2009 Yamaha V Star 950 - When Entry Level Is An Actual Entre - First Ride!

Surprise Compromise
The seat, alas, is another story. While the saddle's got plenty of width, the rear dished portion got me right in the tailbone. My backside was numb after about 35 minutes (on the standard model), and there was little I could do to modify my position en route.

The brakes, too, are underwhelming, though Star says they planned it that way. The single discs - 320mm up front and 298mm out back - prove just about adequate at speed, but Star says they avoided performance bits here so as not to intimidate the easy cruising entry-level rider. That's valid, though we'd still like them to be a bit more progressive.

Roll Your Own
Star is known for rolling out plenty of accessories along with new models, and the V Star 950 is no exception. You can choose from a plethora of windshields (3 different heights), backrests and engine guards to name just a few items. There are also a variety of aftermarket seats available, which we'd wholeheartedly recommend after our short stint on the 950,

And if you want a readily equipped touring rig, look no further than the 950 Tourer, the same fundamental bike equipped with a shield, lockable side bags and a backrest. Those bags hold about 2300 ci and are covered with premium leather. The Tourer runs you about $1100 more than the standard version, which sounds like a pretty good deal when you consider that the average customer spends over $1400 in accessories on his bike, most of it at the time of purchase (according to Star). Though we only spent a short time on the Tourer, we were equally impressed with its overall ride quality.

The standard V Star 950 can be had in black for $7,890, or red and blue for $8,090. The Tourer is available in Raven Black and Black Cherry for $8,990 and Liquid Silver for $9,090.

With their solid feature set and broad appeal, these V Stars could be a big home run for Star. They may be easy to ride, but the V-Star 950 and 950 Tourer have the credentials to appeal to seasoned riders just as much as those looking for a solid entry-level machine. It's difficult to combine high style with decent performance and presence, but to do it for less than $8000 is impressive to say the least.

2009 V Star 950
MSRP: $7890 (base); +$100 for colors, +$1100 for Tourer version

Engine
Type: air-cooled 60 degree V-twinValvetrain; SOHC, 4 valves per cylinderDisplacement, bore x stroke: 942cc, 85.0mm x 83.0mm
Compression Ratio : 9.0:1
Fuel Delivery: Fuel injection
Transmission: 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive : Belt

Chassis
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork, 5.3-in.travel
Rear Suspension: Single damper, 4.3-in travel, preload adjustable
Front brakes: 320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes: 298mm disc, single piston caliper
Front Tire: 130/70-18M/C 63H
Rear Tire: 170/70-16 M/C 75H
Wheels: 8-spoke cast aluminum

Dimensions
Overall length: 95.9 in
Seat Height: 26.5 in
Wheelbase: 66.3 in
Rake/trail: 32.0/145mm
Fuel Capacity: 4.4 gal
Wet Weight: 612 lb (claimed)