Cruisers Under 1100cc The Truth | V Star 950

In this video I discuss the truth abut riding a cruiser under 1100cc's and also talk about first motorcycles, hope you enjoy

[@oritawey]

I bought my Yamaha 950 and I absolutely LOVED IT..... I cruise everywhere and I'm so comfortable riding it and I'm 6ft 240 , it looks great and I highly recommend it

[@chucklynn3800]

Exactly correct I have the 950 great for local rides plenty of power at 55 or 60. Have 1500 nomad and it’s like night and day you need the power with less vibration for distant and speed. It’s really amazing how different bikes feel and Handel your assessment is right on.

[@GuaranteedEtern]

It feels like no matter what cc bike you have, there's always someone who says you need something bigger. But you're right - it all comes down to where and how you ride. Longer rides you will miss the comfort of a larger bike especially for longer rides.

[@donaldmoyerjr8218]

Thanks for the video. Just purchased a Yamaha 950 and I appreciate your thoughts. For what I want the motorcycle to do I feel the 950 is the right size for me as a new rider. I tried the 1100 and 1300 but I felt they were just a little too big. The 950 fits great!

[@FnLn55]

Barron's makes a steel front pulley for the Vulcan 900 to replace its 32 with a 34 - folks love it.

[@bamakeyman]

I totally get it! No telling how many times I've reached for that last gear. I think the VStar 950 is a sexy looking bike, and I have take some fairly long trips, but it does get uncomfortable at a certain point. I have the Mustang touring seat, that helps. I put a fuel injection module and had it tuned and that definitely improved performance. Replaced stock intake and exhaust as well. I live in a rural area and ride the back roads a lot, perfect. Not so much fun on the interstate. The big plus; I bought the bike (a 2012) in mint condition, just like showroom new. It had 2400 miles on it, $3500.

[@mikegreen8014]

Good input, bro. Like your thinking

[@jbro800]

The reason you don't like doing 6k rpm on the highway is because it is a 'cruiser', cruising is about low rpm and lounging around. People always talk about how cool it is to ride a cruiser hard but that totally misses the point. I completely understand your point.

[@jacspring7729]

I’ve got a Bolt - same bike in a bobber config - love it and it’s fine for running a couple hours on the hwy - plenty of power - just need to ignore the higher rev on the engine. You should just get a V-Star 1300 - fixes everything you’re not happy with.

[@grinningintheirface2685]

Right on Man, nice job! Finally an honest opinion, so tired of weeding through reviews. Im 52 and getting my first bike! Ive ridden dirt bikes a little decades ago, and a street bike a couple times. Im gonna go through MSF course, and put my practice time in the parking lots, etc. before hitting the road. I was leaning towards stratoliner, then back to v star, road star, back and forth. Im going with the bike I want and get proper training to ride it safely. Im not buying a differnt bike in a year. People saying dont get a big cc bike (I get it with the sport bikes) but its not the motorcycle that gets people hurt. Its people improperly riding and not trained in motorcycle safety. Thats kinda like saying dont get a .45 youll shoot your eye out, get a .22 lmao. I am going to show a little restraint, Im drooling over the raider, but I know better, so im going with the roadliner or stratoliner...see, restraint!😁 Cant beat the bang for the buck 06-07 stratoliner, or roadliner, road star 1700 for a little less (usually with lots of extras) 1900cc for around 4000 bucks! Be safe, happy cruisin Man!

[@pantsparty00]

I totally agree with what you say. I have a 2011 950t. Im 6'6" 300lb, and got it as my first bike. I put 3000 miles on it in 2 months. I've done many 6 hr rides and find myself always wanting another gear. Im already wanting more power, so I picked up a cobra slip on, cobra fi2000, and am doing the airbox mod. Hopefully it'll get a few more ponies for the fun zone.

[@DeltaWhiskey89]

pantsparty00 right on! You will definitely notice an improvement when romping around town. The “missing” gear unfortunately is just part of that class of cruiser.

[@drgrunn174]

IDK for your year/model, but if it is injection - get power commaner, if it is carbouratored - get a stage 3 jet kit. Those boxes/exhausts changes are cosmetic - to change the look and sound. Which is not 100% true, they will fcuk up the machine and after that you will _MUST_ change the jet kit or the firmware. My 2 rides are 450 and 800 cruisers and they are almost the same as power and road behaviour; both being 50hp they have similar max speed. But the bigger one have chain so I can play with the cogs (yes, it helps). BTW the smaller have 6 speeds and the bigger only 5, but they both are just not designed for good speed (over 200km/h). Sportbikes have longer gears. It is not a thing that can be changed in our case.

