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Top 2013 Yamaha and Star Motorcycles Model Preview

Yamaha and its cruiser line, Star Motorcycles, is one of those manufacturers erring on the side of caution with next year’s street lineup. This despite being the second-best selling brand for cruisers
900cc and up last year (behind some company from Milwaukee...), and with the Raider being the best selling “high end” metric cruiser above 1300cc for the same time period. On the sport side of things, Josh Herrin’s and Josh Hayes’ success on the YZF-R6 and R1, respectively, have done little to convince Yamaha to come out with something new. But that’s not to say the company doesn’t have some exciting surprises in store.

Many of the models in both Yamaha and Star’s 2012 lineup are returning from 2011 unchanged except for different paint schemes. Among those are the YZF-R6 in Pearl White/Candy Red (left) and the V Star 950 in Liquid Silver (right).

First some bad news: those hoping Yamaha would unveil a new YZF-R6 for 2012 will be disappointed. The same basic model we’ve seen since 2008 will see its way into another year, although freshened up with some different paint schemes. In fact, not only is the R6 the same from last year, the FJR1300A, FZ1, FZ8, FZ6R and WR250R are all copies of the 2011 versions with new colors and price hikes of $100 - $200.
On the Star side, models returning from last year are the V Star 950, V Star 950 Tourer, V Star 1300, V Star 1300 Tourer, Road Star, Road Star Silverado, Stryker, Raider and Venture. These are unchanged except for different color options and a price increase of $100 compared to 2011.
New For 2012
The following models all receive updates for 2012. Some are minor, while others are rather dramatic.
Yamaha YZF-R1
$13,990 - 14,490
We begin with Yamaha and the YZF-R1, which is the only street motorcycle in its lineup to receive a significant upgrade for 2012. In keeping up with Kawasaki’s ZX-10 and many of the European sportbikes, the R1 will now be fitted with traction control featuring seven levels of intervention. Coupled with the R1’s existing three-level Drive Mode selector, the new ECU has 21 different settings to choose from. Details regarding the sophistication of the traction control and the amount of sensors involved were unavailable as of press time.

Top 2013 Yamaha and Star Motorcycles Model Preview The revised R1 for 2012 gets a nose job, some plastic surgery in the rear, and most importantly, traction control.

We do know the ECU settings get a tweak for better low-and-mid rpm response and the footpegs have been redesigned for better grip and contact with the rider’s boot. The top triple clamps are also revised, now with a more YZR-M1 MotoGP-esque look to them. Visually it may look the same, but there are subtle changes to the headlight cowling for a more aggressive appearance. In the rear, the exhaust heat shields and end caps get massaged for a svelter backside. To commemorate 50 years of Grand Prix racing, just 2000 R1s worldwide will be adorned with the 50th anniversary white and red color scheme Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies have worn at select races on the MotoGP calendar this year.


Yamaha is planning a street and track ride aboard the T/C-outfitted R1 next month and we’ll be there. Look for a review shortly after. That’s it for Yamaha. Here’s more on Star.
V Star 250
$4190

Top 2013 Yamaha and Star Motorcycles Model Preview Yamaha’s beginner bike, the V Star 250 remains largely unchanged except for new drag-style bars that replace the wrap-around units on the outgoing model.

The machine that many riders started their motorcycle journey on is back for 2012 with a minor change. Instead of the sweeping handlebars on the previous version, Star is bringing the 250 in line with the times with a new, drag-style unit. Otherwise, the diminutive starter bike sees no other significant updates. Available only in black, err...Raven, the V Star 250 gets a $100 bump in price compared to 2011.
VMax
$19,890
On the complete opposite end of the scale from the 250 is the VMax, Star’s power cruiser that ruled the muscle-bike category before the classification even existed. Like many models in Star’s 2012 lineup, the mighty Max gets only a smattering of cosmetic changes. This includes matching the side cover’s color with the intake cover and switching from red seat stitching to grey, to make the bike’s overall appearance more cohesive.
Roadliner S/Stratoliner S
$15,390/$16,590

Top 2013 Yamaha and Star Motorcycles Model Preview Two models that were “delayed” for 2011, the Roadliner S (left) and Stratoliner S (right) return for 2012 with styling updates to help them appeal to a broader audience.

