2010 Yamaha V Star 950 Review
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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Anyone own the Yamaha V Star 950 Tourer V Twin? I'm thinking of looking at one.
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I don't own one, but it was being seriously considered when I looked for a replacement for my C50.
The Vstar 950 is long and lean, compared to the C50. I found the riding position to be stretched out requiring a bit of a reach to get to the handlebars. Likewise, the floorboards are a lot more forward from what I was used to on the C50. As a result, I ended up trying to shift the side stand interlock switch rather than the heel shifter. Not a deal breaker, but definitely annoying.
The engine is silky smooth. No unnecessary vibrations from idle through the gear range. Plenty of power, definitely more power than I had on my modded C50. Stock, the engine produces 48hp and 55ft/lbs of torque. Fuel economy is fabulous! The one I rode turned in 55mpg on my test ride!!!! (I turned in 150 miles on the ride!)
The front and rear disc brakes are night and day better than the C50. The addition of tubeless tires is a big plus too. The exhaust note for the stock pipe is pleasant and deep, but not loud.
The one and only complaint I had was the cornering clearance. It was WAAAAAY too easy to drag the floorboards in a turn. You don't have to lean the bike over very much to make them touch down. Other than that, it is a dynamite platform and a definite upgrade from the C50.
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Discussion Starter · #3 ·
Nice review Skrap, thanks.
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Member "cortjester" (Ann Marie) has one, as does "Mmmagicfingers" (Capt Cruiser's wife Michelle) and "max06362" (Maria) but it's by no means a "lady's bike". I haven't ridden one long enough to give a full review (too small for my frame) but I can tell you that the engine is extremely peppy, the balance is excellent and the fit and finish is typical Yamaha - rock solid. Expect 50 mpg (like Scrap said, very efficient), but I agree on the cornering clearance; you will scrape asphalt VERY easily in turns. Other than that, maintenance is a breeze, everything is very accessible and this model is probably my favorite in the category!
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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
Darn, I scrap sometimes on my C50
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I'm afraid you'll scrape in every corner on the V-Star. And you don't have to lean it over very far to do it, either. :-(
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That was the first bike I sat on before I bought my C50. I would have gotten the VStar if I was better off financially. You just cannot beat the price of a used C50 from a private seller.
I immediately fell in love with the 950. It seemed BIG under my big frame and I was very comfortable on it.
On my 50, on long highway rides, my knees start hurting a little because I can't stretch my legs out far enough.
If and when I get rid of my 50, I'll be looking at one of those...course, by then...there might be something else I like better.
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My wife commented on maybe getting a smaller bike to replace her wrecked 1500. One of her friends has this bike and I was going to suggest she ride it, but if it scrapes easy, I won't even suggest it. Scraping is what got her in trouble this time around! I'm thinking Vulcan 900 for her, but the VStar 1300 is another possibility.
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I love my Vulcan 900.
I can scrape the floor boards pretty easily (much to my surprise). Not because it has any less cornering clearance than the C50, but because it is a better handling machine. It doesn't wallow in turns and feel like you have to push it to get it to respond. You lean, it goes.
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I bought a new 09 950T and have put 20,000 worry free miles on it.
Short and sweet review, it is a overall better bike than the C50.
50 mpg
disc front and back
tubeless tires
belt drive
better ride
air cooled
no spokes
hasn't used a drop of oil yet.
yup it scrapes the boards real easy,
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Pretty much what Scrap says except I had no problem with the scraping floorboards. I did notice some vibration in the floorboards at freeway speeds. Smooth and peppy motor with a good exhaust note but the pipes are butt ugly...............stock seat even seemed to be comfy.
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I have a V Star 1300 Tourer. As a tourer goes I love the hard bags. Not sure if the 950 has the same hard bags - but if it does they're great. Nice tall windshield. It really blocks the wind almost too much on a hot day - thinking of removing it for the summer.
Of course the 1300 has a lot more power than the C50 I sold. And tall as heck gears. On the highway you're deciding between 3rd and 4th. 5th is for "too fast".
I have scraped the boards on mine - didn't think I was leaning too far but I guess I was.
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Just got my wife one.
It is a great bike. my wife step up from the vstar 650 to the vstar 950t. I have ridden several times. Great in the corners smooth down the rode at 70mph in fourth. I have hers sup up a little with a cobra pro flow intake HK 2.5 and a wiesco fuel pak. It a sweet bike and a great price. I know some have complain of floor boards scraping but I have yet to experience it. I took it though the corners at 75 with no problems it is not a rocket so i don't lay it down in the corners. You will love it compare to the c50 The riding position is very comfortable. I am 6'1 and 220 my wife is 5'7 two up on it is great.
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I traded in my 2002 Volusia for the 950T. VERY pleased with my choice. Fuel injection is WAY better than the carb on the Vol. Better stopping power, great bags, better gas mileage.
Dave
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A very nice product from Yamaha
Plenty of power, form, fit, and finish are top notch.
Michelle is averaging closer to 60mpg.
She does scrape occasionally but no big deal
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Source: https://www.volusiariders.com/threads/can-anyone-review-the-yamaha-v-star-950-tourer-v-twin-for-me.225582/
