Yamaha V-star 650 or 950

DEAK

DEAK

Member
I have completed my motorcycle course and the next step is looking for a bike! I am interested in the v-star 650 & 950 is the difference too great between the 2 bikes or can either one be a good starting point? Any input would help
 
I'd go with the 950. Almost identical fuel economy, 40% more torque, better brakes, belt drive instead of shaft and only 30kg heavier. A 650 might have you upsizing earlier than the 950, so more hassle and costs in that area. Have you compared insurance rates between the two?
 
DJM said:
I'd go with the 950. Almost identical fuel economy, 40% more torque, better brakes, belt drive instead of shaft and only 30kg heavier. A 650 might have you upsizing earlier than the 950, so more hassle and costs in that area. Have you compared insurance rates between the two?
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I was thinking the same thing, but looking for real experience like yours really helps. Have not yet checked insurance rates but hope having a solid driving record helps.
 
Unless you're really short and light the 950 will be fine, just make sure to take your time and get used the extra weight compared to the bikes you used in your course. Spend some time in a parking lot to get a feel for the difference in how the bike handles at low speeds.
 
If insurance is not an issue go with the 950.
I have the 650, it's a reliable and fun bike, but you have to do some exhaust and carb work to open up it's potential :)
 
Welcome!!
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They are both great bikes, and neither has a bad temper.
Weight listings I found are 543 lbs for the 650 Custom, 512 lbs for the 650 classic and and 611 for the 950
The 650 is physically smaller and may be more forgiving for a newby even though the weights are relatively close.

Personally I started on a Virago 250 (323 lbs) and after a year upgraded to a Virago 1100 (485 lbs).
My experience with the 250 was that it was wonderfully small and easy to lift should you drop it.
It hasn't much power, but when you're learning all the basics more power isn't what you need.
The 250 was more than enough to help me build confidence for the first year. BTW I'm 5'8 and 200 lbs. It got me around quite fine.

I'm not saying a 950 is a bad place to start but for me personally, gaining confidence on something smaller made more sense.
Food for thought

Also remember, this is your first bike, not your last :)

For kicks, check out http://cycle-ergo.com select a few bikes, then enter your height and inseam to
see how you fit on the bike.
 
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hi first off I have a 650 vstar. I find it has lots of power for anything I need whether its commuting to work or hitting the highway etc. Now as for your choices between the two. As has been said, you should check with your insurance company since this is your first bike. For me insurance on a new 650 thru state farm was a whopping $240/ month. I've had my m2 for a year Im 52 and my driving record for my cage is perfect with no claims so consider your insurance when choosing your first bike. My first bike was a 200 cc and it was an easy $43/ month insurance. Your insurance rate will also depend on where you live as well.
 
losttourist said:
hi first off I have a 650 vstar. I find it has lots of power for anything I need whether its commuting to work or hitting the highway etc. Now as for your choices between the two. As has been said, you should check with your insurance company since this is your first bike. For me insurance on a new 650 thru state farm was a whopping $240/ month. I've had my m2 for a year Im 52 and my driving record for my cage is perfect with no claims so consider your insurance when choosing your first bike. My first bike was a 200 cc and it was an easy $43/ month insurance. Your insurance rate will also depend on where you live as well.
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Thanks for the info, my main concern was driving the highways, not the 400 series as I live in the Kawarthas. I hope that will have a positive effect on my rates. Having taken the course and some private instruction from a bike trainer friend should help as well. Either way I am still looking for good advice.

I just noticed you are in Brampton, which has the highest insurance rates in the province.
 
yes that's right , thankfully im moving to Orangeville next month and my rates dropped by $166 for the year. I used to live in the kawarthas up by youngs point. For that kind of riding the 650 will be more than enough , hell my tw200 did fine on those types of roads. Your insurance should be nice and low up there I figure.
 
I personally started on v-star 1100.... it took me a bit of time to get used to the weight etc, but do not regret my choice at all.
I like this bike a lot and do not plan to change it... at least not anytime soon. :)
 
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