In case you were wondering where the Roadliner and Stratoliner S were in Star’s lineup for 2011, Star’s Kevin Foley says “that due to the economic climate these models were ‘delayed’ for the 2011 model year to better balance supply in our dealer channel to current market demand.”
But the two are back this year and with a few changes. Market research indicated that consumers felt the “over the top” styling made the models a little polarizing. Responding to this criticism, the new Roadliner and Stratoliner feature a new tank emblem with a single bar instead of the tri-bar design previously employed. The front fender stay seen on the previous model is now removed, all in an effort to give the two models a broader appeal. The Roadliner is available in Seashell, while the Stratoliner comes in Intense Black.
Stratoliner Deluxe
$17,990

Top 2013 Yamaha and Star Motorcycles Model Preview Also getting a facelift is the new Stratoliner Deluxe. It also gets a host of new features to answer critics who wanted more from the Strato Deluxe.

With the Roadliner and Stratoliner being criticized for its polarizing design, it’s only natural that the Stratoliner Deluxe receive similar changes in the looks department. The fuel tank gets the single-bar tank emblem and gone is the front fender stay. When it comes to the Deluxe model, however, consumers also cried for more features. Star responded with an integrated iPod/iPhone player with controls located on the handlebar. Chrome trim now greets the speakers as well, but the most convenient feature is the new Garmin Zumo 665 GPS, Garmin’s top-of-the-line GPS designed specifically for motorcycle applications.
Integrated into the Stratoliner Deluxe’s audio system, the Garmin’s flip-down design makes it easy to reach the ignition or stow the unit away when off the bike. It can connect via Bluetooth to send directions directly to the rider’s helmet. With the optional Sirius/XM subscription you can listen to satellite radio and get weather, traffic and road condition warnings.
Raider/Raider S/Raider SCL
$14,590 - $19,990

Top 2013 Yamaha and Star Motorcycles Model Preview The standard Raider remains unchanged except for new colors like Nebulous Purple and Liquid Silver, seen here.

The Raider and Raider S return for 2012 virtually untouched from their 2011 iterations, save for different color options and a $100 bump in price compared to last year.
The big news from Star is a new concept called SCL, or Star Custom Line. Basically, SCL cruisers are “factory customs.” Similar in scope to Harley-Davidson’s H-D1 Customization program, SCL speaks to Star’s tagline of “We build it, you make it your own.”
Initially, the Raider will be the first model to get the SCL treatment, which includes a six-layer painting process of Blazing Orange with custom graphics, custom chrome wheels that were co-developed with Performance Machine, chrome belt guard, stainless mesh throttle cables and brake/clutch lines, and a genuine leather two-tone seat with color-matched stitching. Only 500 SCL Raiders will be produced, as noted by the numbered, limited-edition tank badge, and unfortunately, customers can’t pick and choose which options they’d like on the Raider SCL — you either take it or leave it. Also, if you’re thinking about making a replica of the SCL Raider yourself by buying these motorcycle parts through the Star accessories catalog, don’t bother — many of these items are exclusive to the SCL line.

Top 2013 Yamaha and Star Motorcycles Model Preview The big news from Star is the introduction of the SCL, or Star Custom Line. Starting with the Raider SCL, buyers will have a chance to own a true factory custom without the exorbitant cost.

So far the SCL only consists of the Raider SCL, but expect SCL versions of other popular Star models down the pipeline. At $19,990, the Raider SCL is an attractive offer for a factory custom, and hopefully we’ll get to ride it, along with the rest of the 2012 Star line, come February during Star’s official press event.

Top 2013 BMW G650GS Review

Two years after its launch, the G650GS receives several notable refinements for 2011, including new bodywork, headlights and a larger windshield, with some bits borrowed from the confusingly named
F650GS which has the 800cc engine. Spoked wheels are replaced by cast-aluminum hoops but retain the 19-inch front and 17-inch rear diameters, with the rear rim gaining width to mount a 10mm-wider 140/80 tire. The 2011 G has a base price of $7350, but it’ll jump to $7850 for 2012 because ABS will be included as standard equipment instead of as a $500 option.

The G650GS offers membership to the coveted BMW GS club for less than $8000.

