After having both -- I like the pre-V-Star Xv920's better - Pulled my parts getter trailer better and was a lot more stable in the corners... The new 950's I strongly recommend an oil cooler - a HUGE one here in Fl - mine liked to overheat in stop and go traffic even without the trailer on
I heard the 950s were sluggish and poochy compared to the suzuki M50s and Vulcan900s.. Ive heard this from several people. Any truth to this? I havent tested one out yet. But that and the small gas tank make me leery of buying one. I also read reviews about a poor rear suspension that bottoms out across small bumps. Any comments from owners would be appreciated,. thanks
I just bought the same bike yesterday. Traded in my 650 and am totally satisfied with the 950! Great bike, great acceleration, good handling. Like the low seat too.
Update: I purchased the 950 Tourer and absolutely love it! Great ergonomic fit. Great ride and handling! Mods I've added so far are risers/pullbacks and iso grips.
i have a 1900CC version of the midnightstar and the gearbox feels like shifting gears on an army tank or something..lol , can can hear the gear change from a mile
Nice bike! Do you think this bike would be a good first time bike or should I start off with something smaller? I've ridden before, but only a few times and for probably less than an hour. Love the sound!! Thanks for posting the video!
Dont start on a 950. These thing are death traps anyway. depending on your size buy a 250/650. master it then move up. Some guys buy bike too big for them thinking it makes them more of a man, then they are too scared to ride it.
I just bought the 950, beautiful bike. but sounds like an electric scooter while going down the road. I have a slip-on on the way. then it will be good to go. I too grind the floor board alot.
hey man, I looked at the tourer model of this exact bike and fell in love with it. My only concern is that the 950cc won't have enough power to carry me and my wife down the highway without having to drive the hell out of the motor. You obviously ride one, so what is your input? I weigh about 230 and my wife is about 130?
Ever ride a bike before? How fast DID you want to go? My Geo has a 1000 cc engine in it and it will carry 4 adults down the rode @ 70 mph. Typical american male mentality to think a 950 wont be strong enough to carry u down the road. Even if the engine red lined, it will run there all day long as long as it has oil, gas, and stays cool. If u want a bigger bike to impress your little buddies just buy one. Just so you know that 950 will pull a truck down the road all day long.
Beautiful bike. I've had a V Star for two years and sometimes the seat is uncomfortable & other times it feels fine ? 900 mile trip to the Twisted Sisters & it was not a problem, then a 70 mile ride and I feel it. How much did your new seat cost ?
@littlemac1013 hey, guyz, hey, XVS950A owners. HELP please:) I'm 5 foot 9 and would the bike be ok for me, meaning not too small? (5 foot 9 is 1.94 metres ))) thaaanx
since you asked, I just took my bike into the shop for its 1st maintenance check /oil chg at 600 miles. It has run like a dream and gets compliments on its looks everywhere I take it. The Floorboards do touch down when leaning the bike too far, The seat seems to have brokrn in some or maybe its just me but. I'm a little over 6ft tall and the bike fits me fine. But the Seat is on 26" off the ground, even short guys should be ok..Go sit on one.
Like Gayle I am also looking for my first bike. I have had multiple head traumas from falling off my tricycle and have problems with my balance. I am 5'-1". Do you think my feet will touch the ground when I am wearing my platform shoes?
Comments on how you found the ride, handling, etc. would be really helpful. Buying my first bike (novice woman rider) and the 950 is one of my top two choices. Am searching the web for reviews and so far everyone seems to love this bike!
The handling is awesome. The floor boards do scrap when you lean too far but I deal with it. Like I said before, the seat is decent for short trips, but go over 50 miles and you will feel it. Unfortunately with the lower cost of the bike, some things suffer. Seat height is awesome and gives you plenty of control over the bike.
General update: I have ordered a custom Mustang seat that will be here in 2 weeks, and a Cobra Fi2000 fuel module. Once I get them installed I will post another video. When the exhausts eventually get to the suppliers, I am going to order the Cobra Slashdowns or Dragsters and will post a video of those as well. Any more questions, let me know.
