As a long-time motorcycle enthusiast, my riding history spans across various brands and styles. From the robust adventures on a BMW GSA to the classic rumble of Harley Davidson cruisers and the reliable performance of Vulcan motorcycles, I’ve experienced a wide spectrum of riding. My cruiser journey includes models like an ’07 Road Glide and a 2019 Heritage Softail Special from Harley Davidson, alongside a ’96 Vulcan Classic and a particularly memorable 2000 Vulcan 1500. This diverse background led me to an interesting discovery when I sought a mid-size cruiser for local rides and club outings: the Yamaha V-Star 950. This experience sparked my curiosity about Yamaha’s presence in the cruiser market, specifically the Star line.
Initially, my search for a new cruiser directed me towards Yamaha’s offerings. However, I soon realized that Yamaha had largely moved away from its dedicated Star cruiser line. This shift raises a significant question: why did Yamaha discontinue the Star lineup? It’s hard to imagine these bikes were underperformers in the market, especially models like the V-Star 950 and the V-Star 1300. One might have expected Yamaha to evolve the line, perhaps streamlining it by focusing on the popular 1300, introducing a new 1100, or even venturing into the muscle cruiser segment to compete with bikes like the Suzuki M109R. During my search, I even encountered a new, albeit older model – a 2018 Suzuki C50 with only a mile on it at a dealership. While available, its engine aesthetics didn’t appeal to me, and personally, I found the visual design of the 1500cc Suzuki engine even less attractive.
The question remains: what strategic decisions led Yamaha to seemingly abandon their cruiser segment, prioritizing sportbikes instead? While I consider it a missed opportunity for Yamaha to capitalize on the strong foundation of the Star line, their legacy in motorcycle manufacturing is undeniable. Yamaha has consistently produced high-quality machines across different categories. Therefore, the decision to step back from the cruiser market, despite the proven appeal of models like the V-Star series, is indeed perplexing for enthusiasts and industry observers alike. Perhaps further insight into market trends and Yamaha’s long-term strategy could shed light on this interesting turn of events in the world of cruiser bikes.