[@GeorgeMaddaloni52463]

I love my Vstar1100 but you are right. I find myself looking for another gear at around 65 MPH- 70 MPH! I ride all over. Long highway rides, short runs, etc... It's all good. My girl loves to ride too and we have no problem cruising right along. Anyway, ride safe brother!

[@macwiller2105]

I really wish I seen this video 3 weeks ago.. bought my 1st bike star 650 and already I'm wishing I bought at least the 950 or 1100. I run back roads and no highways but still I can relate to this video already

[@calebowens998]

Still a great bike i had one for my 1sy bike and dogged the shit out of it run 80+ on Hwy for up to an hr at a time no problems. Take care of it and it will last forever ! Drove a 950 stat not long ago and I swear it was about the same !!! If you dont get the biggest 1300cc and down are all about the same in the cruisers ! I love the vtx 1800 but find it to much lol get ready to punch it and look down and see I'm already going 80 lol like damn! Whatever you ride stay Safe!

[@jroberthadden]

I've been riding for many years and have owned 37 motorcycles. My advice is this. Know and respect your own limitations and ride the bike that is appropriate for you and the the ride you're about to take. Due to lack of strength in my recently broken right tibia I now understand that my days of riding top heavy and taller bikes are over. I have chosen a 2006 H-D 1200 Roadster for tooling around the Black Hills (where I live) and I have a 2010 Victory King Pin (100 CI) for cruising the interstates or desolate highways at higher cruising speeds. The big Victory has a 6th gear that is truly an overdrive for anything over 70. (It will touch 115 with my fat ass on it) Both bikes are a dream to ride and, sometimes, I'll take the Roadster for a weekender. Granted, many riders are limited to one bike and there are many options that would fit the bill for cruising and/or high speed touring. (Any Moto Guzzi California comes to mind) Thanks for bringing up the subject. Looks like nice riding country, by the way.

[@PornstarJerome]

Sorry to hear about your labia

[@brionwilbanks8228]

Did that!!! Sold my 2003 100th Anniversary Harley FLUTCLU- Ultra Classic Electra Glide for this 2010 V Star 950 Turing. MY son had it for sale after a test ride I decide to sale. With the Harley I was always looking for the next gear. I do miss the stereo. 1/4 the price, The same performance , Same ride, 400 Lb. lighter, added a rear trunk never looking for another gear. will be adding a stereo soon. I have owned 6 other Bikes this is definitely 1 for the very best.

[@ausrider]

I understand your problem with the extra gear, I am on my second roadstar, and sorry to disappoint you but it is the same. But I have been on roadstars for about 15 years now and it is a fantastic bike, but not a powerful one. It has heaps of torque, but is short on power for such a big bike. If you are just into cruising at sort of legal speeds then it is an excellent choice despite the lack of a sixth gear.

[@SoapHorizons789]

I drive a Yamaha v star 650cc classic,it's an excellent and reliable cruiser, I'm not about speed, I just love to cruise around and see the scenery, it drives 50-65mph flawlessly for hours at a time, but anything over 65 I do wish I had an extra 6th gear

[@elodino77]

I put 40000 km on a 2001 I bought 4 years ago. Mostly highway miles, and it does them well. It easily goes the speed limit. Seat sux. In town, it's perfect. Best thing is that it's reliable. Never ever had a problem.

[@Lee-70ish]

Hi S Im looking at one of these in 950 as my last bike after 50 years . Never had a criuser or belt drive but just want an easy ride 70mph and below and hate boring highway riding as nothing to see. How have you found your bikes reliability . I found one with 8400miles on the clock new tyres and battery. Thank very much

[@SoapHorizons789]

@@Lee-70ish my v star 650cc has been very reliable, I bought it over a year ago with 7,000 miles, today it has 13,000 miles and still drives like new the day I bought it, people are always saying that they want a 1500cc and so on but truth is 650cc-950cc is all you need, my 650cc maxes out at 92mph, gets about 50 miles per gallon and runs forever, it's been a fantastic bike for me and I'm 5'10 222 pounds

[@gob2003]

