It's a dependable basic unit motorcycle. Not over-priced, good commuter bike, good cross-country bike that will NOT break down like a Hardly-Davisin or Indian. I like it. I approve.
2014 owner here. 20k miles on my bike. Its a great 2 up bike for rides < 100 miles. Great commuter bike through the city and on the back roads. It really only lacks on the hwy bc of the 5 speed. Its pretty rung out doing 80mph imo. Other than that cant beat it for the price especially used. Got mine for 4k. With 5k miles in it. I started on this bike and can say its been hella reliable and has enough power that im not dying to get something else.
I test drove one a few years ago but ended up buying a used vstar 950. Same motor but imo better suspension, more space for passengers and a lot cheaper. Also plenty of aftermarket support. If you get a Yamaha I would recommend budgeting an aftermarket seat as an early upgrade.
Greg, I have the 2019 base model. Yes, it's a very fun fast MC and mine now has 46,700+ kilometers on it. To and from work at 60 miles+ per round trip makes for a lot of mileage when you ride from March through to October. The bike with me riding it is about 57 to 63 mpg... depending on " hooligan " I get with the throttle. Add-ons have been just soft leather saddle bags and a " Mohawk " Windscreen, all else is stock. Tires are Shinko 777's front and back. ( Shinko is Yokohama's MC tire Division). They have about 28,000 kilometers ( ~ 3.5 years ), on them now and look only slightly worn. I suspect I will get about 35, 000 on the rear and maybe 40,000 on the front before I need new rubber.
Nice & you're getting close to the review I've been waiting for... being 60 I went with this type of bike but from a different mfg..when I get a sport bike urge I take my son's bike out... I'm still waiting for your review of what I ride which I know you'll get too... definitely enjoy your content & opinions...
It really is. I had a '16 R-Spec and it out performed the HD equivalent by a bit. It was a little small for me at 6'2", 280lbs, and I only sold it to get my truck, but I would have kept it. It was so fun to ride!
Ooh, now I'd love to hear your thoughts about the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650. BTW, love your reviews - a bit different point of view than other reviewers.
All these bike reviews are re-uploads, back by popular demand. linktr.ee/GregWidmar
It's a dependable basic unit motorcycle. Not over-priced, good commuter bike, good cross-country bike that will NOT break down like a Hardly-Davisin or Indian. I like it. I approve.
2014 owner here. 20k miles on my bike. Its a great 2 up bike for rides < 100 miles. Great commuter bike through the city and on the back roads. It really only lacks on the hwy bc of the 5 speed. Its pretty rung out doing 80mph imo. Other than that cant beat it for the price especially used. Got mine for 4k. With 5k miles in it. I started on this bike and can say its been hella reliable and has enough power that im not dying to get something else.
I test drove one a few years ago but ended up buying a used vstar 950. Same motor but imo better suspension, more space for passengers and a lot cheaper. Also plenty of aftermarket support. If you get a Yamaha I would recommend budgeting an aftermarket seat as an early upgrade.
Yamaha makes fantastic motorcycle
Greg, I have the 2019 base model. Yes, it's a very fun fast MC and mine now has 46,700+ kilometers on it. To and from work at 60 miles+ per round trip makes for a lot of mileage when you ride from March through to October. The bike with me riding it is about 57 to 63 mpg... depending on " hooligan " I get with the throttle. Add-ons have been just soft leather saddle bags and a " Mohawk " Windscreen, all else is stock.
Tires are Shinko 777's front and back. ( Shinko is Yokohama's MC tire Division). They have about 28,000 kilometers ( ~ 3.5 years ), on them now and look only slightly worn. I suspect I will get about 35, 000 on the rear and maybe 40,000 on the front before I need new rubber.
I've seen this before and brought back memories of my 1990 Yamaha Virago 1100; best bike ever.
NGL this is one of my dream cruisers.
Nice & you're getting close to the review I've been waiting for... being 60 I went with this type of bike but from a different mfg..when I get a sport bike urge I take my son's bike out... I'm still waiting for your review of what I ride which I know you'll get too... definitely enjoy your content & opinions...
Def a cool bike. Wish they’d throw a little bit bigger motor in it though
The bolt always seems to me like a better, cheaper sportster
It really is. I had a '16 R-Spec and it out performed the HD equivalent by a bit. It was a little small for me at 6'2", 280lbs, and I only sold it to get my truck, but I would have kept it. It was so fun to ride!
Great Review ,great bike for a summers day , handles brilliant , fast enough ,and as you said looks really cool , hold on I own one Lol ,
So, how are the vibes? Engine feel? Is that engine rubber mounted?
Ooh, now I'd love to hear your thoughts about the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650. BTW, love your reviews - a bit different point of view than other reviewers.
Rented one in vegas it was fun but at 5'11 i felt super scrunched on that bike especially with the mid controls
Am not a cruiser person but yeah, that looks like fun.
Does got his bike have ABS?
Well...ok. But it's not like an good old school Virago 1100, with long forks and Sebring exhaust pipes 😉👊
Yamaha occupying the space Harley left by discontinuing the Iron 883.
Suspension is no better than the standard one, great bike though, had mine three years now
Sadly, I can't even afford to repair the VStar that I already own. 😔
It should have an analogue tac. It looks like a cheap $2 watch...
I wish it was bigger I like it, but I'm 6.1
I'm 6' 1 and own one, and It's not horrible, but would definitely look into forward controls and handlebar risers for it.