Faults:

I've only had the bike out for 3 or 4 short trips, due to the winter... But everything is running fine, so far.

General Comments:

I'm totally thrilled with the bike. My previous one was a Virago 250, but I sure like the acceleration of this one (in comparison). Also, it's nicer to feel that heavier weight beneath me. ...This seems to add more stability to the bike.

...Oh.. And it sure is nice to get away from that damn chain that I seemed to be continually oiling and adjusting on my 250.

I would have liked to see a gas gauge on this bike, as being new to this particular model, I'm not quite used to the amount of fuel used, vs. distance travelled...But I'm sure I'll have this figured out shortly.

I added a Lin bar and saddlebags. Definitely a sharp looking bike...And as others have commented, it looks a lot bigger than what it actually is.

My insurance has jumped a hundred bucks for 6 months, and I don't bother with any collision or comprehensive, but considering I'm on my own, it's still only a fifth the cost of what I have to pay for my Toyota truck...And then there's the savings in gas too.

As soon as the weather warms up, I'm sure it'll be my prime means of transportation for the rest of the summer.

Faults:

None yet.

General Comments:

I chose the 2000 Yamaha V-Star Classic for its classic lines, traditional air-cooled v-twin, drive shaft, and great after market support (after all, I am a mechanic and love to tinker).

I learnt to ride on my mother's (yes, my mom rides) 1997 Suzuki Savage 650, and when the time came to get my bike, I wanted something with a bit more oomph while keeping the cc down to afford to insure the bike (I'm under 25 and a new rider). I wanted something that was great in the twisty country roads, but was still comfy enough on the highway. I wanted a bike that would achieve 250+kms to a tank (I like to go past at least a few gas stations without needing to stop). And lastly, but definitely not least, I wanted a bike that was comfortable to ride and just plain fun.

The V-Star gave me all of those and then some. It has great low end grunt to it and pulls strong through. It has no troubles hitting 150km/hr, although she's definitely screaming anywhere near that. I did not buy my bike for speed, I bought it to cruise the country a little more freely than in my big old pickup.

I find its seat and controls perfect, and very comfy for even a big guy like myself at 6ft 270lbs, but after about 3 hours I'm ready for a coffee stop. The bike is incredibly smooth, and is great in the turns and very stable, and offers a lot of confidence (already hitting the pegs). The appearance is exactly what I was looking for, and I love the red and burgundy two tone paint.

All in all, I'm very pleased with the bike and feel I will keep this one for some time to come (of course with some goodies along the way).