new V-Star 950 and V-Star 950 Tourer

2010 Yamaha V-Star 950 Red Color

The heavyweight bike trend is cooling, and with budget-minded touring cruisers like the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT finding a foothold among buyers, it's only fitting that Yamaha's Star division unleashes a 1-2 punch of their own.

The new V-Star 950 and V-Star 950 Tourer have lots going for them; they start at only $7,890 and $8,090 respectively, are sleek and low slung, and offer plenty of bang for the mid-size cruiser buck. I tested both bikes across 120 miles of stunning north Georgia roads, observing the many things these chrome-covered machines do right-- as well as a couple of areas that could use some improvement.

2010 Yamaha V-Star 950 Picture

2010 Yamaha V-Star 950