- The V Star 950 won the prestigious “Metric of the
Year” award in 2009 from V-Twin® Magazine.
- V Star 950 is the benchmark in the middleweight
cruiser class, appealing to seasoned riders as well
as those looking for a friendly entry-level cruiser.
The air-cooled V-twin delivers plenty of distinctive,
big-cruiser character and pulsing torque feel. Seat
height is an extra-low 26.5 inches. The full-sized
chassis has a long, low look and provides spacious
comfort. Handling is sporty and responsive, great
for curvy back roads and commuting around town as
well as open-highway cruising.
- The 942cc 60° V-twin engine is both simple and
sophisticated. Sure, there’s no-fuss air cooling for
traditional looks. But inside you’ll find the reason
for the surprisingly spirited performance: four-valve
cylinder heads, ceramic-composite-lined cylinders,
forged aluminum pistons, and fuel injection. The
meticulously tuned 2-into-1 exhaust system has
a throaty exhaust note, and also 3-way catalyst
technology to reduce air pollution.
- The carefully designed chassis contributes to an
exceptionally light feeling riders are sure to appreciate.
The double-cradle steel main frame offers an
ideal rigidity balance in the longitudinal, lateral, and
torsional directions, using the engine as a stressed
member. With the engine mounting position slightly
forward for optimum front-rear weight distribution
and its large, 18-inch front wheel, V Star 950 has
outstanding handling performance.
- We call the V Star 950’s streamlined styling “New
Style Classic.” Designers used the influence of a single,
horizontal line along the entire body, almost as
if the wind has sculpted the machine. The long, low
look is accentuated by the headlight and low-profile
fuel tank, and the openness around the engine and
front wheel highlight the bike’s light appearance.
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- The 57.5 cubic inch (942 cc) engine is an air-cooled SOHC 60° V twin. With four valves per cylinder, a pent-roof shaped combustion chamber, and 9.0:1 compression ratio, this engine has been
carefully designed to produce excellent power characteristics –
and best-in-class acceleration.
- To keep friction loss to a minimum and help the engine
achieve the ideal performance characteristics, special compact
roller-type rocker arms with needle bearings are used. These
also reduce top-end wieght for excellent mass centralization.
- The combustion chamber shape was precisely engineered to
direct the fuel air charge into the center of the piston for
faster combustion and maximum power. Ceramic-composite plated
cylinders provide excellent heat dissipation and reduced
oil consumption.
- High-quality forged aluminum pistons have a lightweight, high strength
compact design that contributes to reduce vibration.
- The designers realized that the engine’s V twin character was
so pleasing on its own that a counterbalancer was unnecessary.
This also contributes to simplicity and less operating noise.
- Sophisticated fuel injection is used on the V Star 950.
The injectors are four-hole, two-directional types with spray
aimed at the valve surfaces. That produces good fuel atomization
for faster and more complete combustion which contributes to
excellent drivability. The fuel injection system also adopts an
ISC (Idling Speed Control) valve for outstanding idling stability.
- Lubrication is provided by a simple, reliable wet sump system.
- The 5-speed transmission is all new, with a smooth shifting feeling,
and gear ratios spaced to let the rider take full advantage
of the engine’s torque characteristics and enjoy comfortable
cruising at highway speeds. Naturally, power is efficiently
transferred to the rear wheel using simple, quiet belt drive.
- The engine’s look is highly detailed, with polished cylinder fins
and beautifully chrome-plated cylinder head covers, for an
exceptional appearance sure to be noticed.
- The V Star 950 achieves fuel economy up to an estimated
47 mpg* with a fuel tank that holds 4.4 gallons of gas.
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- The steel double-cradle frame is long and low, contributing
to the bike’s spacious 95.9-inch (2435mm) overall length and
66.3-inch wheelbase. That means a great ride to go along with
the great looks.
- The seat height a mere 26.5 inches off the pavement, one of the
lowest around, and a fuel tank that’s made as narrow as possible
where it meets the seat, it is easy for most riders to put both feet
firmly on the ground.
- Fenders are real steel, front and rear. That adds to the quality
look and feel, and makes customization easier.
- The big 18-inch front wheel helps deliver this cruiser
motorcycle’s sporty handling characteristics and “Sport Classic”
cruiser looks. The low-profile 130/70-18 tire is mounted on an
8-spoke lightweight aluminum wheel. The 170/70-16 bias ply
rear tire adds a beefy look and helps transfer all that torque and
power to the pavement.
- Large 320mm front and 298mm rear discs provide strong braking
capacity with excellent feel.
- Front forks feature big 41mm tubes, and rear suspension is a
bottom-link-type monocross shock. Settings are 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.
- The V Star 950 has a wonderfully light feel. Surprisingly, even
though it has a full-size chassis, the bike weighs just 612 pounds
wet, with a full tank of gas and all fluids.
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- The large-diameter meter is mounted on the fuel tank for a
traditional look. Meter functions include speedometer, fuel level
warning light, oil level warning light, and odometer with two
trip meter functions, fuel trip meter, and clock display. The LCD
display illumination can be adjusted using a right side handlebar
switch.
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