Anybody that has ever ridden a motorcycle will tell you that there are a select few bikes on the market that offer the perfect blend of looks, performance, and handling quite like the Yamaha V Star 950, all for the reasonable price of $8,490. That’s not an indictment on the competition; it’s just a matter of truth that’s no more evident than the fact that the bike has scooped up awards left and right, including the 2009 “Metric of the Year” award by V-Twin Magazine.
The Yamaha V Star 950 gives plenty of evidence that it’s got more more than enough to back up its stature. The bike’s “New Style Classic” body design concept is based on a single streamline running along the entire body surface. It has a new low, lean, and lighter image than conventional old style cruisers with a long, low design that provides plenty of space and passenger comfort.
As an entry-level cruiser, the bike rolls out a sleek and svelte look that belies the true power inside the powertrain, courtesy of a 942cc, air-cooled, SOHC, 4-valves per cylinder, 60° V-twin engine that produces outstanding low- and mid-range torque. This engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission that features optimized gear ratios for excellent city and highway drivability, providing the kind of for exceptional performance that only a true cruiser can provide.
In addition to its upstanding power, the V Star 950 comes with a carefully designed chassis that features a double-cradle steel main frame, a monocross style, single-shock, bottom link rear suspension for agile handling, and large 320mm front and 298mm rear discs that provide strong braking power.