Removing the end of the exhaust, you removed the emission controls which is probably illegal. Besides the 950 has a nice growl as it is, If you wanted loud you should have bought a Harley
I just changed the exhaust on my 950. The end of the stock pipe weighs at least 25 lbs. It is now gone and replaced it with a straight chrome pipe...wanna talk about LOUD! OMG, is sounds so awesome! I will post vids when I can to share with the V Star 950 fans here on youtube. Thank you Littlmac for posting. Peace :-)
I agree, The stock seat leaves a lot to be desired. Not being able to wait for Mustang or Corbin to come out with a seat for the 950 I'm considering the Yamaha Comfort Cruise seat.
Yea, the exhaust looks like a freaking cannon!! I can't till I get mine, over all, how do you like it? Anything you come across so far that we might want to look into?
The seat SUCKS on long rides. I did 180 miles the other day down here in Florida and was not happy with the seat. I called Corbin and Mustang and only Mustang has one in the shop for mock-up. I got on a waiting list and the first products should be out in a couple weeks. Other than that I love the bike. The seat isn't bad for around town and my daily 30 mile commute.
After having both -- I like the pre-V-Star Xv920's better - Pulled my parts getter trailer better and was a lot more stable in the corners... The new 950's I strongly recommend an oil cooler - a HUGE one here in Fl - mine liked to overheat in stop and go traffic even without the trailer on
dawino6260 4 months ago
Is there an option available that you know of to be able to swap out floorboards for footrest/pegs?
Michiganborn1969 4 months ago
I bought mine last week. Went from a 08 rebel 250, to a 08 650 vstar and now an 09 v star I love it.
fjimenez3 1 year ago
Free PDF Repair Manuals available NOW - ** yamaharepairmanual (dot) org **
astridcareena 1 year ago
I heard the 950s were sluggish and poochy compared to the suzuki M50s and Vulcan900s.. Ive heard this from several people. Any truth to this? I havent tested one out yet. But that and the small gas tank make me leery of buying one. I also read reviews about a poor rear suspension that bottoms out across small bumps. Any comments from owners would be appreciated,. thanks
bohemond4 1 year ago
I just bought the same bike yesterday. Traded in my 650 and am totally satisfied with the 950! Great bike, great acceleration, good handling. Like the low seat too.
fredthejunkman 1 year ago
mine is clunky
joser2010 2 years ago
Update: I purchased the 950 Tourer and absolutely love it! Great ergonomic fit. Great ride and handling! Mods I've added so far are risers/pullbacks and iso grips.
GayleShepherdess 2 years ago
lucky girl :P
teft90 2 years ago
How smooth is the gearbox? Is it clunky?
I would never buy a bike if the bearbox is not butter-smooth.
Anyone who rode the bike, please, tell me.
juneride 2 years ago
i have a 1900CC version of the midnightstar and the gearbox feels like shifting gears on an army tank or something..lol , can can hear the gear change from a mile
hayagreeva 2 years ago
Nice bike! Do you think this bike would be a good first time bike or should I start off with something smaller? I've ridden before, but only a few times and for probably less than an hour. Love the sound!! Thanks for posting the video!
Squidzit 2 years ago
Dont start on a 950. These thing are death traps anyway. depending on your size buy a 250/650. master it then move up. Some guys buy bike too big for them thinking it makes them more of a man, then they are too scared to ride it.
MrJinzo44 2 years ago
I just bought the 950, beautiful bike. but sounds like an electric scooter while going down the road. I have a slip-on on the way. then it will be good to go. I too grind the floor board alot.
simplydavid77 2 years ago
Check out the exhaust vid, no more electric scooter sound
littlemac1013 2 years ago
hey man, I looked at the tourer model of this exact bike and fell in love with it. My only concern is that the 950cc won't have enough power to carry me and my wife down the highway without having to drive the hell out of the motor. You obviously ride one, so what is your input? I weigh about 230 and my wife is about 130?
w225151 2 years ago
Ever ride a bike before? How fast DID you want to go? My Geo has a 1000 cc engine in it and it will carry 4 adults down the rode @ 70 mph. Typical american male mentality to think a 950 wont be strong enough to carry u down the road. Even if the engine red lined, it will run there all day long as long as it has oil, gas, and stays cool. If u want a bigger bike to impress your little buddies just buy one. Just so you know that 950 will pull a truck down the road all day long.
