230 lbs. My wife suggested I get this one instead of the 1100. Its cheaper, fuel injected and has cast aluminum wheels (no tuning spokes). ... And its only about 120cc less than the 1100. The bike handles me pretty well. Its quick, nimble around corners, and easy enough to handle at slow speed in parking lots, etc. For a beginning rider I'd say its perfect! I wonder if the 1100 would be as forgiving to a newbie? I feel it needs an additional gear past 55/60mph - I've caught myself trying to shift again only to find I'm already in fifth. The floor boards are nice, my size 12 shoes handle the shifter just fine, my knees hug the tank okay. The seat gets uncomfortable after a 30 minute ride - so that will need replacing soon. The handle bars are spaced right for me - with my long arms. I prefer the shorter windshield so I don't have the glare at eyelevel. I looked at a kawasaki 900 Vulcan, although more comfortable to sit on, my shoe size kept getting hung-up on the shifter and I didn't like the super-size windscreen. Plus, the V*950 sounds better than the Vulcan. Those are my opinions - all riders are different. I've rambled on - the V*950 is a great middle weight bike, good for newbies like me, those who don't want a beast to handle, sharp to look at, easy on the wallet. Read Full Review

Yamaha V Star 950 Tourer

I wasent sure untill i sat on it and took off. This bike has the body and power of an 1100 V Star. It handles nicely, and you can beat the price! If you are looking for a good bike to ride or a good starter bike this is the one! Read Full Review

What A Cruiser

I had gotten out of cruisers several years ago and gone into sport touring models. I also own a 2008 Triumph Tiger 1050, which I have had for over a year now. I love the Triumph but it's tall and top heavy and my old 71 year old legs aren't all that steady these days. I plan to keep it also but m...ostly for weekend jaunts as it is really a fun bike. I purchased the 950 Tourer about a week ago and have ridden it every day since, about a 50 mile per day commute. Great power and handling and great price, especially with the bags, windshield and padded sissy bar. My wife likes it much better also. Read Full Review

Yamaha V-Star 950 Tourer

My 5'3" wife has been searching for a tourer for years. The V-Star 950 Tourer is it! Great power, saddle bags, windshield, foot boards. Everything she was looking for all in a factory package. She loves it!!!! Yamaha made this tourer, supposedly for the height challanged and it does that. ...She can sit with both feet on the ground. However, that said, their are some drawbacks. Handle bars are far to wide for a short woman's comfort. We are looking to change them out for something narrower and pull back. The foot boards are nice but too far forward as is the heal toe shifter and rear brake. She has to really stretch to downshift/break etc. Still looking to buy or modify to correct this problem. Lastly, the windshield is the shortest of three that they offer. Even at 5'3" it is too short for her. So we bought the next size up.
Again I must restate, she loves the bike even with these inconviences which we will overcome. Even if Yamaha doesn't offer aftermarket parts. Read Full Review