Opinions about the 2012 yamaha V-Star 950?

[jdmccright]

Looking at a v-Star for my son. 2012, 16k miles, been sitting so the fuel system will need cleaning/flushing. He doesn't want carbs (it's FI), and I'm okay with minor repairs. Haven't seen anything damning online about them except the belt drive. Anyone have experience with them?

 

[Sadlsor]

No direct experience, but i read good things about them.
I suppose it shares some things with the Venture, which is a highly rated cruiser.
Not that I know much about cruisers, either...

 

[JetRanger]

It should be a reliable bike much like my Vstar 650.

I know one guy with a 950 and his only complaint is that the oil filter change is a PITA since the exhaust pipe which goes over the oil filter housing requires removal (loosening?) to access one of the oil filter cover bolts.

 

[Daboo]

I'd do some browsing on a forum for the bike. This looks like one.

You don't need to join the forum. Just look for the complaints owners have and what they do to "improve" the bike. That'll tell you more about them than any other source.

Chris

 

[Joeywhat]

The only thing I'd add is to see how difficult changing the belt is. Some bikes it seems like half of it needs to come apart, others seem pretty straight forward.

 

[jdmccright]

The only thing I'd add is to see how difficult changing the belt is. Some bikes it seems like half of it needs to come apart, others seem pretty straight forward.

How often does the belt need changing?

 

[Joeywhat]

How often does the belt need changing?

I don't ride a belt drive, but I hear it's 50-75-ish. Definitely a lot less than a chain, and if you're not riding a huge amount I'd take it as a once in a lifetime chore for most people.

I've just seen videos of people replacing belts that has a LOT of stuff taken off the bike.

 

[Daboo]

Never owned a Yamaha V-Star, but a quick search of the Internet didn't surprise me.

• Expected Lifespan: Under ideal conditions with correct tension (5mm–7mm deflection), the OEM belt is designed to last 60,000 to 100,000 miles, and dealers often state it should last the "life of the bike."

That makes sense to me. My BMW F800GT had a belt. Simple like a chain. Low maintenance like a driveshaft. The biggest issue was like the search results mentioned...overtightening of the belt. Same as with a chain.

• Premature Failure Reality: Due to factory misalignment or overtightening issues common on this model, many owners experience premature wear requiring replacement between 30,000 and 35,000 miles. Symptoms necessitating immediate replacement include constant squealing, skipping under acceleration, or visible cracking.

At even a "premature" failure of 30,000 miles, that could be considered "lifetime". Most motorcycles, especially cruisers, don't get ridden that far by the original owner. I'd inspect the belt for wear, but certainly wouldn't stay away from it for that.

You'll want to check YT University for someone showing what it takes to change a belt, but I doubt it is that bad. On my F800GT, you could do the entire swap out in 20 minutes, start to finish.

Chris

 

[Joeywhat]

Never owned a Yamaha V-Star, but a quick search of the Internet didn't surprise me.


That makes sense to me. My BMW F800GT had a belt. Simple like a chain. Low maintenance like a driveshaft. The biggest issue was like the search results mentioned...overtightening of the belt. Same as with a chain.


At even a "premature" failure of 30,000 miles, that could be considered "lifetime". Most motorcycles, especially cruisers, don't get ridden that far by the original owner. I'd inspect the belt for wear, but certainly wouldn't stay away from it for that.

You'll want to check YT University for someone showing what it takes to change a belt, but I doubt it is that bad. On my F800GT, you could do the entire swap out in 20 minutes, start to finish.

Chris

In all fairness a lot of the changes I've seen have been Harleys, so who knows what they're doing. The metric bikes tend to be fairly easy to wrench on.