YAMAHA XVS950 MIDNIGHT STAR (2009 - 2013) Review

Year: 2014

A great looking cruiser without the ‘image’ of a Harley Davidson, looking more like a Victory. Easy, torquey engine with great handling although footboards limit lean angle. It has decent brakes and a low, comfy seat. My second one of these and absolutely love it.

Buying experience: Purchased used from a dealer, good price and got delivery chucked in.

XVS-950A great bike had mine now for 3-month, first service done and dusted, changed my GSX-R600, for the Yam, should have done it earlier, no more aching knees, well I am 63-1/3, loving every minute riding It, Thanks to Dave at South Wales Supper-bikes for their help and advice. It does what it says on the CAN !!

Just had 1st service today 12/10/09 - no problems, the bike continues to impress me with every ride, its one of those bikes you can just ride and ride....If any of you thought 'no way would I ride a cruiser', I've got news for you! You may well be suprised and enjoy it!! I am and look forward to many thousands of comfortable riding. Thanks to Pheonix Motorcycles of Trowbridge,Wiltshire a great bunch of guys and great service. Thanks.

Well what can I tell you?, I have px'd my 2006 ZX10R Sports bike for the Yamaha XVS Midnight Star 950....Why oh Why I here you cry!!...Well I'm nearly 50 now, so it was time for a change..the 10r was a fantastic speed machine..105mph in first gear,180+ mph etc......It just came to the fact that you can't use all that go on UK roads....So,enter the XVS950..Why the 950?, because it looks great,heavy it is,but not as much as the 1300's or larger cruisers..Quality is very good, mines black and sets the chrome off, belt drive is a plus(no lube),nice cast wheels,great comfort and v good fuel economy 55 to 59 mpg avearge. No it won't do 120 mph as MCN states - about 112 indicated is yer lot ( about 105 actual) unless you get flat out down a very long slope,then you might see 115 -120 on the clocks. Handling is acceptable as are the brakes ( rear brake if good and progressive),handling spoilt and limited by the running board skids touching down at the mearest lean angle( but it puts a smile on your face). To quiet as standard...so put a 1" hole cutter up the can,you will need a 14" extension piece..Now it sounds great with a nice Blat Blat....also look at the airbox it takes its air from between the cylinder bank ( read very hot)...so drill two 22mm holes in the underside of black plastic airbox...Ah!, fresh cool air.... Fitted a Puig screen from Ebay 108 euro from Germany...bargain, good fit and £200 less than Mr Yamaha.... A good bike, I am pleased with it. They are now £7120 otr.

JUST GOT IT AND I LOVE IT !!!!!!!