Star Motorcycles has really hit the jackpot with the V Star->ke3393 950. Not only has it become a market favorite for its clever mix of classic styling with cutting edge technology, but it has also earned the high praise of some of the industry's opinion leaders, including that of V-Twin Magazine, which gave the V Star 950 the prestigious "Metric of the Year" award in 2009.

Suffice it to say, the V Star 950 has become a true benchmark for all mid-cruisers, becoming one of the most user-friendly cruisers on the market delivering true cruiser character.

It blends all the elements of a must-have bike in one outstanding package. Whether its the classic no-frills design, or the superior performance and excellent handling, the V Star 950 makes bike travels that much more fun.

There may be other bikes on the market that have a better name recall than Star Motorcycles, but when it comes to all-around statements of excellence, the company's V Star 950 cruiser is a sparkling example of exactly that.

Find out more about the Star Motorcycle V Star 950 after the jump.

2011 Star Motorcycle V Star 950

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Star Motorcycle V Star 950
  • Engine/Motor: air-cooled SOHC 60° V twin engine
  • Transmission: five-speed transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Design

As an entry-level cruiser, the Star Motorcycle V Star 950 is a take-no-prisoners bike that's been designed to look like a classic cruiser. Certain design elements about the bike are similar to the V Star 950 Tourer, including the large-diameter meter that has been mounted on the fuel tank, to give the bike a more traditional profile. More than just an accessory, the meter houses plenty of useful information for the rider, including the speedometer, fuel level warning light, oil level warning light, and odometer with two trip meter functions, fuel trip meter, and clock display. The meter also carries an LCD display illumination that can be adjusted using a right side handlebar switch and used depending on a rider's preference.

Performance

The Star Motorcycle is powered by a 942-cc, air-cooled SOHC

60° V twin engine with four valves per cylinder, a pent-roof shaped

combustion chamber, and 9.0:1 compression ratio. To ensure that the bike doesn't lose friction and help the engine ideal performance characteristics, Star Motorcycle added a special compact

roller-type rocker arms with needle bearings, greatly reducing the top-end weight for excellent mass centralization. Similarly, the V Star 950 comes with high-quality forged aluminum pistons, each coming with a lightweight, high-strength compact design that reduces vibration. The injectors in the engine comprise of four-hole, two-directional types that produce good fuel atomization, allowing for a faster and more complete combustion. The injection system also carries an ISC valve for excellent idling stability. Another new item found on the V Star 950 is a five-speed transmission that offers smooth shifting with efficient power transfer to the rear wheels.

Brakes and Suspension

Star Motorcycles designed the V Star 950 with a steel double-cradle frame that's both long and low, contributing to the bike’s spacious 96" length and 66" wheelbase. The bike's seat height only reaches 26.5," which is one of the lowest on the market, making it easy for riders to put both feet on the ground. The front forks feature 41mm tubes with bottom-link-type monocross shock rear suspension. The settings for these are then calibrated to deliver a comfortable ride. Similarly, the bike's fenders are made from real steel, making bike customizations easy and painless. In the front, the bike carries an 18" wheel that not only looks the part of a sports classic cruiser, but also allows for sporty handling characteristics. The tire is then mounted to an 8-spoke lightweight aluminum wheel. At the rear, a 16" wheel is big enough to help allow torque transfer from the bike to the ground. Lastly, the V Star 950 carries 320mm and 298mm brake discs on the front and rear, respectively, providing strong braking capacity with excellent feel.

Pricing

The Star Motorcycle V Star 950 is priced at $8,490.

Specification

Model

XVS95AB; XVS95AL

Engine Type

57-cubic-inch (942cc) air-cooled 4-stroke,

V-twin, SOHC, 4-valve

Bore x Stroke

85.0 x 83.0mm

Compression Ratio

9.0:1

Fuel Delivery

Fuel Injection

Ignition

TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition

Transmission

5-speed, multiplate wet clutch

Final Drive

Belt

Suspension/Front

Telescopic fork; 5.3-in travel

Suspension/Rear

Single shock; 4.3-in travel

Brakes/Front

Hydraulic disc, 320mm

Brake/Rear

Hydraulic disc, 298mm

Tire/Front

130/70-18M/C 63H

Tire/Rear

170/70-16 M/C 75H

L x W x H

95.9 x 39.4 x 42.5 in

Seat Height

26.5 in

Wheelbase

66.3 in

Fuel Capacity

4.4 gal

Est. Fuel Economy

47 mpg

Wet Weight

613 lb

Color

Raven; Deep Blue