Posts: 624
Threads: 32
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Mar 2013
(01-02-2015, 07:18 PM)The ferret_imp Wrote: I've only test ridden one to diagnose a strange noise in a customer bike for the dealership. (had a strange gear whine when decelerating). I only rode it 25 miles but 2 things struck me immediately. One the peg placement. Guess I could get used to it, but had a devil of a time finding the pegs after leaving a light. 2 nd, when you come to a stop and went to put my feet down, my feet hit the ground way before I was expecting them to.
Engine power was fine, brakes were fine, acceleration adequate, but I swear I don't know how guys get used to that cruiser body positioning. Ergonomically it just felt so weird.
As far as power, I think they have way less power than a CB 1100. If it were me I'd rather put a clear fairing, and a set of soft luggage on the CB and ride it. Then again you could pick up a used ST 1300 for around $6K, a Bandit 1250 Suzuki for probably $4K a used FJR for $6-7K, a Concours Kaw for $ 6-7K...Especially this time of year if you are looking for a cross country sport tourer
Good info and a lot to think about. I am not a fan either being short leggeged and forward controls. Had them once and dont like them. I want to be part of the machine. Not a doubt in my mind these Yamaha V stars are not good motorcycles that are durable ect. Other things to think about like how it fits, price, ect.... Just kicking tires now.
Posts: 16,214
Threads: 344
Likes Received: 761 in 421 posts
Likes Given: 893
Joined: Apr 2025
OF7—is this as well as or instead of the 2014 CB?
Posts: 325
Threads: 16
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Apr 2014
I have a 2009 VStar 950T and have to admit I love the bike for what it is, a cheap bagger. Doesn't have the horses to be anything but a light crusier, not even close to the VStar 1300T's motor and the floor boards are positioned too low for any kind of leaning but accepting the lack of power and lean angle I find the bike a great ride.
Love the low riding position
Don't find the floor boards to be too forward at all.
It has a nice exhaust note even with stock pipes.
The wheels are mags not spokes.
The fenders are metal not plastic.
I'm also a fan of the air cooled motor.
I'm certain the VStar 1300T's motor is worth going for, demoed a Stryker with the same 1300 engine and loved it but I find the 950's layout better.
Posts: 624
Threads: 32
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Mar 2013
(01-04-2015, 08:14 PM)Cormanus_imp Wrote: OF7—is this as well as or instead of the 2014 CB?
Oh no. The CB11 is a keeper and I was just thinking ahead a few years down the road. After pondering on it a bit I think something like a Suzuki Bandit 1250 would be more to my liking. Even over a ST1300 because of weight. The trend developing here is that I like inline 4s for what ever reason. I think the Suzi has been discontinued in the states but there are a lot of good ones for sale used.
After Ferret mentioned the Bandit I read up on it a bit and its a lot like the CB11 with a lot of low end usable power which is what I use most of the time and not a high end screamer like the FZ1 Yamaha. More than enough power for my old a@@. I just think I would like this type of motorcycle better than the run of the mill cruiser. No offense to anybody has that has a V star or any other cruiser but its just a preference.
Plus, the seat height on the Bandit was not outrageous. That is always a big concern for me being so short along with weight. I sat on the new CTX1300 and it was really too big and heavy for me. I could ride it but now sure I could ever be comfortable with it. I know my limitations especially at my age. I hate tall people.
Posts: 16,214
Threads: 344
Likes Received: 761 in 421 posts
Likes Given: 893
Joined: Apr 2025
The Bandit was in my list if I couldn't lay hands on a CB. Good looking bikes.
