Yamaha
Your motorcycle

2011 Yamaha V Star 950

942cc V-twin · air-cooled · belt drive
Typical for 2009–2017 · confirm in your manual
All listed trims share these maintenance parts.

Your oil change shopping list

Everything for one DIY oil change
4qtEngine oil10W-40 · JASO MA, API SG or higher (Yamalube) · 3.7 qt with filterBuy on Amazon
1Oil filterHF204Buy on Amazon
1Crush washerFor the drain plugBuy on Amazon

Parts & fluids for the 2011 V Star 950, by area of the bike

Each part shows when it's due and who should do it: DIY · EasyDIY · ModerateMechanicDealer or specialist

EngineOil, filters, plugs and valves6 items
Engine oil10W-40 · JASO MA, API SG or higher (Yamalube)3.7 qt with filter. Use motorcycle oil rated JASO MA or MA2. Car oils with friction modifiers can make a wet clutch slip.
WhenEvery 4,000 mi or once a year
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Oil filterHF204Common cross-reference for this generation. Confirm the fit before you buy.
WhenEvery oil change
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Drain plug crush washerNew washer each changeCheap insurance against leaks. Torque the drain plug to spec; aluminum cases strip easily.
WhenEvery oil change
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Air filterFits 2011 Yamaha V Star 950Usually under the seat or tank. A clogged filter costs power and fuel economy.
WhenEvery 24,000 mi (sooner on dusty roads)
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Spark plugs (2)NGK LMAR7A-9Usually easy to reach. Use a plug socket and torque them to spec.
WhenEvery 8,000 mi
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Valve clearance checkInspect and adjust shims or screwsTight valves cause hard starting and burnt valves. It's a skilled job; most owners use a dealer or specialist shop.
WhenEvery 26,600 mi
Dealer or specialist
Final drive (belt)What turns the rear wheel2 items
Drive beltFits 2011 Yamaha V Star 950Belts are clean and quiet. Rocks are their enemy: check for chips and missing teeth.
WhenCheck tension and condition every service; replace when cracked or worn (often 40,000–100,000 mi)
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Belt tension checkBelt tension gaugeToo tight wears bearings; too loose can skip teeth.
WhenEvery 5,000 mi
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
BrakesPads and fluid3 items
Front brake padsFits 2011 Yamaha V Star 950Front pads wear faster because they do most of the braking.
WhenInspect every 4,000 mi; replace at about 2 mm of pad
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Rear brake padsFits 2011 Yamaha V Star 950
WhenInspect every 4,000 mi; replace at about 2 mm of pad
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Brake fluidDOT 4Never mix DOT 5 (silicone) with DOT 3/4. Check what your reservoir cap says.
WhenEvery 2 years
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Tires & wheelsYour only contact with the road3 items
Front tire130/70-18Check pressure before every ride; it's on the swingarm or frame sticker.
WhenAt 2/32" of tread, or 5–6 years old
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Rear tire160/70-17Rear tires usually wear out about twice as fast as fronts.
WhenAt 2/32" of tread, or 5–6 years old
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Tire pressure gaugeDigital or dial gaugeUnder-inflated tires make a bike handle badly and wear fast.
WhenBefore every ride
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
ElectricalBattery and bulbs2 items
BatteryYTZ14SKeep it on a battery tender if the bike sits for more than a couple of weeks.
WhenMost last 3–5 years
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Battery tenderSmart maintainerThe best way to make a motorcycle battery last.
WhenWhenever it's parked for winter
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Suspension & controlsForks, clutch and cables3 items
Fork oil & sealsFork oil per your manualOil on the fork tubes means a leaking seal. Service both forks together.
WhenEvery 2 years or 15,000 mi; seals when they leak
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Clutch & throttle cablesCable lubeCheck the free play at the lever; a frayed cable should be replaced right away.
WhenLube and adjust every 4,000–6,000 mi
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Steering head & swingarm bearingsInspect for playNotchy steering or a clunk when braking points to worn bearings.
WhenEvery 12,000 mi
Mechanic

Owner's manual for the 2011 Yamaha V Star 950

Amazon fit lists aren't always perfect. Your owner's manual has the exact oil, capacities and part numbers for your bike, so check it before you buy.

Free official Yamaha owner's manual →From Yamaha's owner site. Pick your model and year.Printed owner's manual on Amazon →Original and reprint manuals for the 2011 Yamaha V Star 950.Clymer & Haynes repair manuals →Step-by-step service manuals that home mechanics swear by.

Every 4,000 miles: what's due

Pick your mileage to see what comes due at that service.

4,000 miles 2 items
  • Engine oil & filterevery 4,000 mi
    Shop part →
  • Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 4,000 mi
8,000 miles 3 items
12,000 miles 2 items
  • Engine oil & filterevery 4,000 mi
    Shop part →
  • Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 4,000 mi
16,000 miles 3 items
20,000 miles 2 items
  • Engine oil & filterevery 4,000 mi
    Shop part →
  • Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 4,000 mi
24,000 miles 4 items
28,000 miles 3 items
  • Engine oil & filterevery 4,000 mi
    Shop part →
  • Valve clearance checkevery 26,600 mi
  • Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 4,000 mi
32,000 miles 3 items
36,000 miles 2 items
  • Engine oil & filterevery 4,000 mi
    Shop part →
  • Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 4,000 mi
40,000 miles 3 items

Other years: 2010 V Star 950 · 2012 V Star 950 · All V Star 950 years

Motorcycle specs on PartSpec are typical values for this generation and haven't all been checked against the manufacturer yet. Confirm the oil, capacities and part numbers in your owner's manual before you buy. Read the full disclaimer

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