Yamaha Motorcycle Accessories Review

Here's the scenario: You buy a new motorcycle. Looks great! But it could use some saddlebags. And case guards, those would be good! Oh! Some passenger floorboards and a pillion bar would be kinda nice too! And so on ... Ok, I got all these little add-ons for the cruiser over the last 3 years and I'm not gonna do a whole review for each and every one. I'll just lump 'em all together here and if ya don't like it? Too bad! d;-)

The following are all Yamaha parts for the V-Star 650 Classic. I'll review non-Yamaha parts individually as needed.

• Custom Tri-bar Passing Lamps
• Low Windshield Assembly
• Engine Guards
• Passenger Floorboards & mounting kit
• Classic Saddlebag - Plain / with support bars
• Leather Backrest Bag - Plain
• Passenger Backrest & Pad
• Billet Handlebar Risers
• Custom License Frame - Smooth
• Luggage Rack

So over the past 3 years I've been slowly adding bits and pieces to my ride. I went with Yamaha's upgrades to try to keep everything consistent as possible looks and quality wise. Everything that I have added installed quickly and fairly easily. There was the time I was installing the passing lamps at dusk in a dark apartment complex parking lot with the flashlight held between my teeth while trying not to lose the nuts n bolts in the drifts of October leaves on the ground, but that's a whole 'nother story.

Yeah, I'm gonna go broke buyin' chrome polish, but it gives Shorty something to do on weekends. d;-)

The first things to go on were, of course, the passenger floorboards, pillion bar, saddlebags and license plate frame. If you're gonna do this yourself, you should know your way around the wrench set and be able to figure out how hex wrenches work. Operational knowledge of a Philips screwdriver is also a plus. It all took very little time to accomplish, and added immensely to the looks, comfort, and versatility of the bike.

Then came the windshield and engine guards. Again, more than a nodding acquaintance with your basic tools is a must. The only gripe I have with all of these parts that I've added comes in here. The engine guards. They're fine, but for one thing: the shifter taps up against the left bar when downshifting. I would've thought that, being made by Yamaha for Yamaha, they wouldn't have this type of issue. Next time I'll go for the wider guards.

Then there were the passing lamps. If I'd been smart I woulda got these the same time I got the windshield. Then I would've only have had to dismantle the front end of the bike once. Oh well, it was good practice.

Which brings us to the handlebar risers, luggage rack and pillion bag. The need for the handlebar risers became apparent only after I installed 'em. Only then could I appreciate the added comfort of actually sitting in a comfortable position instead of always leaning a bit forward to the bars. I should've got these 2 years ago! The luggage rack, because you just never know what you're gonna need to haul around with ya. The little pillion bag was an afterthought, but you can never have too many places to put stuff on a motorcycle.

The main thing is: everything installed smoothly and it's all functioning properly and making my riding experience much more enjoyable.

Especially the handlebar risers. Those, in conjunction with the Mustang Seat, make cruising so much more comfortable I can't even begin to describe how much more fun riding is now. I'm not even gonna try. You'll just have to find out for yourself. If you don't have a cruiser, go get one. Then start spending thousands of frogskins on upgrades and accessories. You'll be lovin' your ride and kick-starting the economy at the same time!

Still here? Go! Do it!