Yamaha introduced this North American cruiser nameplate for the 2009 model year, with sales beginning in late 2008. It was developed as part of the brand’s Star cruiser lineup and was positioned as a more approachable, middleweight alternative to larger V-twin cruisers, while still keeping the familiar long-and-low proportions and classic cruiser cues that defined the category. Yamaha launched it alongside a touring-equipped variant, but the base nameplate itself was presented as the standard, stripped-down member of that new family.
The model’s significance comes from how Yamaha blended traditional cruiser styling with a newer-generation chassis and fuel-injected 942cc air-cooled V-twin architecture. Yamaha described it as a “sporty and classic” cruiser aimed at riders who wanted easier handling and full-size presence without stepping up to the company’s bigger-displacement offerings. In Yamaha’s own later technical material, the 950cc platform was identified as the basis for the subsequent Bolt cruiser, underscoring the importance of this nameplate within the company’s North American Star lineup.
I could verify the debut year confidently, but I could not confirm a definitive final model year from authoritative sources, so the end date is left open.