Yamaha Xv 950 Review

Used Buyer Review

The XV950 is Yamaha doing what Yamaha does best — taking a concept seriously and executing it properly. Built around that punchy 942cc air-cooled V-twin, it delivers genuine torque from low revs without the drama. Compared to Harley's Sportster, it feels more refined and considerably more reliable out of the box. Used examples from 2014 onwards are genuinely solid buys, and parts availability is decent enough that you won't be hunting obscure importers at 11pm. That said, be honest with yourself about what this is. The seat is low and comfortable, but the riding position suits shorter stints rather than all-day touring. The stock suspension is soft — borderline too soft if you're carrying a pillion or hitting B-roads enthusiastically. Check for corrosion around the chrome bits on older examples, and inspect the belt drive carefully. Previous owners who neglected basic maintenance will have left their mark.