A Review of the 2012 Yamaha V Star 950

2012 Yamaha V Star 950 overview

Heavyweight motorcycles have found themselves largely entering and remaining in the liter-class category, with some bursting at the seams at over two liters. Still, middleweight motorcycles are the perfect size for many riders, being neither too big nor too small. The 2012 Yamaha V Star 950 is one of the largest of the middleweight motorcycles, featuring good fit and finish, excellent paint treatment, and of course, a powerful and lightweight engine that makes the Yamaha V Star 950 an exceptionally good-handling motorcycle.

2012 Yamaha V Star 950 Engine

The definition of a middleweight motorcycle has shifted dramatically in the last twenty years. There was a time that a Yamaha V Star 950 motorcycle would have been considered a heavyweight bike, even if it produced forty fewer horsepower than it does. The Yamaha V Star 950 has a single overhead camshaft, fuel injected engine. This means that there's not just plenty of power on tap for the V Star 950, but that you'll be able to get it started in practically any weather without having to tinker with finicky carburetors until the bike decides to wake up.

The engine of the Yamaha V Star 950 is mated to a five-speed transmission and puts power to the rear wheel with a belt drive. While this isn't as maintenance-free as a shaft drive, it does have the benefit of being relatively quiet and lowering the production cost of the bike somewhat. If you're looking for a motorcycle that can be a commuter, the Yamaha V Star 950 can help you out there, too. It achieves a claimed 47 miles per gallon fuel economy.

2012 Yamaha V Star 950 Styling

The 2012 Yamaha V Star 950 has the longest wheelbase in its class, and combined with the low seat height, gives the appearance of a chopper without the painful ergonomics or high price tag. One drawback to the 2012 Yamaha V Star 950 is the lack of available color options. There are only two, Candy Red and Liquid Silver. The bike is basically built to be customized, though. You'll find that the fenders, both front and rear, are formed of steel. This departure from the norm of plastic fenders helps to contribute to the feel of the V Star 950 as well as its fit and finish.

For the 2012 model year, there's a lot to like about the Yamaha V Star 950. While it's a bit on the big side for smaller entry-level riders, it does make a great entry level bike for riders who've been through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider education course, and who don't see themselves feeling the necessity to step into a liter-class motorcycle any time soon. In fact, you might just find that the 2012 Yamaha V Star 950 could be the only motorcycle you ever feel a need to own.

Sources:

Yamaha: 2012 Yamaha V Star 950: www.starmotorcycles.com