New Toy

[petey]

Just picked it up last night. She sure is a dream to ride, and the best part...It was my wife's idea. Who's going to argue with that? Of course, there goes B-Day's and X-mas's for the next few years but it was worth it ;)

Mine is black, I'll get some descent pictures when the sun is actually shining. Here's a stock photo. 2009 Yamaha V-Star 950. Runs smoother than the 1300. Take your $100 and stuff it Obama, I'll stimulate the economy in my own way.

Lets see pictures of your rides.

[Dan Morris]

Hope it didn't come with road rash included...LOL
Dan

[petey]

Now Dan, if my mother could hear you speak she'd be ringing your neck! I'm sure she's very concerned that her "little" boy doesn't get wrapped around a pole on this thing.

Safety is always a big concern with a bike and it's number one on my mind right now. Hopefully I never have to experience such an encounter. I do hear many stories from seasoned riders, but I've been safe enough with the 4-wheeled types. Never had a "accident" since day one, other than running over a few deer. Hopefully I never meet one of those on the road riding this. I do think if a rider uses his brain and is always aware of his surroundings and is aware of the potential for something to happen and be ready for it, it will elliminate 90% of the potential misshaps. They have some very good safety programs here and I'm actually considering taking one just to be more informed and well trained for evasive manouvers if need be.

[Dan Morris]

By all means, take the course! They are worthwhile......it's not you, it's whats around you what gets ya brused!
Enjoy the toy!
Dan

[Valigator]

Ahhhhhhh life is good...have fun buddy....

[LoneWolf]

You'll love it Petey!
I got mine 4 seasons ago, and can't tell you how much I enjoy riding it.
Dan is right, take the course. It will help you out and teach you what to watch for from other drivers. One thing I will guarantee you, you WILL get someone pullingout in front of you. People just plain don't look. Best money you can spend on accessories is a light bar - the more lights you have (day and night) the better.

[LoneWolf]

Here's mine:

[petey]

Nice looking ride!

I'm kind of partial to the classic look, but there was just something about this bike that kept drawing me in. #1, I'm not a big guy, so that 26" seat is perfect and it almost stands on it own, it's so perfectly balanced. I did A LOT of research and I kept coming back to this bike. For a 950 it's pretty light, only around 610 or so pounds wet. It'll have enough juice for me and the Mrs.

Other than just feel of the thing, the top things I really wanted
1. Belt Drive - Check
2. Disk Breaks - Check
3. Fuel Injected - Check
4. Air Cooled - Check
5. Not so bulky or heavy - Check

The only other bike that came close was the Vulcan 900, but it didn't feel as comfortable on the showroom floor. This bike seems very high geared, in fact most of my highway cruising was in 3rd and 4th gear as if you didn***8217;t even need that 5th gear yet. It sure will be nice driving on I-80. In fact, the one mechanic, at the place I bought it, said he owns a V-Star 1300 and he couldn***8217;t believe the difference. He said he***8217;s always looking for another gear while on I-80 and I probably won***8217;t have that problem with this bike. After riding it, I***8217;d have to agree. Those 29 miles I drive back and forth to work are going to now be a bit more enjoyable...and cheaper ;)

[buckhunter]

Petey,

How are you going to drag a deer out of woods on that without scratching it?

[multibeard]

Now you can go out to Sturgis and harass nulle!!!

[Pre-64]

Petey,
Good looking ride. You need to remember there is nothing fun about riding on I-80:D. I lived in Warren and commuted to college in Williamsport with a V-65 Magna as transportation, been there done that. Anyways here is mine, Had to make sure HD was in here somewhere:D

[gd357]

Petey,

Awesome man! Congrats! I'm addicted to bikes (not quite as bad as hunting/shooting) and I'll start out by saying don't get into it if you can't afford to "donate" a bunch of time... LOL! After riding a ton of different bikes, I think shaft drive is my favorite (the most smooth, IMO). My current 2-wheeled transportation is an '06 FZ6. Not great for long rides (found that one out the hard way - in the desert), but a super around-town bike. Any good ride on 2 wheels is better than on 4.:D

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq221/gd3006/bike.jpg

[petey]

Shaft drives are probably the most reliable, but not so forgiving in slow low geared speeds. (Jerky, in say first gear since there's no forgiveness) That was what was told by 3 people that own them at work. I personally never test drove one, b/c of their recomendation on the subject. Lets just say, all 3 after owning a shaft drive said they wished it was belt after a couple years of use.

I have no input on the matter though. Your thoughts on that comment?

Nice looking bikes guys!

Seems like a lot of Guys owned that v-65 Magna. Must have been that superbowl commercial in what, '81?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGfJ9IqXcoE

[LoneWolf]

My Vulcan is shaft drive, and I've had chain driven. Haven't had a belt drive yet. I guess I've never noticed a jerky - ness to it more than anything else. But like I said, I can't speak for belt drive.

