2009 Star V Star Review

Introduction

Star doesn’t perform any mind blowing upgrades to the V Star, but the real question here is if the bike actually needs them. For instance, the 40-cubic-inch, air-cooled, 70-degree V-twin; SOHC, two valves per cylinder engine is the most appropriate one for the specific type of motorcycle and the 28mm Mikuni carburetors fueling the cylinders do not only stand for good throttle response, but for fuel efficiency as well. In fact, the V Star 650, no matter model, will go 49 miles with a single gallon of gas. Considering the fact that the fuel tank keeps 4.2 gallons, gas stops shouldn’t become a factor of worry on this bike.

Star didn’t fit their 650s with belt final drive for 2009 and it might not replace that shaft a long time from now. The five-speed tranny and multiplate wet clutch are also consecrated features of the bike so it is very likely to get it wrong with this Star.

2009 Star V Star Silverado

The bike is destined to beginning riders so it is not only light (in between 513 lbs and 587 lbs depending on the model of choice), but features a low seat height 27.4 inches without sacrificing wheel travel. The 41mm telescopic fork features 5.5 inches of travel (which is good even for larger models) while the single shock features 3.4 inches of travel meaning that anything smaller than a speed bump will hardly feel disturbing.

Brake performance is great thanks to a 298mm front hydraulic disc and 200mm rear drum, but while technically the bike doesn’t bring anything new, style is what makes the difference. The 2009 Star V Star 650 sells either as a Classic, Silverado and Custom, each one with plenty of distinctive features.

2008 Yamaha V Star History

Competition

2009 Suzuki Boulevard C50T

Star Motorcycles is the only one to offer this much diversity on bikes with this small engine capacity so any alternatives are likely to have bigger motors and be more expensive. The 2009 Boulevard C50 ($7,799) and C50T ($9,099) are both powered by the same fuel-injected 805cc, liquid-cooled, OHC, 45-degree V-twin engine, but one’s a Classic and the other a Tourer. Suzuki offers no Custom, just a Special Edition model.

2009 Honda Shadow Spirit 750

The only appropriate thing you’ll find to the 2009 V Star 650 Custom is Honda’s Shadow Spirit 750. Starting at $6,999, the 2009 Spirit features a low 25.7-inch seat, drag-style handlebars and a 21-inch front wheel while the power source is a 745cc, liquid-cooled, 52-degree V-twin with SOHC and three valves per cylinder that is also carbureted. Apart from the Spirit, Honda also sells the Aero also for $6,999. This one is the corresponsive for the Classic V Star as it features deeply valanced fenders, spoked wheels as well as a lot of chromed pieces. The engine is the same so it is just a matter of style, just like in the case of our three bikes.

Exterior

2009 Star V Star Classic

Any cruiser lineup must feature an old timer looking model and in this case it’s the 2009 V Star 650 Classic. The bike distinguishes thanks to retro looks with deeply valanced fenders and a teardrop tank. Given the nature of this bike, it features a low seat, wide handlebars and spacious floorboards. But what really makes this model look from a whole different time period are the laced standard spoked rims with beefy tires as well as the great number of chromed elements that are standard on it. Modern fit and finish consists in a stylish Cerulean Silver/Liquid Silver color scheme and a clean Pearl White one.

2009 Star V Star Silverado

Wrapped up in a range of touring goodies such as a medium-size adjustable windscreen, low-profile studded touring seat with backrest and studded leather saddlebags, the 2009 V Star Silverado indicates the open road as the favorite direction of travel even though it will do just fine within city limits as well. The 2009 paintjobs are the simple Raven and Candy Red, both looking appropriate for lively little tourer.

2009 Star V Star Custom

The cherry on the cake is the 2009 Star V Star Custom. The lightest among all three models and the coolest looking, in my humble opinion, the Custom has that long, low and mean style which also increases handling performance, but not comfort. The biggest difference compared to the other two models most likely concludes in the form of those bobbed fenders, drag-style handlebars and that 19-inch front wheel, but the lack of chrome on the Raven painted Midnight Custom sure helps too. Still, for those who can’t conceive a bike with no chrome, Star also offers the Tommy Blue with Flames color scheme on a Custom featuring as much chrome as the Retro model. Very nice!

2008 Yamaha V Star Test Ride

Price

The 2009 V Star Classic has the MSRP starting at $6,490 (Pearl White) or at $6,690 (Cerulean Silver/Liquid Silver), being the cheapest retro motorcycle of its class. The Touring model’s MSRP starts at $7,490 regardless of color while the Custom is the cheapest of them all, starting at $6,290 (Raven) and $6,390 (Tommy Blue with Flames).

Conclusion

2009 Star V Star Classic

With the 2009 V Star 650 lineup, Star shows how the magic trick can be performed with the help of style and low suggested retail prices rather than with big V-twin’s which’s displacement never seems to end. Although experienced riders have nothing to discover in what these bikes are concerned, starters find them as the most appropriate ones both for their learning and traveling needs. Mission accomplished!

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