First Bike: Vulcan 900 Classic LT or V Star 950???

I am a novice woman rider looking for her first bike.  (Yes, I took the safety training course last summer!) I have my choice narrowed down to these two.  The reviews I have read are very positive for both.  And both are beautiful looking bikes.  Being 54, I don't want to buy a smaller bike to "cut my teeth on" and then outgrow it quickly.  (I've heard all the opinions re starting small...don't want the hassle of re-selling and buying again in a short period of time.)  From what I've read and discussed with other experienced riders who know me and my skill level (including my husband), either of these bikes would be something I could handle and will keep me happy for a long long time.  Since the V Star is new, there aren't alot of Riders' Reviews.  So please anyone who owns either of these bikes - especially women - post your opinion of these bikes. I just don't know which one to purchase.   I appreciate any comments - on the bikes or how you decided on your choice.  Thanks!    

As a 900 owner, I think you would be more than pleased with one.  They're practically bulletproof and a nice, easy ride.  Roadbike magazine just did a review of the 950 with a female rider so that may be of some help.  I've not had the opportunity to ride a 950, although I've sat on one at the dealership.  I found that it felt a bit smaller than my 900.  Power should be about equal on either one.  I would just say to hit dealerships and take the opportunity to set on each.  Yamaha is allowing dealerships to use 950's for demo rides in some areas.  You might also hit the forums for both brands and post your request there. www.yamahamotorcycleforum.com and www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/  

I own a 1600 vulcan and my wife rides a new 900 kawasaki. My brother has a new 950 vstar with 1000 miles on it. After riding both, I think the 950 vstar is a better ladies bike. It has better handling and feels lighter. It is almost as quick as my 1600. Nice bike for all levals of rider  

I just purchased the vstar950. My second bike, first was the 2002 vstar 650. I truly loved the 650 ride and feel. I wanted more power. My choices were also the Vulcan 900 and the star 950. I chose the 950 for the deal I got and my previous good experience with the 650. I got the Tourer pkg and love the bags, shield and backrest. Here are my issues: I am 5'3", about 200#. The size of the bike and height of the seat are perfect. The power is fine. The frame is a bit longer than the 650 and the seat is harder. With the forward controls, my feet want to rest about 2 inches further back than the floorboards allow. The dealership didn't allow a pre-ride before I bought it. Even if they had, I'm not sure I would have noticed the discomfort right away. I ride 80 miles a day to work and back. It's an issue for me as I want to take longer rides soon. On the plus side, I'm getting 49 mpg and the step up in power is great. I believe with a few adjustments to the handlebars, foot controls and a driver backrest, I might just have the perfect bike. Good luck on your decision. I don't regret mine at all.  

Well I went and purchased my first bike today!   Decided on the 950 Tourer in Liquid Silver. I'm adding engine guards, saddlebag guards, saddlebag liners, and the passing lamp.  I am so excited!  If you want to read all the reasoning behind my decision - and other 950 rider reviews, go to www.yamahamotorcycleforum.com, look for the VStar950 forum, and go to the "950 Tourer vs 900 LT Classic" thread.  

You made a good choice, I'm a small man(5'-4")and I've just turned 800 miles on my V-Star 950 Tourer (black cherry)It is the perfect bike for me, I love every aspsct of it.  I've owned a Suzuki C-50 and I've ridden a Kawasaki 900   on numerous occasions, and the V-Star 950 is truly a "step above" both of them.  I look forward to some long rides this Summer...  

That's encouraging!  Thanks!  Now if it would quit snowing up here in Alberta, I can get my bike home.....Pretty unusual April with all this snow.  One day it's warm, the next day cold and snowing...  

I had the bike before the 900 Vulcan( the 800). It had chain drive, and a carb, but was still a tremendous bike(in spite of chain  drive). I think the 900 fixed just about all the 800 issues.
That said, the latest reviews seem to indicate the 950 is a leap over the 900 Kawi.

BTW. When I get a warm day, I take it. I just avoid the sand traps. I do a little more interstate (slab).