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Motorcycle Reviews . . . by women . . .
for women!
Riders share in-depth information about the bike they ride
2007 VStar 650 Classic |
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2007 VStar 1300 |
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2006 VStar 650 Midnight Custom |
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2006 VStar 1100 Silverado |
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2006 Majesty 400 |
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2005 VStar 650 Custom |
2007
Yamaha VStar 650 Classic
The
Reviewer
Name: Lynne Shapiro
Height: 5'4" (162.6 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 35
Email Address: schmink45@aol.com
Bike
Basics
Manufacturer: Yamaha
Model: VStar 650 Classic
Year: 2007
Type: Cruiser
Purchase Details: New with Extended Warranty
Engine Displacement (cc): 649
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Shaft
Cooling System: Air
Seat Height (unmodified): 28" (711 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 4.2 gallons (16 liters)
Weight: 505 lbs dry (229 kgs)
Comfort
(original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Very comfy & easy to
reach. Foot pads vs pegs.
Seat: NICELY padded!! And I love the fact that I can sit at a light
or in a parking lot and not only put my feet FLAT, but bend the knees too
and be able to push and pull that girl anywhere I want her.
Long Rides: Pretty comfy if I let myself RELAX and
not be so uptight. I sit tall in the saddle, so I'm used to sitting up
really really straight.
Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Speedy little sucker-it'll
get you on the freeway without jerking your head back, but won't call
attention to you like a "Rice Rocket."
Tight Turns: Not bad, hugs the road with a big
sense of stability.
Twisty Roads: Big enough to
feel comfortable, small enough to take the turns AND still downshift AND
brake without feeling like you're going to end up in the next county.
Wind/Rain/Heat: Heat not bad-I'm really surprised on
hot days how much my leg DOESN'T notice the exhaust.
Braking Power: Pretty good-responsive without being
'touchy.'
Modifications
Made
What I Changed: Nothing yet. Gimme a few
months. I AM going to put on those Kuryakyn lizard lights, though-my
publicly avowed reason to be safer & be seen better, but actual reason
is that they are just so doggone cool looking! (to me, those lights on the
bike are the equivalent of flashy-smashy looking)
Added
Extras
What I Added: The veranda-the powder room-you
know, little homey touches. Nah, just kidding, will get one of those
luggage-type square thingys for carrying my music/makeup/money (and it's
also a kind of back rest too.) Want to get the PDA bracket for the 'bars
& one of those disc brake/alarm jobbies like my son has. (He has a
Honda CBR600 AKA "Rice Rocket" & drove it 10 hrs straight
from Provo, UT to Brea, CA...ask me about it sometime)
Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Letting the old man do it.
Going by the maintenance book, yada yada yada. I just LOVE shining the
chrome, though-people admire it wildly esp. if I drive it to work!
Conclusions
What I Think: I am so surprised at how meaty
yet amenable to my body this bike is. And forgiving! Already dropped it on
day 4 (I feel so STOOPID-I forgot to put my feet down!) but minimal damage
and it was really easy to pick up. Looks like a million bucks, drives
really well, I just wish the Yamaha Star family of bikes came with a 750
or 900. (they only have two-the 650 & the 1100)
2007
Yamaha VStar 1300
The
Reviewer
Name: Debbie Joseph
Height: 5'6" (167.6 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 2
Email Address: the_flame@sbcglobal.net
Bike
Basics
Manufacturer: Yamaha
Model: VStar 1300
Year: 2007
Type: Cruiser
Purchase Details: Purchased in May with extended warranty
Engine Displacement (cc): 1304
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Belt
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 28" (711 mm)
Carburetion Type: Fuel Injected
Fuel Capacity: 4.9 gallons (18.5 liters)
Weight: 668 lbs dry (303 kgs)
Comfort
(original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Not so comfortable in
the stock condition. This is a big stretched out bike designed for taller
riders. At 5'6" I could reach the foot controls fine, but was leaning
forward to reach the handlebars. I still find the clutch and brake levers
kind of a reach for my shorter fingers, but I've adapted to it.
Seat: Found the stock seat uncomfortable, but almost everyone
changes that right away, so that was a non-issue for me. Pretty high seat
height at 28". Even with the new seat I'm not quite flat-footed.
Long Rides: Longest so far was down to Los Angeles,
about 350 miles. No problems at all.. The bike handled great, even in the
LA traffic..
Handling
Highway Power/Zip: This is a great
"cruiser" bike.. He just wants to go. Not the fastest thing away
from a stop, but once on the highway or backroads, just a pleasure to
ride... Smooth ride and little vibration.. (Don't tell my mom, but I know
he'll do 115 mph without breaking a sweat..)
