YAMAHA V-STAR 950 XVS950: DETAILED SPECS, BACKGROUND, PERFORMANCE AND MORE

If you’re looking for a fun-to-ride, new cruiser that is easy to operate, the Yamaha V-Star 950 is right up your alley!

The Yamaha V-Star 950 is an excellent entry-level cruiser with a classic new design and a comfortable riding position. It is one of the few motorcycles on the market that offers a perfect combination of style, performance, and handling in a single affordable package.

The V-Star 950 delivers good performance in a user-friendly, confidence-inspiring vehicle that appeals to everyone from beginners to experts . The bike offers a thrilling blend of outstanding engine performance and personality, as well as sufficient power for longer excursions.

Here's where you can learn everything there is to know about this bike, including the detailed specs, history, and performance.

The V-Star 950 was launched by Yamaha in 2009 as a part of its renowned Star Series. The bike is powered by a 942cc engine and is also known as Drag Star or XVS950.

Yamaha announced the launch of the Star Motorcycles in 1994, a new stand-alone brand for its cruiser bikes in the United States. Despite being a different brand, the Star Motorcycles were sold at Yamaha dealerships. However, the same bikes were sold as Yamaha motorcycles in other markets.

In 2006, the brand was extended to become its own company, but its production and marketing were still being handled by Yamaha.

The Yamaha V-Star 950 (also known as the Drag Star or XVS950) debuted in 2009 with the longest wheelbase in its class, replacing its earlier member in the line-up, the V-Star 650.

The bike was specifically designed as an entry-level cruiser that featured a 942cc fuel injected V-twin engine, capable of producing roughly 50 HP at 5600 rpm and 58.2 lb/ft of torque at 3500 rpm.

The V-Star 950 was offered in normal and touring versions. Its production was discontinued in 2017 after the release of the V-Star 1100.

Almost all the V-Star 950 models had the same features from 2009 to 2017, except for little updates in design and color schemes over the years.

Due to its long yet low neo streamlined style, the V-Twin Magazine awarded the V-Star 950 with the prestigious “Metric of the Year Award” in 2009.

No significant changes were made to the V-Star 950 from 2009 to 2012. However, new color options were introduced for the latest model every year.

• Color Options:
  • 2009: Raven, Candy Red, Tommy Blue
  • 2010: Raven, Candy Red, Pearl White
  • 2011: Raven, Deep Blue
  • 2012: Raven, Compact Blue

• Color Options:
  • 2013: Raven, Pearl White
  • 2014: Candy Red
  • 2015-2016: Raven, Reddish Copper
  • 2017: Raven Black, Reddish Copper

With its full-size chassis, low seat height, and excellent build and finish, the V-Star 950 sets a new standard for the middleweight cruiser class.

The Yamaha V-Star 950 has plenty of style to back up its claim to fame. The New Classic design is derived from a streamlined design that runs throughout the length of the body.

With the bike’s low and long design that provides plenty of space and comfort for the passenger, the V-Star 950 has a new low, lean, and lightweight design that separates it from the traditional old-style cruisers.

The heart of the V-Star 950 is the air-cooled 942cc V-twin engine. The bike’s sleek and elegant appearance conceals the impressive power inside the powertrain. This incredible V-twin engine is capable of generating superb torque at low or mid-range.

The engine is coupled to a five-speed transmission with an increased gear ratio for driving on the highway and in the city, delivering an outstanding performance that only a genuine cruiser can deliver.

For conventional appearances, there is no-fuss air cooling. But the V-Star 950’s four-valve cylinder heads, forged aluminum pistons, ceramic composite lined cylinders, and fuel injection contribute to the bike’s performance.

Yamaha equipped the V-Star 950 with a meticulously built chassis that includes a steel frame with a double cradle, a bottom link rear suspension with a single shock, and huge 298 mm rear and 320 mm front discs.

The carefully developed chassis gives this bike an incredibly weightless feeling that riders will love. The engine resides in the double-cradle steel main structure, providing an optimal rigidity balance in the longitudinal, lateral, and torsional planes.

The Yamaha V-Star 950 has a user-friendly 26.6-inch high seat, one of the lowest in the market, and a thin gasoline tank that meets the seat. Most riders can easily place both their feet firmly on the ground. The long, low-profile chassis also offers plenty of room for a passenger.

The bike has excellent handling thanks to its wide handlebars and the engine being mounted slightly forward for optimal weight distribution. The agile and responsive handling makes the V-Star 950 ideal for winding back roads, town commutes, and open-road cruising.

The V-Star 950’s engine has a slightly detailed design, with polished cylinder fins and attractive chrome-plated cylinder head covers.

The front and rear fenders are made of solid steel. This improves the look and feel of the bike while also making modifications easier.

For a more classic look, a large-diameter meter is installed on the fuel tank. A speedometer, oil level warning light, fuel level warning light, and odometer with two trip meter capabilities and clock display are among the meter features.

A right-hand handlebar switch can be used to modify the illumination of the LCD.

The average retail price of the 20217 Yamaha V-Star 950 is around $9,999. However, the price varies depending on the model year, accessories, and country.

The Yamaha V-Star 950 is a wonderful bike to start with if you’re a cruiser enthusiast seeking for a fun ride. It looks like a full-fledged heavy cruiser, but it’s a lightweight bike that’s simple to maintain and operate. The bike is enjoyable to ride, comfy, and fun. The low price combined with good handling and comfortable seating position makes it an ideal entry-level cruiser.

The Yamaha V-Star 950 can go as fast as 90 mph (140km/h top speed).

Yes, the V-Star 950 is fuel injected, featuring a 942c air-cooled, fuel-injected, SOHC V-twin with four valves per cylinder (estimated to return 47mpg).

Yamaha offers a variety of aftermarket accessories that allow you to personalize the V-Star 950 to your liking. Many high-quality parts are available from the Japanese firm to give this classic cruiser a modern makeover. Crash bars, handlebars, seats, fairings, and headlights are just a few examples.

You may also customize this fantastic cruiser by adding luggage racks and saddlebags to transport your luggage. Sissy bars and passenger backrests can be fitted to make the bike even more comfortable for extended rides.