2009 Yamaha V-Star 950 Test Drive

Clayton, Ga. — Yamaha's Star Motorcycles division made headlines this year when it took the wraps off the nearly 200-hp 2009 V-Max, but the $18,000 pavement scorcher isn't exactly the best choice for sensible commuters or even most weekend warriors. It's just a bit too radical. In contrast to the mad Max, Star's new V-Star 950 and V-Star 950 Tourer combine a 942 cc V-twin engine with a low seat height and manageable curb weight—making it a solid bike for intermediate riders or those wanting to downsize from heavyweight cruisers. Best of all, the V-Star 950 starts at $7890 and delivers an estimated 47 mpg—so this is one bike that could qualify as a great daily commuter. —Basem Wasef


The Specs
The V-Star 950 comes in two configurations: the standard ($7890 in black, $8090 in blue or red), and the Tourer ($8990 in black or black cherry, and $9090 for silver.) The Tourer adds a windscreen, passenger backrest and saddlebags with 11 gal of storage capacity. The $1000 premium for the Tourer package is considerably less than the individual costs of the accessories.

The V-Star 950's elongated proportions are held together with a new double-cradle frame. The 950's seat height is only 26.6 in.—so it will accommodate even the most vertically challenged riders. A 942 cc, air-cooled, 60-degree V-twin is rigid-mounted to the frame. The fuel-injected engine features ceramic composite plated cylinders and forged aluminum pistons, with exhaust routed through two-into-one pipes. The twin produces 58 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm, but you'll have to guess engine speed since there's no tachometer. A five-speed transmission with straight-cut gears transfers power to the rear wheel, and because Yamaha's market research revealed that cruiser riders don't dig shaft drive (which is found in the smaller V-Star 650), the V-Star 950's 16-in. rear wheel is driven by a belt drive. We like that.

The Ride
We covered 120 miles of winding mountain roads on both versions of the V-Star 950, and came away impressed with this cruiser's ability to handle twisty pavement—pavement that was seemingly made for sportbikes. Straddle the V-Star 950, and the first thing you'll notice is the low seat height that puts the rider in the bike, not on the bike, a seating position that's good for shorter riders. The seat's low position and narrow taper at the front of the saddle makes it easy to reach for the ground. On the other hand, the seat's low position results in a steeply angled rear portion of the saddle, which can create a pressure point on long rides. We got a bit of saddle soreness after about 80 miles on the road. Incidentally, it seems that taller riders we talked to complained more about the seat than the shorter ones.

The Bottom Line
Reasonably priced and pleasingly styled, the V-Star 950 is a bike that makes all the right moves for a relatively small amount of cash. And for those that seek more chrome, enhanced seats, or other custom-style bits, a total of 87 accessory items will soon be available from Yamaha. It may not be the biggest or the baddest bike out there, but for riders who want a manageable cruiser without tapping their 401Ks, the V-Star 950 delivers plenty of personality and punch.

© Source: popularmechanics
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