[petey]

A couple of modifications I may get to are seats and a backrest for the Mrs. I hear Mustang Seats are the route to go, but I notice they don't dave any for the V-Star 950 yet. Must be too new or something.

Stock backrest is pushing $500 since you can only get the quick release. I saw some nice aftermarket backrests on Ebay for around $100 which is way easier to swallow for such a small item. Seems like everything extra is another $250-$500...guess I'll get it one piece at a time.

Snow was flying this morning, but it's supposed to be sunny and in the high 40's on Saturday. Just chomping to get out on it again.

[LoneWolf]

Corbin makes some nice seats too. Biggest thing with any of the aftermarket (good ones) is it will take a little bit for your butt to brake them in. But after that, the comfort is 10X better than stock. Nice thing with Corbin and some others is that a back rest is removable from the seat. It is just a post that drops into the seat..

[Pre-64]

A few of us did own the V-65:D. Man what a bike back in the day. We pretty much had everything on the street beat till Yamaha brought out the V-Max and of course the "Crotch Rocket" craze began. Gosh I sound old Guess thats why it a Roadking now. Wish I still had that V-65:(

[gd357]

Petey,

Never had a problem with shaft drive... Had 2 of 'em. '82 CX500 Custom and an '86 Nighthawk S. Absolutely loved them both. Both were pushing or past 40,000 miles by the time I got rid of them, and not so much as a hiccup. I had less "jerkiness" out of those at low speeds than I got from the chain-driven bikes (especially the CX - really miss that one).

gd

[petey]

Good info! Like I said, I have no input on the shaft drives other than what I've been told...sounds like they are full of it, or too "sensative" ha ha.

[LoneWolf]

rule of thumb for bikes:
"Nothing better than what I'm drving now" :D

[skeeter@ccia.com]

Nice bike petey...take the course....and watch right now out there because of a few things...first there is the cinders..(stay in hide when get road rash)..lots of them on the bends and intersections now...stay off the front brake..also ..still a ton of potholes..and that is not a good thing..but most important and if you ride with this in mind...it will help..every person you think might not stop and will pull in front of you...probably will..so keep on toes at all times..(and 2 wheels).I had mine out today..people this time of year are not cusom to bikes on road yet..so extra care is needed...also..you would not believe over all the years I have been on bikes..how many people do...see you...and have pulled right in front of me and even stopped...laughing..think it is funny ..yep..watch out for yourself..because nobody else does....and you will spare the rash..have fun...enjoy..nice bike..be on toes every second...once you let your guard down..you will get a suprise.....I have broken some bones on bikes...but only on dirt bikes...gettin wild..so far nothing on road bikes...gotta run..find some wood to knock on.

[petey]

I've road it into work the past 3 days and almost have 400 miles on it the past week. My co-workers think I'm nuts with the 30-40 degree morning ride, but it's well worth the 50-60 degree ride home. My first full tank got me 53 mpg. Can't beat that and a whopping $6.25 to fill er up ain't hard to swallow either. (I still had an extra gallon in there)

The only problem with riding it into work is itching to get out and ride instead of sitting behind my PC all day when it's nice like this. Unfortunately tomorrow is bringing 30's and snow/rain mix so I'm probably done riding until Saturday after tonight. I saw many on the road last night.

[LoneWolf]

I took mine out last night to give her a quick bath and then ran a few errands. Hopefully it starts warming up and staying warm so I can start riding to work. 36 degrees is still to cold for me, especially in dress clothes.

[petey]

On that note, she's gotten a little dusty over the past week from riding. What's the best way to scrub it down? Are we talking cleaning these things just like a car or what? My only concern is the super sharp paint job and all the crome. I'd hate to put any scratches on this nice shiney finish.

Wet it down with water, scrub with sponge and soap, then towel dry?

[VaRedneck]

Last fall when gas hit $4 a gallon, I picked this up. 2006 650 V-Star Classic. It only had 20 miles on it. The price was right....$3000.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n163/PhilGash/blueflag3.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n163/PhilGash/blueflag2.jpg

[petey]

Heck yeah, considering 2009's go for about $6290 off the floor! I'd say you made about $3000 on the deal! Hard to pass up something like that. Someone must have been hard up for cash?

[LoneWolf]

nice looking bike VA!

[gd357]

VA, I'm jealous! LOL! Sweeeeeet deal man!

Petey,
I suppose that a few folk who are a little extra "touchy" will find something to complain about with any type of bike. I may not have noticed the minor difference because I was having too much fun! Gotta love motorcycles...

gd

[skeeter@ccia.com]

Petey they sell 'Bike Bright' in bike shops....I use it and is a good way to wash er down.....cuts any hard to get oils that might lay around underneath but won't harm the finish....makes the chrome shine too... Directions...spray it on...let it set a few min...hose off....then I use air compressor to blow away the water that will lay around in those little hidden pockets...take a buzz around block...'gets rid of more water'...then wipe down with soft cloth...works for me.Enjoy...