Easy Peasy

Top 2013 BMW G650GS Review

Unlike the hulking bigger GS models, the G650GS proves to be remarkably easy to manage. Its seat sits just 30.7 inches above the ground, making it easy for short riders to feel confident and quite a feat for a bike with more than 6.5 inches of suspension travel. Our bike was fitted with BMW’s Low suspension option ($250), which brings the seat down to a non-intimidating 29.5 inches. Taller riders should opt for the higher accessory saddle which brings up the seat height to 32.3 inches and provides considerably more legroom.
And it’s not just a petite seat height that makes the G easy to ride. At its 423-lb curb weight, it scales in nearly 50 lbs less than the 800, feeling even lighter thanks to its mass-centralizing underseat fuel tank. Its clutch pull is very light, and the 652cc Single has a bottomless powerband that is ideal for noobs or for crawling around off-road.
The transmission’s low “granny” gear runs out quickly, requiring early shifts up to second. An LCD bar-graph tachometer keeps tabs on revs, but its small size makes it difficult to read effortlessly. An easily spotted shift light compensates for the small tach. The G picks up speed relatively quickly as the fuel-injected motor churns out its Thumper exhaust note from twin undertail mufflers.

Top 2013 BMW G650GS Review There are endless ways to have fun on a G650GS.

An amazingly flat torque curve climaxes around 5000 rpm with a 37.1 ft-lb peak at the rear wheel, with max horsepower coming in 2000 revs later at a gentle 44.2-horse gallop. Its stepless power curve isn’t particularly invigorating, but it gets the job done well enough to wheeze through the 100-mph mark if given enough road. The single-lung motor is built in China under BMW supervision then shipped to Germany where the rest o f the G650 is built. The understressed engine is a proven design, so we have no reason to question its durability. 

Top 2013 BMW G650GS Review Other than a slight dip around 3100 rpm, the G650’s Rotax-designed Thumper produces a super-linear powerband that delivers predictable grunt across its rev range.

The responsive motor makes squirting through urban traffic child’s play, aided by a highly cooperative chassis that presents no surprises. A wide aluminum handlebar provides a comfortable upright stance for its rider and offers plenty of leverage to knife through turns with great agility. Footpegs are placed well forward and accommodate the G’s three seat-height options.

Top 2013 BMW G650GS Review

The G650GS excels in the commuter role due to its nimble nature and simple operation. A decent-sized luggage rack sits aft of the passenger seat, below which resides a locking undertail storage nook that is small but usefully deep. Side-exit valve stems make checking inflation pressures a snap. As always, we enjoyed having the optional ($250) heated grips, which greatly enhance rider comfort. Our bike was also equipped with a 12-volt accessory socket, a $50 option. We were happy to see a tool kit under the seat, but we were shocked to notice its lack of a helmet lock.
Freeway travel is reasonably painless for a single-cylinder bike with some dirt intentions. Its small windscreen is surprisingly effective, aided by its sunken seat positioning a rider relatively low, and 6.5 inches of suspension travel ably suck up road imperfections. Vibes from the engine are subdued by a counterbalancer, but higher speeds had us wishing for a sixth gear. The wide handlebar that helps make it nimble can also cause unintended inputs at freeway speeds; I’d cut it down an inch if I owned it, which would have the side benefit of improving its lane-splitting ability.

Top 2013 BMW G650GS Review

The G650’s excellent fuel economy is a real asset. A steady hand might be able to achieve BMW’s claim of a possible 66 mpg, enabling a nice 215-mile range from the 3.7-gallon fuel tank. Even under our greedy wrists, we netted nearly 55 mpg.
Brakes are by Brembo, using a single disc at both ends. Outright power is only modest, but sensitivity via braided steel brake lines is quite good. Our bike was fitted with the standard-for-2012 ABS system, providing a heightened sense of security on the street and can be switched off for use in the dirt.
Speaking of dirt, the littlest GS proves easy to manage in those low-traction situations, aided by its low seat. An aluminum bash plate protects the engine from damage should you foolishly run out of ground clearance. Hardcore off-roading will require a knobbier tire than the versatile Metzeler Tourances on our tester, which nevertheless is excellent rubber for the kind of street-biased riding most owners will use it for.  A wide steering sweep adds to its ability in the dirt and often comes in handy on the street.

Top 2013 BMW G650GS Review Although not intended for hardcore off-road use, the cooperative G650 is very manageable in mild dirt situations.

Conclusion
Okay, we’ll be the first to admit the G650GS isn’t the hardcore adventure-tourer that inspires so many riders with their fanciful dreams of globe-trotting excursions. And yet our time with the G proved that you don’t need to shell out beaucoup bucks to get a highly versatile and competent adventure-styled motorcycle, a machine BMW aptly describes as “youthful and uncomplicated.”

For 2012, the G650GS is available in Aura White or Orange Red, and it’s joined by a new Sertao version that increases the G650’s off-road capabilities via extra suspension travel and spoked wheels with a 21-inch front.

Top 2013 BMW G650GS Review