I also own a 2015 V Star 950. Purchased Brand New. I’m 6’0” and 200lbs. Mechanically Stock. 21,000 Kilometres (13,000 Miles) on it now. Had a Vance and Hines slip-on, I found it a bit too loud and had an annoying rattle. Recently purchased a Batwing Fairing and Spoiler Windshield. I agree with pretty much everything you said! Good price, great mid-size bike, mid-power, mid-performance, and great on secondary 50 - 55 MPH paved back roads. My longest one day ride was 800 Kilometres (500 Miles) on mostly 60 MPH roads. Yes I’m always looking for a 6th gear, yes it’s revving medium-high, yes it’s vibrating a little and yes it’s not the most comfortable after a long day. The problem with this bike, is it’s juuust good enough in all aspects that I just can’t pull the trigger to sell the darn thing and upgrade haha!!! Also the speedometer is off by a lot. Lots of Forums and Complaints about that. Good video and advice and honesty! And yes this bike can do above 100MPH stock, and above 110MPH with a quick tune!

[@omnitech6103]

The 950 is only 150cc less than an 1100...if anything I'd say under 1300cc. I have the V Star 950, I'm not a small guy, and I catch myself doing 90mph all the time. Does the V Star need an extra gear? Hell yes. But I don't think the 950 struggles on the highway at all, I can do 100mph with no issues and I don't even have a windshield which I can only assume would make it smoother.

[@radricster]

Another factor (at least around here) is the cost of insurance. Bikes over 1k cc's are hit with insane insurance costs where I live, so best call your agent/broker and get quotes for any bike you're considering buying. That 75+ mph comfort might be more expensive than you thought.

[@catherienpierce4264]

Well hello stranger welcome back

[@oldtimer3824]

Delta W nice video, I appreciate your commentary. Regarding needing a 6th gear, possible to increase countershaft sprocket by 1 tooth or reduce rear gear size?

[@RickGoodman1911]

You can do a Stryker pulley swap and get lower final ratio at higher speeds. Yes always looking for 6th but this helps.

[@gphilipc2031]

Own a Honda VT1100C and yes, same issue on needing 6th gear. 70 mph is about optimum for 5th.

[@usa-rb5fi]

Do you the Sabre or Spirit 1100?

[@gphilipc2031]

@@usa-rb5fi Spirit. Getting ready to install a freshly painted fuel tank (black), new bars, updated LED turn signals.

[@parisgeorgearey4439]

I’ve got a 2011 V Star 950 and a 2015 FJR 1300 and find myself looking for a 6th gear on both. Maybe it’s just that all bikes are highway speeds should have a 6th gear. In 2016 Yamaha finally put a 6th gear on their FJR!

[@jroberthadden]

I think the FJR had a 6th gear the year after yours...

[@carltonhobbs]

It's funny the different perspectives. I mainly ride a Honda Reflex with only 250cc, but as long as I stay under 75 mph, I don't feel like I need more. Then my 1983 Honda CB1000C has 1000cc, and 89 HP, and at 70 mph is barely over 4000 rpms, though that is a 10 speed transmission.

[@hogueraleksander5868]

I have ridden many bikes and owned a 650, 1100, 1700, and 1900cc yamaha cruisers. They all could use another gear in the highway. Im gonna go and say ANY bike that doesnt have 6 gears could use it on the hwy. Even if they are happy at 85mph on 5th gear. (BMW K-bike) or screaming about to blow up (Vstar650). Reality a lot of the bigger bikes are happy between 70-80mph. Any more and you feel like you need another gear. But do you really need to cruise at 100 for hours?

[@MaaZeus]

It is not about the amount of gears but the ratio of them. Make the fifth gear a long overdrive and the bike is fine at higher speeds without screaming its lungs out. You can artificially make the gears longer too if you have a chain or belt drive by just changing the front sprocket a bit bigger, at the cost of some acceleration.

[@Yamahog]

Nice Vid, DW.... Was just going to add, (Ya, I know.... 3 yrs after this post.....), The Tourer and the Bolt have the same power plant, I have the Bolt,..... 85 mph ,4th gear, Engine is at 5522 rpm, ,stock. and in 5th gear ,Engine is at 4568 rpm. Ok ...Sooo, then Torque = Hp is at 5252 rpm. All be it said, Max torque on this bike is achieved at 3000 rpm . and it pulls all the way up to 5780 rpm's , when the rev limiter kicks in at 5800 rpm's..... So the Bolt max's out at 107 mph. and it's a 547 lb bike, wet weight .... Do you really want to hit a pot hole at 120 mph ????.... Not !! What's the deal with hunting for a sixth gear. ....??? Or is it habit??? Stay Safe.