Tight Turns: My only basis for comparison is
the Vstar 650 Custom I had before buying this bike. This bike's lower
center of gravity makes it seem much easier to make those slow speed
turns. I really need to get back to the parking lot for some practice
though..
Twisty Roads: I love this
part... I think this bike handles great through the twists and turns of
our backroads. Again, that lower center of gravity from the bigger engine
makes it seem really stable.
Wind/Rain/Heat: The stock windshield on the Tourer
model was way too tall and acted like a sail causing handling problems in
high winds. The local plastic fabrication shop was able to cut 7" off
for me and now it's perfect. Not much rain so far, this is California,
after all. Heat isn't really a problem, the liquid cooled engine seems to
keep the heat off the rider too.
Braking Power: I've seen several magazine articles
from reviewers saying the brakes could be better. So far, they've worked
great for me. Haven't had any situations that called for hard emergency
braking yet.
Modifications
Made
What I Changed: I bought new handlebars
that gave me another 2" of pullback. Cut 6 or 7" off the stock
windshield. Changed the stock seat for a Corbin "saddle" and
backrest. Expensive but worth it.
Added
Extras
What I Added: I added
engine guards and a luggage rack. Wired in the connection for the electric
gloves. Couldn't resist the Lone Ranger mask decals for the fuel tank.
Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Just saw the dealer for the
5k mile service. I check the tire pressure before riding, and just
generally look him over while cleaning after a ride..
Conclusions
What I Think: I think this was the next step
up for me from the Vstar 650. It's a great bike and I'm very happy with
it. I wanted an affordable, fuel injected, liquid-cooled, belt drive bike
that would look cool and keep up with the "big boys". He's all
that. At 700 pounds ready-to-roll, it's a big, heavy, bike but it handles
great. Maybe not a good fit for a shorter rider. I can see myself riding
this bike for a long time.
2006
Yamaha VStar 650 Midnight Custom
The
Reviewer
Name: Susan Birks
Height: 5'0" (152.4 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 6 months
Email Address: scbirks@comcast.net
Bike
Basics
Manufacturer: Yamaha
Model: VStar 650 Midnight Custom
Year: 2006
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Stella
Purchase Details: I bought this bike new on June
1st, 2006
Engine Displacement (cc): 649
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Shaft
Cooling System: Air
Seat Height (unmodified): 27.4" (696 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gallons (13 liters)
Weight: 471 lbs dry (214 kgs)
Comfort
(original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: I can reach the controls,
both hand and foot, without difficulty wearing a Vega-Nitro boot with no
more than an inch of sole. The sitting position is a slight lean forward
from the waist but I find I feel more at one with the bike in this
position. Because of my short legs I find that on a longer ride I would
like to have pegs under me to bend a bit. Legs are nearly straight to the
forward controls, only a slight bend in the knee. Have not done a really
long ride . . . more than 100 miles, so I really don't know what the
comfort level would be at that point . . . get back to ya' on that one.
Seat: I find the stock seat comfortable enough but
have never experienced anything else . . . for a longer trip I would find
a cushion of some sort as tail bone issues persist.
Long Rides: Have not done more than 100 miles but
was comfortable for my age and physical condition...48, a bit plump and a
moderate exerciser. She has a little bit of vibration, but again, having
only ever ridden a Honda Rebel, I really don't think that the vibration is
more than it should be.
Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Has nice low end torque
for quick "aways" and seems to cruise nicely at 65-70 mph. I
most likely wouldn't be driving much faster than that but it seems to be
able to go even faster.
Tight Turns: As a newbie a very tight turn at
very low speed . . . a parking lot say, is still getting practice time . .
. but for riding in traffic, slowing to take a turn it responds well. It
is a bit less top heavy than the Honda Shadow Aero I was looking at and I
do not feel as though I am fighting through turns or corners.
Twisty Roads: I love the
twisties on this little bike . . . she is low and great through the
twisties . . . great counter steering response. I often feel as though she
is a small horse with a huge enthusiastic heart. Compact, tough and ready
for fun. A great mid-range bike for beginner, that is for certain!!
Wind/Rain/Heat: Have been in a light rain for about
15 min a couple of times this summer and she did well . . . was on good
tires. This summer was very hot and I had no problems in the heat . . .
never got stuck in traffic though, and was never out in the heat more than
three hours.
Braking Power: Seems to be very efficient, both
front and back. I am still learning about how to properly use the back
brake in turns and cornering . . . proceeding cautiously . . . but having
great success. Have had to come to a quick stop twice and there was no
problem. Quick response from front brake so learning the proper execution
was a must on this one.
