Yamaha V Star, Air-Cooled vs. Liquid-Cooled?

[cjpeltz]

I am new to cycling, just finishing my 2-day class last week and looking to buy a beginner bike. One I'm looking at is the Yamaha V Star 650, but a number of friends have suggested not going with any bikes which are air-cooled as they are prone to over-heating. As I compared the V Star to others like Honda Shadow and Suzuki Boulevard, it looks like Yamaha is the only one that's not liquid-cooled.

I'd like to hear from riders on both sides as the pros and cons, and if I should really discount the V Star in my buying decision.

Thanks.

[Motorcycle Forum]

[vikingpnut]

There are plusses to air cooled bikes. No waterpump, hoses, or radiators to maintain. Yamaha, Harley, and Victory are 3 well known brands that are mostly air/oil cooled. I ride an M50, and everyday it's hot and I hear the fan kick on when I'm cruising in the city I'm glad I picked water cooled, extra maintanence included. I just can't see it myself at this point. None of the air cooled rides seem to have a problem. I have friends on Yamahas and Harleys that don't have complaints mechanically because of the air cooling. I have heard from the Harley guys that they've put extra shielding under the seats, because it can a bit warm on the legs and nether regions having that much heat produced between your legs. I believe it comes down to personal choice, more than a mechanical superiority.

[The Big O]

after owning a CX500 water cooled for 10yrs and test riding Harleys, Suzuki, Kawasaki's, i settled on a Yamaha Roadliner1900

Although air cooled and a big donk i don't notice the heat unless your sitting in traffic, which i generally switch it off...

Just completed a 5000k ride ,sat on 140kph through central Australia , one thing i dont have to worry about is water seals and radiator.

Once a leak starts and your miles from nowhere , and you dont have litres of coolant , start calling a tow truck.
i know cause i've done it .
Roadliner .......what a machine

[Wild Willy]

I prefer liquid cooled engines, but each his own.

[Easy Rider]

..... a number of friends have suggested not going with any bikes which are air-cooled as they are prone to over-heating.

How many of those "friends" have ever ridden an air cooled bike ??
Not many would be my guess.

That difference is NOT something you should worry about for a first bike.

They are only prone to over heat if you beat the crap out of them or use the wrong oil.......or let it sit at idle in the desert at 120 F for an hour.

They probably really are better choices because in a comparable displacement bike, the air cooled one should be lighter and easier to handle.