2002 Yamaha V Star Silverado Cruiser reviews

Early this summer, I picked up the bike bug again after 10 years or so and bought my buddy's Silverado. I tell you what; this bike has more than doubled its miles since I picked it up 5 months ago. It is so easy to ride, smooth and forgiving that you look for excuses to ride. My one and only regret about getting this bike is I didn't do it sooner. I plan to move up next year, to either an 1100 or a Roadstar only because I have been putting on a lot of highway miles and the 650, though very dependable, does not have enough power for me on the open road. I will be keeping mine though for in and around town. I highly recommend this bike to all. Show less

I bought the 2002 Vstar Silverado as a 51st birthday present for myself this spring. I had decided to finally learn to ride and after much research felt the Vstar met all my criteria. Although only a 650 it is a full sized bike. For an older newbie such as myself the Vstar is proving to be a fun, well equipped first bike, and could well be the only bike I will ever need. The factory installed windshield, leather saddle bags and enhanced seating allowed me to concentrate more on riding and less on customizing during this first critical year of riding. Overall good value for the money and a fun ride. Very forgiving bike for a first time rider. Show less

I'd had my new '02 V-Star Silverado only seven weeks when, just a couple of days ago, I traded it for a new '02 Kawasaki Vulcan 750, a bike that in some ways could be considered its diametric opposite. Sure, they're both "cruisers," but that's about where the similarity ends. First, I have to say that the V-Star has a lot more going for it visually. It has the retro look that has become so popular lately, and it has a lot of chrome. It gives the impression of being a lot larger than a 650, and in fact, it <i>is </i> a lot larger than most 650s. At 545 pounds, it's also a lot heavier than a 650 needs to be. It's a lot of machine for 40-something horsepower to push around. For me, the trouble started on the first ride out of the city, up into the Front Range of the Rockies just west of Denver. On two occasions during this 160-mile ride, the bike started to behave as though it was running out of fuel, even though there was at least half a tank left. Unable to maintain speed and forced onto the shoulder, the bike died. After a brief pause and look-see for any obvious problems, the bike started up, but only after the fuel pump audibly went to work after the key was turned on (and before the starter was pushed). Each time this happened, I was running up a long, steep grade at around 65 mph. After 10 days back at the dealer, the bike was returned to me with the message "We can't fix what we can't reproduce. Maybe you got some bad gas." The problem persisted, so the bike spent another week back at the dealer. Seemingly grasping at straws, the dealer replaced the fuel pump, even though the original unit was within specifications. When I got the bike back after this second visit, I took it for a 100-mile ride without incident, and hoped the problem was solved. But the fix didn't last long. Soon, the fuel starvation gremlin was back. By this point, I had become somewhat dissatisfied with the bike's cornering clearance. I know it's no sportbike, but I'd found myself able to ride other cruisers briskly without dragging things. Not so the V-Star. Between this complaint and the persistent fuel starvation issue, I decided to cut my losses and trade. I don't want to write a review of the Vulcan here, but it is so much better, functionally. It is vastly smoother, more powerful (as one would expect) and it handles much, much more capably. Plus it has liquid cooling, a tach, a centerstand, etc. I've seen few other reports of fuel issues with the V-Star, so I may have become the victim of a rare anomaly. The cornering clearance is another matter. If all your roads are straight, you won't have a problem. If you like to ride at a very relaxed pace, you likewise won't find fault with the bike's handling. If you like to carve corners, you may want to look elsewhere. Show less

Back on a bike again after 22 years. The bike looks great. Love the low rider profile and the add on luggage made the sale. I am a big guy (6'3"/260'ish lbs)and the bike's 650 cc engine gets me around just fine. I have done a couple of interstate trips and more power would have been nice. The seats are less than desirable but I added a driver backrest and it made the difference. There is quite a bit of vibration resulting in hand numbing but I was able to get rid of a lot of that by going to ISO-Grips with a Throttle Boss add on. I also agree with other reviews I have read and will be adding lower deflectors to cut some of the wind and debris. Overall... GREAT BIKE!!! Show less

I bought my V-Star just before Thanksgiving. I ride it every chance that the weather permits, but spring is here, so my hours of unbridled freedom are going to increase significantly in the coming days. Took my first road trip by myself out to west Texas a couple of weeks ago and thouroughly enjoyed the scenic, non-Interstate route, going through small towns, and visiting historic sites. The bike rides like a dream, and it's good looks turn heads, and draw compliments everywhere I go. I agree with the previous poster... I like the ability to ride a high performance machine, with classic cruiser styling, at well under the cost of riding comparable bikes of other manufacturers. I highly recommend the V-Star Silvarado/ Show less

Moved up from my 2001 250 Virago to a 2002 V-Star Silverado. Already have more miles on this bike in 2 months than I put on the Virago all last year. I love to ride this bike. The drive with &#8220;no destination needed&#8221; syndrome hit me hard with this motorcycle. I get lots of thumbs up wherever I go. I know it looks like the Harley Heritage Softail to the unknowing. In my opinion I&#8217;ve got the look and riding style of an HD for 1/3 the price. That&#8217;s real world economics. All people except die hard Harley people really like the appeal and looks of my choice. The windshield works, but will probably install lowers for better wind protection. Luggage is top shelf leather. Show less