Modifications
Made
What I Changed: I put a 14 inch wind screen
on that caused too much vibration in my head and so had to take it off.
Added
Extras
What I Added: I added 2 small non-leather saddle
bags and 2 very small bike "purses" . . . one attached to the
rider strap and one to the front bars.
Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Regular suggested maintenance
. . . check tire pressure several times a week, wash when needed, pats on
the tank when I walk by!!! : )
Conclusions
What I Think: I really have enjoyed this
bike. It has a nice weight so it feels like a big bike but not so much to
intimidate. It is VERY easy to get comfortable on this bike right away. It
has the power to keep up but is very easily controlled. A very fun bike
and one that will bring confidence to a newbie. I have dropped it once and
picked it up alone using a great technique.
Because of my approach to most things I have chosen this
as my second bike prior to my dream bike. I don't think I could have
started out with this bike given my lack of confidence and understanding
of how a bike actually stays up. But I can easily see how MANY people
would have this bike as their beginner bike.
The "blacked out" look of the Midnight Custom
is pretty cool but she is not a head turner . . . the look of the bike was
not a big consideration when purchasing. I only was after a sense of
belonging on the bike when I was looking. Now I am confident enough to go
for both power and looks. That is for the "dream" bike in two
years! But the confidence came riding and practicing on this bike. A super
bike for that purpose. A super bike regardless!
2006
Yamaha VStar 1100 Silverado
The
Reviewer
Name: Marsha Burris (Marowyn)
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 8 months
Email Address: mega_toad@yahoo.com
Bike
Basics
Manufacturer: Yamaha
Model: VStar 1100 Silverado
Year: 2006
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Large Marge
Purchase Details: I bought this bike in July 2006
with 426 miles on it.
Engine Displacement (cc): 1063
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Shaft
Cooling System: Air/Oil
Seat Height (unmodified): 27.9" (709 mm)
Carburetion Type: Fuel Injected
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons (17 liters)
Weight: 639 lbs dry (290 kgs)
Comfort
(original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: The original handlebar
set-up required me to lean forward and place an uncomfortable amount of
weight on my arms and wrists causing tension, fatigue and pain in a short
amount of riding time. I installed pull-back risers and I now have a more
natural and comfortable posture for riding. I have small hands, so the
clutch and hand brake were a reach for me. I moved them slightly and I do
hand exercises on a squishy ball - the extra strength helps tremendously.
The foot controls fit me precisely.
Seat: The original stock seat is comfortable. I have no plans to
change it, but I will change the pillion pad to a wider seat that’s
shaped more like a saddle and I’ll replace the sissy bar pad with a
taller, wider one.
Long Rides: I’ve ridden 300 miles a day a couple of times. Before
I installed the pull back risers, I was hurtin’ afterwards. But with the
risers on, I’m quite comfortable for long rides and have only the normal
wear and tear. I use a throttle rocker which helps with hand fatigue.
Handling
Highway Power/Zip: The
1100 has plenty of power and acceleration response is immediate, even with
a passenger. I’ve approached 70mph on the interstate a couple of times.
The ride was smooth, but I’m not in a hurry when I ride, so riding that
fast or faster isn’t an attraction for me. I need to know I can pull out
of trouble spots if necessary, though, and I know this bike will do it.
Tight Turns: I take this bike out to a parking lot close to my
home for practice, especially if I haven’t ridden in a couple of weeks.
[I’m amazed at how much riding confidence or ‘mojo’ slips away
during breaks.] My turns are still not as tight as I’d like, but getting
tighter with practice. I’ve noticed that if I practice with an
experienced friend, following behind like a baby duck, I improve my skills
dramatically versus practicing on my own.
Twisty Roads: I’ve had this bike on mountain roads up to Mount
Mitchell in the N.C. mountains and on the Blue Ridge Parkway in N.C. She
made me proud. She’s responsive, yet forgiving of her newby rider.
Wind/Rain/Heat: I’ve been caught in a couple of intense
cross-winds on the interstate. The bike is heavy enough for me to relax
into the ride and trust she’ll stay upright – if only I would. [I
still have some white-knuckle moments of doubt in my own skill-level, but
not in the performance of the bike.] I’ve ridden in the rain on two
separate trips and I felt the bike was fairly stable on the wet roads both
times. I did slow down quite a bit and I didn’t have as much fun riding
in the rain as you might think. I have no experience yet in extreme heat,
although I do live in the south and I’m sure I will soon.
