- Handles light
- Looks and feels big
- Smooth and flawless engine
- Suitable for the seasoned rider as much as those looking for entry-level machine
Yamaha could have easily just given its XVS650 a steroid injection and a new gas tank with flashy paint and called it a day. But thankfully, the boys in blue started with a clean slate when designing the all-new XVS950.
Achieving the Sport Classic look with the XVS950 is a new 18-inch front wheel and low-profile tyres, all nicely wrapped up in an authentic steel fender. A stretched out, sleek and sporty fuel tank hold just under 17 litres. A full tank will see you knocking on the door of 280ks. A trendy gauge cluster sitting atop of the tank gives off more of the classic vibe but still offers the full noise of indicator lights, trip meters, fuel mileage and so on. High quality, wide-faced brake and clutch levers add to the beefy, big-bike feel as well.
At the heart of the beast is a new air-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin lump, which tops out at an official 942cc. This is the result of an almost square 85mm x 83mm bore and stroke, featuring single overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. Valves are now actuated via roller rocker arms for reduced mechanical friction, and a single-pin crankshaft is utilised for that "Big V-Twin Pulse". Claimed torque output is 78.9Nm@3500rpm.
Get the V-Star moving and you have five speeds at your disposal via a heel-toe floorboard-mounted shifter, and the reinforced belt driving you along sits at a beefy 28.6mm for durability.
Braking duties consist of a sole 320mm disc and two-piston brake calliper up front paired with a single 298mm disc and single-piston calliper out back. These attach to new lightweight aluminium wheels, which measure 18 x 3.5 in front and 16 x 4.5 in the rear.
Colour options for the standard model include Raven Black, Tommy Blue and Candy Red. A touring kit is also available, including a short windscreen, leather-covered saddle bags and a quick-release passenger backrest.
The ride
Hop aboard the XVS950 and straight away you get that big bike feeling; physical size between your legs is substantial, with a wide spread to the bars.
Your pins rest at a very comfy angle, making for great long distance comfort. The seat, which you sit right inside of, provided a good level of support.
Hoofing around the Coromandel on the XVS950 the engine is very smooth, seamless and easy-to-use. Some might complain that it lacks the character of a rumbling, carbureted Big Twin. On the other hand, this bike is very rider-friendly, starting every time on the first push of the button, running flawlessly no matter how hot or cold.
Very easy to flick from side to side, the Yamaha is equally poised and balanced once at speed. From stop-and-start city puttering and congested motorway riding to twisting back roads and flat, open countryside, it was no sweat for the XVS.
The only limiting factor I came across was cornering clearance. As is usually the case with a cruiser, the large and wide floorboards quickly turn into tarmac feelers as speed and lean angle increase. Not to worry though, they do fold up quickly and don't inhibit handling much.
While the brakes didn't stand out as being amazing, they were more than up to the task at hand, easily getting the XVS slowed down in any situation.
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Specifications
Engine 942cc, air-cooled, SOHC 60° V-Twin
Bore x stroke 85.0 x 83.0mm
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Fuel delivery Fuel injection
Transmission Five-speed, mulitplate wet-clutch
Chassis Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension Telescopic fork, 5.3-in travel
Rear suspension Single shock, 4.3-in travel
Front brakes 320mm Single disc, 2-piston calliper
Rear brake 298mm Single disc, single-piston calliper
Tyres (front; rear) 130/70-18; 170/70-16
Length 2435mm
Wet Weight 278kg
Clearance 145mm
Wheelbase 1685mm
Seat height 675mm
Width 985mm
Fuel tank size 16.6 litres
Price RRP $15,999