[@derekreilly1039]

I'd pick the vstar 1300 over the roadstar I think both awsome bikes the roadstar may be tough to find some parts compared to the 1300 but the 950 is a great bike and you can change out the belt drives between the 1300 and 950 bolt not sure the gearing on the xvs 950 but between the three there awsome

[@dirtboy123100]

yea i have a 09 vstar 950 touring and totally correct

[@joeschmoe1301]

Just about review, and every forum post I have seen, says the same thing. Cruisers below 1000cc all seem to need an extra gear, or not enough power!! 1300cc seems to be about the minimum for all around riding. The key here, is all around riding.

[@tbillyjoeroth]

Anything past 70mph is .... illegal. What's wrong with 65 or 70? You need to get there fast, take a car or a plane. Riding is about the ride, not being in a hurry.

[@DeltaWhiskey89]

tbillyjoeroth not sure where you live, but Texas speed limit is 75 and even 85 on our toll roads.

[@Pabloman333]

Get out of Washington State Billy Joe. The rest of the country drives fast.

[@lbowmanbowman9174]

Harley is made for crossing States,and it works .

[@mikeochoa458]

Your Bike sounds Great

[@neurflerat2693]

Bought a vstar 1100 -99. Probably not the best bike out threre, has been running for 70.000 km. Got it for $1650.

[@ut1004bp]

You would have likely be satisfied with the Yamaha V-Star 1300, and don't forget about the Stratoliner 1300 and 1900 series. I have the 1900 Stratoliner.

[@antinwo3664]

So very correct on everything you said.. This bike needs a 6th HIGH gear.

[@rupertthebear]

Ah yes, the mythical "another gear"

[@rwruger01]

My past 1100's (1 Honda, 2 V Stars) seemed to have no more power than my current V Star 950. Maybe because the 1100's were shaft driven and the 950 is belt driven or because they had carbs v. the 950's EFI? For riding two-up one needs over 1100. If you are dragging a woman friend, go for at least a 1300. My 2009 950 is fun and quick. If you want/need to cruise over 70 mph, the author is probably right. Slow down and enjoy the cruise! I paid under $4k for the pristine 950 with 3000 miles on it. Look for bargains at any size bike. They are out there, even on Facebook marketplace.

[@garrymiller2769]

Most of the time that we're looking for that 6th gear, we're not paying attention and don't really need it. Its just dumb routine that is causing us mindlessly to shift up. Everyone does it, even on sports bikes that have 6 speeds - they're looking for a 7th. The manufacturer carefully considers the gear patterns on these machines before he sells them. Riders think they can improve... everyone wants to personally improvise. Your high speed roll on in this vid, that worked so well in 5th gear, would not have worked like that if the bike had a higher range on top gear - or a 6th gear.

[@banuelosjimmy1219]

and I'm over here on a dragster 650 haha.

[@jcvr732]

I have the vstar 1300 and the same. It feels that you need one more speed in the freeways

[@yoso585]

Nonsense. Second gear rev limit at 70.

[@MaaZeus]

People are used to lugging their cruisers when the fact is that most of the water cooled japanese Vtwins are just fine being revved out, hell they are even happier in the upper rev range. They have bigger bore than stroke, the engine will not shake itself apart when you them harder, which is something a Harley may do because their engine is the opposite, small bore and long stroke.

[@rolandkeith5322]

All very very well said and very so true, could do with another gear and great short mileage highway runs ect. I have tried them all in the Yamaha Cruisers and out of the 650,950 and 1100 the 650 is the quickest 0 to 100. If you’re going up grade go the 1700 victory they are impressive big grunt and fast. And the build quality compared to the HD products is superior. And keep in mind the HD 1200 sportster is only in the 60 HP range. I have a review on the victory Judge on my channel check it out.

[@DeltaWhiskey89]

Roland Keith will definitely check it out, thanks for the info! My only issue with victory is that they will have limited support now that Polaris has dropped production

[@rolandkeith5322]

DeltaWhiskey89 yes we looked into that. Victory are making parts for the next ten years. so by then if we still have that bike looks like we will have plenty .plus keep in mind it's books say that up to 80.000 km one only changers the oil plugs and filters.

[@phishtacosfishingandstuff2677]

Put the camera on your chest. You'll get a much steadier (easier to watch) product.

[@rogerwhite7719]

Install a bigger front drive pulley

[@DerAndereMann]

I love my 950 too…i do bigger trips…daytrips….holiday from switzerland to England or Greece…never on a highway…why? I don’t like highways 😂😂😂

[@catherienpierce4264]

Hey it's ok I know you got kids and school I'm not complaining I understand

[@saddle8bag]

You might wanna try a pair of cheap ear plugs. The bike is pretty noisy and gets worse as the revs rise. Quelling that noise would probably go a long way toward making higher speeds less intense and fatiguing.