MrJinzo44 2 years ago
Whats the price, bro?
freesoul2005 2 years ago
Exhaust video will be posted in one week! 5/13/09. I just received the Cobra Fi2000 and the Cobra Slashdown pipes will be here in three days.
littlemac1013 2 years ago
Beautiful bike. I've had a V Star for two years and sometimes the seat is uncomfortable & other times it feels fine ? 900 mile trip to the Twisted Sisters & it was not a problem, then a 70 mile ride and I feel it. How much did your new seat cost ?
waldenbuilder 2 years ago
The new solo seat with the fender bib was 575. A bit high but well worth it.
littlemac1013 2 years ago
@littlemac1013 hey, guyz, hey, XVS950A owners. HELP please:) I'm 5 foot 9 and would the bike be ok for me, meaning not too small? (5 foot 9 is 1.94 metres ))) thaaanx
YouKilledMyDuck 1 year ago
Check out my new Mustang Solo Seat video. Exhaust and fuel chip are on back order, expected in 1-2 weeks.
littlemac1013 2 years ago
since you asked, I just took my bike into the shop for its 1st maintenance check /oil chg at 600 miles. It has run like a dream and gets compliments on its looks everywhere I take it. The Floorboards do touch down when leaning the bike too far, The seat seems to have brokrn in some or maybe its just me but. I'm a little over 6ft tall and the bike fits me fine. But the Seat is on 26" off the ground, even short guys should be ok..Go sit on one.
capri142 2 years ago
Like Gayle I am also looking for my first bike. I have had multiple head traumas from falling off my tricycle and have problems with my balance. I am 5'-1". Do you think my feet will touch the ground when I am wearing my platform shoes?
sknepp69 2 years ago
Comments on how you found the ride, handling, etc. would be really helpful. Buying my first bike (novice woman rider) and the 950 is one of my top two choices. Am searching the web for reviews and so far everyone seems to love this bike!
GayleShepherdess 2 years ago
The handling is awesome. The floor boards do scrap when you lean too far but I deal with it. Like I said before, the seat is decent for short trips, but go over 50 miles and you will feel it. Unfortunately with the lower cost of the bike, some things suffer. Seat height is awesome and gives you plenty of control over the bike.
littlemac1013 2 years ago
General update: I have ordered a custom Mustang seat that will be here in 2 weeks, and a Cobra Fi2000 fuel module. Once I get them installed I will post another video. When the exhausts eventually get to the suppliers, I am going to order the Cobra Slashdowns or Dragsters and will post a video of those as well. Any more questions, let me know.
littlemac1013 2 years ago
Removing the end of the exhaust, you removed the emission controls which is probably illegal. Besides the 950 has a nice growl as it is, If you wanted loud you should have bought a Harley
capri142 2 years ago
Sweet!!!
pastorgumby 2 years ago
I just changed the exhaust on my 950. The end of the stock pipe weighs at least 25 lbs. It is now gone and replaced it with a straight chrome pipe...wanna talk about LOUD! OMG, is sounds so awesome! I will post vids when I can to share with the V Star 950 fans here on youtube. Thank you Littlmac for posting. Peace :-)
tkdterp8 2 years ago
I agree, The stock seat leaves a lot to be desired. Not being able to wait for Mustang or Corbin to come out with a seat for the 950 I'm considering the Yamaha Comfort Cruise seat.
capri142 2 years ago
Yea, the exhaust looks like a freaking cannon!! I can't till I get mine, over all, how do you like it? Anything you come across so far that we might want to look into?
guitargodforever 3 years ago
The seat SUCKS on long rides. I did 180 miles the other day down here in Florida and was not happy with the seat. I called Corbin and Mustang and only Mustang has one in the shop for mock-up. I got on a waiting list and the first products should be out in a couple weeks. Other than that I love the bike. The seat isn't bad for around town and my daily 30 mile commute.
littlemac1013 2 years ago
I am 5'7" and this is a great first bike, very comfortable and a great riding position.
littlemac1013 3 years ago
The exhaust sounds nice. Why change it?
Uncle5cary 3 years ago
Beautiful bike!!! I'm about 6ft and lookin to get this as my first bike. Whats your size?
crownvic03 3 years ago