Well, to tell the truth, I can not really offer up much of a review right now. I have only put about 80 miles on the bike since I bought it.
I am happy with it in many respects, but it is no Honda Gold Wing as that is what I have had for the past 18 years. But the V-Star is and will be what I expected. I basically purchased it for short solo rides and very little two up riding. It starts very easily, runs great and handles beautifully. Handling, starting , stopping just about every aspect is easier than my Gold Wing was.
As for side covers / Air Intake, they do no bother me at all. I had to get used to a somewhat different seating / sitting position on the Star. Usually on the Wing my legs and feet were mostly straight up and down.
On the V-Star they are moved slightly forward and the covers have no interference with my knees/legs at all.
Only thing I do want to check into is the adjustment of the rear shock for my size and weight. You might want to do the same. While riding up to a friends house, I went over a couple of bumps which seemed pretty harsh.
I thought perhaps I need a softer adjustment on the rear shock.
I did put a small windshield on the Star. Just to break up the air flow on my chest. And the only thing that I may want to mention and for you to look for is throttle response. This bike has excellent throttle response, so be ready for it.
One thing that I need to mention for all V-Star 950 owners and that is, do NOT order the Yamaha " Fork Bag " out of the Yamaha catalog for this bike. I did and had to return it, because if you mount the bag under the head light, you have only about 1/2 inch clearance between the bag and the front fender. Well, if you are out riding and the front forks compress, the bag and front fender will come in contact with each other. This could causing a handling problem, especially if you are in a turn. Seems like the Yamaha engineers missed the boat on this accessory. It even says in the mounting instructions, not to mount this bag on a Royal Star as it could cause handling problems. WELL ! It should also make the same statement about the V-Star 950 and even the dealer agrees ! Also with the bag making contact, it will ruin the paint finish on your fender.
That is my review for today. Maybe I will have another one, once I start putting some miles on the Yammie.