Braking Power: The front and back brakes are responsive and smooth.
They don’t feel grabby. I practice quick stops in my practice sessions
and I’ve had one…, no two… somewhat close calls on the road that
required quick braking. Even though I think of this bike as ‘big and
heavy’, I still feel in control of her even in these quick stops.
Modifications
Made
What I Changed: Put
pull-back risers on the handlebars.
Added
Extras
What I Added: The
Silverado comes tricked out with everything I would have added:
windshield, floor boards, highway bars, etc. I will add foot rests on the
highway bars, and as stated above, I will upgrade the passenger seat and
back pad.
Maintenance
What I'm Doing: I do
only basic fluid and tire pressure checks at this time since the bike came
complete with a 5-year extended warranty. I have friends who will gladly
share other minor maintenance tips with me as needed, and I look forward
to learning more about the bike.
Conclusions
What I Think: I was
apprehensive to buy a bike this big for my first bike, but it has been the
right decision. She is a magnificent machine and I am confident that she
will be all the bike I need for the foreseeable future. I’m taking an
extended trip out west this fall and I’m confident that this bike will
hold her own... and me...
2006
Yamaha Majesty 400
The
Reviewer
Name: Joyce Gibson
Height: 5'6" (167.6 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 7 months
Email Address: gibson.joyce@gmail.com
Bike
Basics
Manufacturer: Yamaha
Model: majesty 400
Year: 2006
Type: Touring Scooter
My Bike's Name: Hiyo
Purchase Details: New, second scooter
Engine Displacement (cc): 395
Number of Gears: Automatic
Final Drive: Belt
Cooling System: Liquid
Seat Height (unmodified): 29.5" (749 mm)
Carburetion Type: Fuel Injected
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters)
Weight: 425 lbs dry (193 kgs)
Comfort
(original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Pretty dern comfortable!
I don't have any problems with them.
Seat: Too high!
Long Rides: Never had a long ride; about 50 is the
most miles in one day.
Handling
Highway Power/Zip: No highway yet . . . I
hope it has the power I think it has.
Tight Turns: It's good, I'm not so good!
Twisty Roads: Fun.
Wind/Rain/Heat: No input.
Braking Power: Very good.
Modifications
Made
What I Changed: Had to have padding removed
to be able to put my feet down and I use high boots.
Added
Extras
What I Added: Back rack and Givi box.
Maintenance
What I'm Doing: It's still too new. I only
put in gas and have had the air checked in the tires.
Conclusions
What I Think: Nice, comfortable, butt thingy sometimes feels
to close. I love the handle-ability of the scoot.
2005
Yamaha VStar 650 Custom
The
Reviewer
Name: Michelle Martorell
Height: 5'2" (157.5 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 20 on and off
Email Address: michelle@mmartorell.com
Bike
Basics
Manufacturer: Yamaha
Model: VStar 650 Custom
Year: 2005
Type: Cruiser
Purchase Details: Purchased it used from another woman with only
900 miles on it.
Engine Displacement (cc): 649
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Shaft
Cooling System: Air
Seat Height (unmodified): 28" (711 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 4.2 gallons (16 liters)
Weight: 505 lbs dry (229 kgs)
Comfort
(original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Heel/toe shifter, rider
floorboards.
Seat: Very comfortable wide seat. Great for girls with pear shaped
bodies like myself.
Long Rides: Haven't been on longer rides.
Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Here is where it lacks
for me. I do think it needs a bigger motor. I feel I need a 6th gear.
Tight Turns: No problem on the turns but if
you have the floor boards like I do you cannot take very tight turns or
they will hit the ground.
Twisty Roads: Drives
beautifully.
Wind/Rain/Heat: I have a tall windshield. It is
wonderful to keep the bugs, wind and rocks off my face but it does shake
the bike in higher speeds or wind.
Braking Power: Single front disc and rear drum
brakes.
Modifications
Made
What I Changed: The previous owner added
the saddle bags which I use all the time. She also had the shield put on
and it is great at lower speeds. Wouldn't recommend it for higher 70-80
speeds though.
Added
Extras
What I Added: Myself. That was it! :-)
Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Keeping the oil changed and
spark plugs up to par.
Conclusions
What I Think: For my height it is a great
bike I am completely flat footed on it and I didn't do anything to it. I
was not able to try the bike before I bought it so I could not tell I
needed a bigger motor. I have been riding for a long time and had never
had a cruiser before so I did not have a good reference point. For most
beginners though this is a great bike. It looks just like the 1100 so it
looks like a big bike. It definitely is a good looking bike. I get
compliments all the time on it.
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