Jayhawk

The specs list the 950 (Both versions) at 612 lbs - that is supposed to be wet weight, all fluids. Goff, I agree with you, I really like the looks of them too. I had pretty much convinced myself that a 950 Tourer would be my next bike. Then I sat on one. Seriously, you can't get your knees against the tank because the air cleaner (on one side, I forget what it is on the other side) juts out too far.

I finally wasable to go back and sit on one today - the reviews I've read were right. The windshield on the tourer is considerably too low (I could live with / replace that) and the air cleaner etc that just out on the sides force my legs out to an uncomfortable position. That just makes it a non-starter in my opinion. The 1100 and 1300 are not options for me, regardless of price. The 950 was the largest engined bike I was seriously looking at; I'd rather be in the 750-850 range. I was willing to make an exception because I really like the 250 I've been riding that I got for the wife and daughter, and for me the looks o the tourer were appealing (it is a little different than the others in the V Star line-up; lower for one thing). So, I guess I'll be looking at either a Triumph America, or perhaps a Suzuki C50 or M50.

Has any one had a chance to sit on one of these yet ? I stopped by the local dealer Saturday and they had two, one a ourer one not - but just as I found them my autistic son had a melt down and we had to leave to calm him down. Opinions ?

I love it, especially for new riders (I hadn't ridden in 20 years). Essentialy picked it over the Rebel because my wife preferred the look, and her and our teenage daughter are planning on learning to ride next spring. It has enough power for around town without having the extra power that can get a new rider in trouble. Only two cons that I see - I would not take it on a crowded highway because after you got it up to 65-70 mph you won't have a lot left if you need a burst of acceleration to escape some idiot, etc. And it is light weight - which makes it easy to handle, but also means it can be blown about a bit. That's a trade off - some good, some bad. I am using it for daily commuting, an my wife just wants to ride around town, and maybe trips on country roads - those tasks it excels at. In summary I'd say it has enough power for me but should not be over-powering for anyone.

I am riding a 2008 - my first tank I got 67 mpg, every tank since then has been a consistent 81 mpg. USA gallons. I typically have to switch to reserve at about 156 miles. Mostly surburban commuting, 30-50 mph, mostly flat, low hills, just me and my 200+ pounds.