Menu
๐Ÿ๏ธ
Bikes
โญ
Reviews
โš–๏ธ
Compare
๐Ÿ“š
Guides
๐Ÿ“Š
Samples
camera_alt
Free Inspection
Start a new bike check
Privacy
Terms
All Bikes/Yamaha/V-star 950 (xvs950) Bobber/custom

Yamaha V-star 950 (xvs950) Bobber/custom

Naked

Body

๐Ÿ”ง Service Schedule & Parts

Affiliate ยท we may earn
๐Ÿ“ What's due on yours?
XVS950 (2009-present)
Service item Every Typical cost Parts
๐Ÿ›ข๏ธ Engine oil + oil filter 6,000 km / 3,500 mi or 12 mo $40-80 ๐Ÿ›ข๏ธ Buy โ†’   โš™๏ธ Buy โ†’
๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ Air filter 16,000 km / 10,000 mi โ€” ๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ Buy โ†’
โšก Spark plugs 16,000 km / 10,000 mi โ€” โšก Buy โ†’
๐Ÿ”ง Valve clearance check 24,000 km / 15,000 mi $150-300
๐Ÿ”— Chain & sprockets 25000-40000 km (replace) $150-300 ๐Ÿ”— Buy โ†’
๐Ÿ›‘ Brake pads 15000-30000 km $30-60 ๐Ÿ›‘ Buy โ†’
๐Ÿ’ง Brake fluid 24,000 km / 15,000 mi or 2 yr โ€”
๐Ÿ›ž Tires 10000-20000 km $200-400 ๐Ÿ›ž Buy โ†’
๐Ÿ”ฉ Major service 24,000 km / 15,000 mi $250-500
๐Ÿ’ฐ Annual upkeep ~$300-600 ๐Ÿ”ฉ Reliability 8/10 Air-cooled V-twin cruiser with belt drive (no chain); reliable and low-maintenance with strong aftermarket support for bobber customisation

What Buyers Should Know

๐Ÿ”ง

Rock-Solid Reliability

The air-cooled 942cc V-twin engine is known for exceptional longevity with minimal maintenance beyond routine oil changes and valve checks. Many owners report trouble-free riding well past 50,000 miles.

โš ๏ธ

Watch the Final Drive

The belt drive system, while low-maintenance, can crack or fray if not inspected regularly โ€” especially on used bikes that sat for extended periods. Always check belt tension and condition before buying.

๐Ÿ’ฐ

Strong Resale Value

The V-Star 950 holds its value well due to its classic bobber styling and Yamaha's reputation for reliability, making it a smart used buy. Low mileage examples often sell close to original MSRP even years later.

Top 10 Accessories

Curated picks for the Yamaha V-star 950 (xvs950) Bobber/custom โ€” owned, ridden, recommended.

Affiliate ยท we may earn

Common Problems

๐Ÿ”ฅ 1 CRITICAL
๐Ÿ’กRear cylinder overheating, hot right thigh MINOR

Idle 10 min, feel heat, check fan operation

Fix cost: $0-150
๐Ÿ”ฅStator/regulator failure, battery not charging SERIOUS

Charging voltage 13.8-14.5V at 3000rpm, corroded connectors

Fix cost: $300-600
โš ๏ธRear belt drive wear and pulley damage MODERATE

Belt cracks, missing teeth, tension, debris damage

Fix cost: $400-800
๐Ÿ’กClutch/shifting notchiness, hard neutral finding MINOR

Cold shifts, clutch cable free play, oil condition

Fix cost: $50-250

โœ…Pre-Purchase Checklist

โ˜Test charging voltage with multimeter running
โ˜Inspect drive belt full length
โ˜Cold start, listen for valve noise
โ˜Check service records, fork seal weeping

Solid air-cooled cruiser, few serious mechanical faults

More Yamaha V-star 950 (xvs950) Bobber/custom Guides

More from Yamaha

View all Yamaha models โ†’

Community Reviews

Discussion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common problems with the Yamaha V-star 950 (xvs950) Bobber/custom? +

Rear cylinder overheating, hot right thigh: Idle 10 min, feel heat, check fan operation (minor) | Stator/regulator failure, battery not charging: Charging voltage 13.8-14.5V at 3000rpm, corroded connectors (serious) | Rear belt drive wear and pulley damage: Belt cracks, missing teeth, tension, debris damage (moderate)

Is the Yamaha V-star 950 (xvs950) Bobber/custom good for beginners? +

Not really โ€” the Yamaha V-star 950 (xvs950) Bobber/custom is better for experienced riders.

Is the Yamaha V-star 950 (xvs950) Bobber/custom reliable? +

Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Yamaha V-star 950 (xvs950) Bobber/custom, notably: Stator/regulator failure, battery not charging (Charging voltage 13.8-14.5V at 3000rpm, corroded connectors). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.

Is the Yamaha V-star 950 (xvs950) Bobber/custom good for daily use? +

Better as a weekend/track bike than a daily โ€” it's a specialist machine.

What gear should I buy for a Yamaha V-star 950 (xvs950) Bobber/custom? +

Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Yamaha V-star 950 (xvs950) Bobber/custom, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads โ€” see motoryk.com/bikes/yamaha/v-star-950-xvs950-bobber-custom/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.