20 years since last bike so I'm looking at a V-Star

[hangul111]

I have retired from the US Army and have decided to get back on a bike. My previous experience was on a Yamaha 175cc off road and 300cc on road back in 1976-1984. I am thinking of going a little larger at this point, but I am skittish about going with cruisers over 1000cc.

Does anyone have any comments about the 2009 Yamaha V-Star 650 Silverado. I have checked out the 2007 models and both the height and feel of the bike is good as far as I can see without taking it for a ride. That will have to wait until I can renew my license.

I do not intend to do any off road riding, just tool around Central Texas 5-20 miles per weekday maybe 400 miles weekend.

[Hogrider]

A very good friend of mine purchased a 2003 model for use as a commuter. He's 6 foot tall and weighs roughly 200 pounds. Over the last 5 years he has put about 35,000 miles on the bike and only had one issue which involved a very small oil leak at the shifter. Flat out the bike will run 90mph and it does quite well cruising 65-70mph. When he and his wife (she weighs around 140) go 2-up on the bike it does well on the flat and OK in the mountains around their home which run up to 9,000 feet in elevation. It does have to work while 2-up in those mountains but he managed to stay with my wife and I while we were on the Sporty. The 650 is easy to handle, very forgiving and should give you an excellent return in terms of the fun factor.

[WACB650]

I think the 650 silverado is a great choice. Are you thinking about taking an MSF to get your license and a refresher into biking again?

[hangul111]

I think the 650 silverado is a great choice. Are you thinking about taking an MSF to get your license and a refresher into biking again?

Definitely, I not egotistical enough to believe I can jump back on as if I had stopped riding yesterday. I have a friend with two bikes and have been talking to him about getting into courses.

[gammaqueen]

I think that would be a fine choice as long as you don't plan on doing 2-up riding.