General Comments:
I truly love this motorcycle... I have had to do nothing to the bike except normal service. It has been an incredibly reliable machine. With 14K + miles, I would have to say it is very reliable.
The V-star is not a rocket, but has adequate power for my 40 mile round trip to work. The gas mileage is great. I have averaged 50 MPG.
The handling is very predictable. Very easy to control. It is a cruiser, so your ground clearance isn't the best. If you get too aggressive in a corner, the floorboards will throw sparks and remind you that you aren't riding a sport bike.
I have added a Mustang seat, which I would highly recommend to anyone. It makes the bike much more comfortable, and believe it or not, it improves the handling considerably. With the Mustang, you sit "in" the bike, not on it. Really makes a huge difference in handling. Very comfortable too...
I originally bought this bike with the idea that I was going to trade up in a year or so. After 4 years, I see no need to trade up. My Silverado does everything I need and gives me 50 MPG. I don't see me trading up any time soon...
21st Jun 2008, 07:27
Bought my 2008 Silverado 650 just over a week ago - I've been riding my whole life (age 47) but this is my first bike in 8 years, and my very first V-Twin. It is no rocket, but does have a surprisingly ample amount of power to haul my 6'1" 300lb self around the back roads, and even rolls right up the hills in 5th gear at 35mph and up with no downshifting required.
110 miles later and I'm still getting used to it - we're not quite "one" with each other just yet, but every day's a little better than the last. My first two rides over 20 miles actually required a stop to get feeling back in my hands... gloves and less "newbie white knuckling" has helped that a bit.
Jury's obviously still out after only 1 week and less than 150 miles, but so far I feel that I bought the right machine. Will comment more after I get my first riding season in many years behind me.