2014 V Star 950 Review
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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Well, I have about 1200 miles on the new 1300 and thought that I would do a review. I traded up from a 2012 V Star 950 a couple weeks ago. Therefore, I will compare the two.
Good Stuff:
Very pronounced power increase
Gear ratios are such that there is no need for a 6th gear when on the big roads, top end in 5th gear substantially higher than 950
Handles very well for a 900+ lb. bike (735 lbs. bike with 167 lbs. rider), very nimble
Dual front brakes make stopping more positive
Nice sound from muffler, not too loud but, loud enough
Big headlight disburses light in a wider pattern with a lot of
Nice saddlebags, spacious and fairly dust free
Low seat makes flat footing it easy for a 5'6" grandpa
Water cooling gives peace of mind about overheating in low speed situations
Mileage is averaging 45 to 46 miles per gallon
Ride is smoother on rough roads
Less wind affect when meeting and passing big vehicles
Backrest and passenger seat very roomy, don't ride two up
Clutch has big friction zone, nice for low speed maneuvering
Electronic Fuel Injection mapping great for good operation and torque from end to end
Clean smooth shifting through all the gerars
Bad Stuff:
Windshield as delivered was way too tall for me, I changed it from the stock 21 inch tall one to a 15 inch which reduced wind buffeting substantially
Back to a sight glass for checking the oil, unlike the dip stick on the 950
What To Change:
Nuthin Just Ride Her and Smile
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145 Posts
I went from a 2009 V Star 950T to a 2012 V Star 1300T as well.
Both are very good motorcycles, but I had a similar experience to yours.
The 1300 is much more comfortable on the freeway.
I'm 05'08 and felt the same way about the windshield.
But I went ahead and put a fairing on the bike. A little expensive but worth the expense to me.
I also changed the stock seat to a Mustang.
I rarely carry a passenger as my wife rides her own bike but that wider seat is perfect for strapping down cargo.
The bike is exactly as I want it.
Enjoy your new 1300.
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491 Posts
Nice reviews, fellas. 
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I got a new 2014 1300t. Put on three things and love them all....a omni cruise throttle lock, an airhawk model "r" air seat cushion, and Memphis shades windshield lowers. Thought about the longer lowers but the regular ones block just the right amount of wind for me. Nocking down 51mpg cruising the back roads in my area....cheap fun....er....ah....."therapy"!
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418 Posts
Discussion Starter · #5 ·
I have 4,300 miles on the 1300 now and decided to update my review. This was a comparison my 950 to the new 1300. New comments in RED.
Very pronounced power increase No lack of power for any situation
Gear ratios are such that there is no need for a 6th gear when on the big roads, top end in 5th gear substantially higher than 950 This took some getting used to. The broader range means that you stay in a gear longer and do not shift to 5th before 65 mph
Handles very well for a 900+ lb. bike (735 lbs. bike with 167 lbs. rider), very nimble I took the MSF Advanced Rider Course and really learned more about her handling qualities
Dual front brakes make stopping more positive
Nice sound from muffler, not too loud but, loud enough I really like the nice rumble when backing off the throttle or using the engine for down hill control
Big headlight disburses light in a wider pattern with a lot of illumination
Nice saddlebags, spacious and fairly dust free
Low seat makes flat footing it easy for a 5'6" grandpa I find the seat comfortable for my little butt so no need to change
Water cooling gives peace of mind about overheating in low speed situations I hear the fan run when pulling into the garage for shutdown but, never any other time
Mileage is averaging 45 to 46 miles per gallon averaging 47 mph on the Pennsylvania twistys
Ride is smoother on rough roads
Less wind affect when meeting and passing big vehicles
Backrest and passenger seat very roomy, don't ride two up
Clutch has big friction zone, nice for low speed maneuvering
Electronic Fuel Injection mapping great for good operation and torque from end to end
Clean smooth shifting through all the gerars (gears)
Ground clearance is better than the 950, even though I never was a "Peg Dragger" I dragged a peg one time on the 1300 while doing the Advanced Rider Course.
Bad Stuff:
Windshield as delivered was way too tall for me, I changed it from the stock 21 inch tall one to a 15 inch which reduced wind buffeting substantially
Back to a sight glass for checking the oil, liked the dip stick on the 950 I made a dipstick out of 1/4 inch wooden dowel, no more lying on the floor
What would I change? At this point the "Twitchy Throttle" at low RPM is the only thing that I have considered. I'm still not convinced of the best way to go, Jack's O2 mod, Fuel Management Module. etc. I have honed my throttle management skills and it is less noticeable.
Great bike. Augie
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7 Posts
I just got my 2007 Vstar 1300 after about a 5 year lay off on riding. I have ridden just over 600 miles so far and have some issues. I can't stand the windshield....but Im afraid to get a lower one because im afraid it will affect my wife on the back. That is the only reason that I can think of that Yamaha made it so tall. Next the seat is terrible for me. My butt and legs hurt me tremendously.. I will be looking at a upgrade for that.
Low speed riding up to 60mph is awesome. 60 to 70 is scetchy and above 70 seems like out of control. I don't know if its the huge windshield or the tires but I don't care for interstate riding because of it. Probably the best I have felt except for low speed throttle control. It seems like a lag when you back off the throttle and then try to go back on. I see people on YouTube running well over 100mph and I don't know how they do it. Thanks
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317 Posts
The stock seats suck. and the bike is leaned and air choked down quite a bit, as well as running with retarded ignition timing. ( all in the name of the EPA) I added the cobra air intake, slip on muffler, and the biggest changes was adding Ivan's ECU flash, turn a good bike into a great one.
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32 Posts
I realize this thread is a bit old. But I just got my 2007 1300 Tourer in October, so still reading 'stuff'.
I went from a 2009 V Star 950T to a 2012 V Star 1300T as well.
Both are very good motorcycles, but I had a similar experience to yours.
The 1300 is much more comfortable on the freeway.
I'm 05'08 and felt the same way about the windshield.
But I went ahead and put a fairing on the bike. A little expensive but worth the expense to me.
I also changed the stock seat to a Mustang.
I rarely carry a passenger as my wife rides her own bike but that wider seat is perfect for strapping down cargo.
The bike is exactly as I want it.
Enjoy your new 1300.![]()
I'm thinking of getting a fairing for mine. Did you go with Memphis Shields?
I got a new 2014 1300t. Put on three things and love them all....a omni cruise throttle lock, an airhawk model "r" air seat cushion, and Memphis shades windshield lowers. Thought about the longer lowers but the regular ones block just the right amount of wind for me. Nocking down 51mpg cruising the back roads in my area....cheap fun....er....ah....."therapy"!
I recently went on a road trip and added the exact same 3 items :grin:
Memphis Shades Wind Deflectors (which really helped with the wind hitting me under the helmet)
AirHawk R cushion (have had for a while)
Omni-Cruise Throttle Lock
Source: https://www.starbikeforums.com/threads/2015-v-star-1300-tourer-review.72985/
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