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V Star 950 for a Newbie?

by Ony Gee
(Maryland)

I am new to riding (very new.. just got the M endorsement and have only clocked the 8hrs of training on a bike) I want to get a bike and figured, since I'm so new and don't really know much about horsepower yet I might as well get the bike I want and learn to tame that beast.

Others have suggested I start small (650cc) and gradually move up to the 950.

What are your thoughts on this bike as an "entry level" bike for a newbie?

Comments for V Star 950 for a Newbie?

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Oct 09, 2012

Is it the right bike for me?
by: SweetDreemz

I've been riding now for about 5 years. My first bike was a v-star 650, which felt a bit big in the tank due to the width of it, however, i feel pretty comfortable with it now. When highway riding, to keep up with other riders, my bike is just "screamnin'". I'm somewhat impulsive and last month i decided i would start looking at something else. I like my Yamaha and thought I would stick with the brand. Just this past weekend, I couldn't pass up such a good deal on a 2009 V-star 950. we picked up the bike and put it in the back of the pickup and brought her home. It is a little longer in the wheel base and in the fuel tank, which makes for a heavier feel when picking it up. I'm 5'1, it sit on it well, ALMOST flat footed. I've drove it up the drive and back down to the garage. (I still need to safety and insure it). My husband it confident i'm going to enjoy the ride better than the 650 - he had a 1500 Honda Goldwing and found even his bike easier to ride than my 650. Anyone who has taken my bike for a ride admits its not as easy to ride as their bigger bikes. I have to admit, I'm nervous as hell, perhaps intimidated by the bike and the weight of it. I guess practice is what I need, parking lots etc. before I venture out into the city. Its the turning that is worrying me from all of the above stories I've been reading, due to the weight and the fact that the bike is a bit longer in the forks. (More like chopper style). I guess i'll have take a few practice runs before I decide whether to keep or look for something else.

Apr 21, 2011

Just Bought VStar 950 in Tommy Blue
by: Jewels

Passed the MSF last fall and couldn't stomach buying a small bike - I'm not made of money and can't just be switching on a whim! If the sales guy had pressured me to go small, I probably would have been put off. I know me, and I know that I can do this. I've purchased a VStar 950 as my first bike. Am I nervous? Yes. Am I going to take it easy and go at my own pace? Yes. I felt strongly that I wanted to buy MY bike, something I could grow into and really make my own. I am glad to hear others have been successful in doing it this way. It is sometimes scary to read everyone saying that you must start out small - it's not an option at this point, the Blue Jewel is already in the garage :)

Apr 21, 2011

AGREE!
by: OnyGee

Thanks guys, I agree with all of you but I think Angela made the most compelling argument.

I should probably learn to ride on a bike that I don't really care that much about as opposed to one in which I've invested thousands of dollars.

Thanks again guys. This site is great.

Apr 21, 2011

One newbie to another :)
by: Angela

I too just got my endorsement and started looking at bikes. I have a good friend whom I trust that is my mentor in this adventure. We spent a great deal of time discussing and looking for my first bike. I knew I wanted a sport bike, so I settled on a 2001 Kawasaki Ninja 500, it will not be my only bike! Here's why:

First, it's been laid down by the previous owner(s), I bought it for under $2000 with the intention I may do the same. I do not want to do damage to a bike I am attached to on various levels! I did not want to damage this one either.

I had every intention to take this whole thing slow, still do! Yesterday I went out for the first time in my neighborhood, going unintentionally down a steep hill I gently ended up laying it down because I got nervous on the hill. Today I drove it to a parking lot in my neighborhood. I actually wrecked it and am laying in bed with a swollen knee, but am safe and still motivated and excited to ride.

I am happy with my little used starter bike, I will learn slowly and be more concerned with my safety than a bike I spent several thousand dollars on.

The class is awesome! But keep in mind you are in a very controlled environment...take what they taught you from the very beginning and go through the steps with your bike....I am and even though today was rough, I can look back and think "where was the error" so I will get back out there hopefully tomorrow.

Have fun!

Apr 19, 2011

Bonneville
by: Anonymous

I agree with Wanda on all her comments but would like to add that I have the New Bonneville and while it is a 900cc it is still a good learning bike. I wrote a little something about it here.

Welcome to the best club in the world, riding a motorcycle, you will love it. Happy shopping and good luck.

Apr 19, 2011

My first bike experience - similar.
by: Chicken

Hi:

When I first learned to ride, I fell in love with a bike that was probably a little too big and torque-y for a beginner. It was a Ducati M-750. But man, did I love that bike. Of course, hard headed as I am, I went out and bought it and it was the first/only bike I ever rode aside from the ones in the safety course.

Was it the right decision? Noooo.... Do I regret it? No, because I didn't get hurt and I still love that bike more than any of the four I've owned.

The real problems with the big motor, especially a v-twin, is that it is very powerful on the low end, when you are stopping and starting in city traffic or at lights, it can "jump around" and eve throw you around if you don't have good throttle/clutch control. Low-speed environments were a challenge and I was learning to ride in Chicago. Yes, I managed to drop the bike a few times.

On highway, it didn't matter, any bike going at 60 feels about the same to me.

If you live "out in the country" and won't be driving a ton in stop/go/cornering traffic, then maybe consider going for it, but with a very cautious approach. You can learn low speed control in a safer environment where the worst that can happen is probably dropping it in a corner.

If you life in a city, which demands immediate and perfect control of your machine due to the hazards of other drivers and pedestrians 1000x more often than rural environments, you simply don't get the "learning curve" time away from others, and you have no margin for error.

That was my experience, anyway. FWIW, I have been riding my partners 600 a bit lately, having been used to 1000+ machines for a decade and I love her bike! The biggest engines don't = the most fun, I've learned...

Kate

Apr 19, 2011

Start with 650 cc or less.
by: Wanda

I agree that starting with a 650cc or less is a good idea. The 650 cc engine will give you enough power to run comfortably at highway speeds but not so much power as to get you in trouble while you're gaining experience. I am partial to BMW, but there are many good bikes out there, and I suggest you go sit on them all. My first and only bike is a BMW G650GS, a 650cc single dual sport machine. I love it. It is a smooth running motorcycle and easy to handle. You might check out the Triumph Bonneville too. Good luck. See you on the road!

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