As with a lot of tourer bikes we're seeing on the market these days, the Star Motorcycle V Star->ke3393 950 Tourer, is the embodiment of a classic-looking middleweight cruiser that appeals not only to novice riders, but more importantly the experienced type that knows plenty about their bikes more than anybody else.

It's the kind of bike that won't feel left out wherever it goes, be it for the morning commute to school, the workplace, or for those extended joyrides on the highway. The bike's overall appeal has resulted in plenty of awards, including being honored as the 2009 Metric of the Year by V-Twin Magazine.

But more than all the fancy awards, the V Star 950 Tourer achieves plenty of what you'll need in a classic tourer. From its classic looks to its powerful engine to its excellent handling performance, the V Star 950 Tourer covers everything in a cruiser bike checklist. So much so, in fact, that you won't need anything more than just shelling out the money to buy one.

If you have that, then nothing's stopping you from conquering the roads on your V Star 950 Tourer.

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

2011 Star Motorcycle V Star 950 Tourer

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

Design

Looking the part of an all-world tourer that means serious business, the Star Motorcycle V Star 950 Tourer features plenty of design features, including a large-diameter meter that's mounted on the fuel tank, giving the bike a more traditional look. This meter allows the rider to keep itself informed with useful information, including the speedometer, a fuel level warning light, an oil level warning light, and an odometer with two trip meter functions: fuel trip meter, and clock display. Leather-wrapped hard sidebags and a passenger backrest are also part of the bike's complete profile, as are the steel fenders on the front and rear, adding a quality look to the bike.

Finally, there's a huge 18" front tire mounted on an 8-spoke lightweight aluminum wheel that helps deliver sporty handling characteristics and “Sport Classic” cruiser looks. Combine that with the 16" tire on the back and you have a beefy look that helps transfer a decent amount of torque and power to the ground.

Performance

The V Star 950 Tourer is powered by a 942cc air-cooled SOHC

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

combustion chamber, producing excellent power and best-in-class acceleration. In order to help the engine achieve optimum performance characteristics, Star added special compact roller-type rocker arms with needle bearings, which reduce top-end weight for excellent mass centralization. There are also high-quality forged aluminum pistons with a lightweight, high-strength compact design that contributes in the reduction of vibration. A sophisticated fuel injection system was also used, comprising of four-hole, two-directional types with spray aimed at the valve surfaces. These produce good fuel automization

for faster and more complete combustion, contributing to

excellent drivability and an ISC (Idling Speed Control) valve for outstanding idling stability.

Brakes and Suspension

The V Star 950 Tourer comes with a steel double-cradle frame with the seat height just 26.5" off the pavement, one of the lowest around in the market. Add that to the large 320-mm front discs and 298-mm rear discs that provide strong braking capacity and excellent feel. The front forks feature big 41mm tubes, and rear suspension is a bottom-link-type monocross shock. The settings are then calibrated to deliver a plush ride that is increasingly firm as the suspension is compressed for good handling and comfort over bigger bumps in the road.

Pricing

Owning a V Star 950 Tourer is made easier if you have $9,490. So if you have one, why don't you make that dive and reap the fruits of your hard work by taking it out for a refreshing run.

Specifications

Model

XVS95CTAB; XVS95CTAR

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

657 lb

Color

Raven; Candy Red