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Motorcycle Reviews . . . by women . . . for women!
Riders share in-depth information about the bike they ride

2007 VStar 650 Classic

2007 VStar 1300

2006 VStar 650 Midnight Custom

2006 VStar 1100 Silverado (2)

2006 Majesty 400

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 VStar 1100 Silverado

The Reviewer
Name: Michele Crown
Height: 5'4" (162.6 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 38

Bike Basics
Manufacturer: Yamaha
Model: VStar 1100 Silverado
Year: 2006
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Buffalo
Purchase Details: Bought new when they were closing out that year. Got $1100 off, which gives you a little idea of the mark up, as they still made a profit.

Engine Displacement (cc): 1063
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Shaft
Cooling System: Air
Seat Height (unmodified): 27.9" (709 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons (17 liters)
Weight: 639 lbs dry (290 kgs)

Comfort (original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: Has easy clutching, and heel/toe shifter, which I absolutely love. It didn't take long to get used to it, after 37 years of the conventional shifters. I also love the brake pedal.
Seat: The OEM seat is wide and fairly comfortable. Front of the seat might be a little wide for some.
Long Rides: Great bike for long rides. Holds plenty of gas, and with the OEM saddle bags and sissy bar, you can pack plenty of what you need.

Handling
Highway Power/Zip: This bike was designed for cruising. Has plenty of power to get you on the move. Has enough weight to help in the high winds. Has very predictable handling, with the tires feeling like they really grip the road. Overall a comfortable, easy ride.
Tight Turns: Having a long wheelbase, it can be a little work in tight turns. This is where the Ride Like a Pro Video training will come in handy.
Twisty Roads: If you sit back and relax, this baby will give you a great ride through all those turns.
Wind/Rain/Heat: I recently went through some very high winds and heavy rain through a mountain cut. Had to just give her her head, and let the buffing have it's way. Not a fun experience, but she got me through. Being air cooled, if you are stuck in stop and go traffic on a very hot day, the heat can get a bit too hot from the exhaust pipes. It's best to pull off and get out of that situation, and keep your eye on the guages for temp light.
Braking Power: I love the dual front disc brakes and the single rear disc. These are the best brakes of any bike I have owned. And the forward mounted brake pedal gives you a good feel and control, compared to the type you push down on.

Modifications Made
What I Changed: I added pull back risers, that brought the handle bars back, but not any higher. This put them in a better position for me, and didn't require installing new cables. The rest of the set up is stock. While I am 5' 4" tall, I am short waisted, so may have a longer inseam than someone of the same height.

Added Extras
What I Added: Pull back risers. Windshield bag, and lowers. Tank bib. Driving lights and visors. Gel seat pad. Crash bar. Highway pegs. Cruise control. Gremlin bell :) Buffalo decals and license plate bolt. I may add crash bars in front of the saddle bags and a good set of offset highway pegs.

Maintenance
What I'm Doing: At this time, being a new bike, just oil and filter change and normal battery and tire maintenance. If something comes up in the future, I have my books, tools and VTM site ready to tackle the fix!

Conclusions
What I Think: I've put a little over 2,500 miles on her. Overall, this is a great bike. Well balanced, plenty of power, and easy handling. I really like the floor boards and heel/toe shifter. Being the retro look, the speedometer and indicator lights are mounted on the tank. I can't see them with a full face helmet without tipping my head way down. I would also like to see a 6th gear. It feels a bit like you are running too high on RPM's at highway speeds in 5th gear. The stock package includes windshield, saddle bags, sissy bar, and floor boards. There are plenty of aftermarket parts and accessories you can get for this model. An important factor for adding all those little things you just have to have :)

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.