Used Car InformerUsed Car Informer

2009-2012 Yamaha V Star 950: Transmission lurch + fuel delivery recall 11V533000

KNOWN MAJOR RISK

EVIDENCE: FEDERAL RECORD

What goes wrong

NHTSA recall 11V533000 (verified) covers 2009-2012 V Star 950 and 950 Tourer for fuel system delivery. Separately, these bikes show an internal engagement dog or machining flaw producing a hard lurch, and correcting it permanently requires splitting the cases.

A note on the federal record for this bike
NHTSA's recall index does not recognise the model string "V Star 950" , which happens constantly with motorcycles, because recalls are often filed under a model code rather than the marketing name. That is not the same as "no recalls."
Look this VIN up directly at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you assume it is clear.
Rough cost: Splitting the cases, economically unviable on an aging cruiser. Broad estimates , motorcycle labor rates and parts vary widely.

What to do about it

Before you hand over cash: Check the recall by VIN. Test ride specifically for driveline lurch on gear changes and roll-on. A bike that lurches is a case-split away from being right, which on a cruiser this age is not worth doing.

On any used motorcycle, check the tire DOT date codes, ask for the valve service receipt, and look for drop damage on both sides before you talk about price.

Run the full free check on this V Star 950 →

Free · no signup · federal recall data included

← All buyer's guides · Salvage & rebuilt titles

General reference information only , not a mechanical inspection, appraisal, or vehicle history report, and not specific to any individual motorcycle. Failure patterns describe documented tendencies across many machines; any single bike may be better or worse. Cost figures are rough estimates , verify locally. The absence of a warning is not a statement that a motorcycle is safe. Always verify recalls directly with NHTSA and have a used bike inspected. Not affiliated with any manufacturer, dealer, or reporting service. No affiliate links, no commissions, no ads. © Used Car Informer, operated by MCC LLC · v3.1