[@DeltaWhiskey89]

saddlebag good idea! I’m already half deaf from the military though, so it doesn’t bother me too much honestly. It’s more an issue of feeling at extended high rpms, just feels off

[@oldguyjeff6646]

Couldn't you change the rear sprocket ?

[@IaMaWeSoMe7478]

@@DeltaWhiskey89 Good point though you still want to protect the hearing you currently have so it doesnt worsen..

[@starving030]

What about a Vulcan? I think they have an overdrive(6th gear) instead of spending the money on Harley. I'm currently trying to decide between a 950 and Vulcan and they both have pros and cons.

[@DeltaWhiskey89]

starving030 unless they have changed the vulcan 900 in recent years, it’s the same as the vstar950 but with less power. My buddy had one and complained about a “missing” gear as well. This is just a common theme with the entire class of bikes. IMO just buy a bigger bike if you plan on doing much highway riding.

[@mattschenden7742]

If I had a 8 speed

[@andypacmanperez]

It doesnt matter what you ride you will always be searching for one more gear when cruisimg at highway speeds because of the drone. 😂 these metric bikes unlike the harleys dont have low end torque so to get to the the power you really have to wind out the gears

[@RexRacer7]

Just like people like to throw around "cc's" with no consideration to the type of bike it is,... this guy keeps throwing around the term "highway" when I think he really means freeway!... Because, this bike seems perfect for HIGHWAY riding!... But, maybe not so much for FREEWAY riding. .. 😉 Now, going back to the whole "cc" argument,... you don't need a litre bike to get yourself into a whole lotta trouble!... ANY one of these 600cc sport bikes/SuperSport bikes has enough power to where if you don't know what you're doing... you're gonna have a bad day!... 🥺 My 750 SuperSport pumps out OVER 130HP,... at the wheel!... I can get the front wheel off the ground... doing 70MPH!... And, that's just on my 750!... So,... yeah,... cc's don't really mean too much... in terms of getting yourself in some serious trouble. .. 😟 BTW, at 9:58... I think he meant "cruiser" bike, NOT sport bike. ... But, I get it,... it's hard to proofread/edit when you're riding around on your CRUISER bike!... Or, ANY bike, for that matter!.. 😋 But, yeah,... on these cruiser litre bikes you're NOT going to get that same kind of "Umph!" that you would on, 'se, a VN2000, VTX1800, or any of these 120+ ci bikes!... That's just not going to happen. ..

[@shawntallman6263]

What fairing is that bro?

[@rogerwhite7719]

Change your drive and/or rear pulley....

[@larrym7711]

I put a tachometer on my VSTAR 950 . I'm only turning 2000 RPM at near 80 MPH . The motor sounds like it's turning 6000 RPM though . So , you are not turning as many RPM as you think .

[@johnwillard9263]

You better check that tach... Bought a 959 star and at 80 mph, that little motor is wound tight. I have an 1800 vtx and at 60 mph its turning at least 2000 rpm. Just saying

[@jroberthadden]

@@johnwillard9263 I agree his tach is not accurate at all.

[@TheRosko33]

i have a 09 950 tourer and 70-80 mph is nothing for the 950 its so smooth and low rpms why need another gear it doesnt rev out and plenty of throttle

[@WADEPH33R3]

that's exactly what I was thinking I got the same bike as you and i do t have this problem also he brings up get a harley my buddy has one 1100cc and my bike is much faster than his

[@TheRosko33]

@@WADEPH33R3 if yu want to make it run alot better i put on the cobra slip on exhaust and the cobra fi2000o2r fms and what a difference..alot more fun to ride now..

[@TheRosko33]

@@WADEPH33R3 with a k&n air filter

[@jimewart5156]

what exhaust system is on this bike ?

[@DeltaWhiskey89]

Hey sorry about the late response. That bike had a Vance and Hines 2 into 2 big radius pipes with a tuner

[@best1yet]

750cc for a first cruiser....ok. 500cc for first sport bike.....o.k. 5 years riding and a few training day sessions...…..get whatever you want.

[@gonzed11]

So Alllllllllllll that to say.. You like it inner city and in town.. But prefer a bigger bike on the highway.

[@Group_Anonymous]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mrdannyedwards1]

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