10 Reason to buy a V-Star XVS 650
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- čas přidán 25. 05. 2023
- It's been around for 25 years, I love the V-Star 650 and so do many other riders. I add up the feedback from the internet and my own experience to give you the top ten reasons to buy one.
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I bought this bike in 2004 and love it. It has been stored for 10 years now. I put it in the shop for a rebuild to new. I can't wait to get back on it. I had shoulder issues and couldn't ride for years. Then the mice ate some wires and the carbs then fouled up. I am 67 and can't wait to ride my Yamaha.
You buy it on 1004? How old are u bro ?
I'm having the same doubts about my shoulder but if you do some basic pilates or constantly acessory work for the rotator cuff, the pain will fade away with consistency.
Much luck
I bought a brand new "650 Dragstar" {the UK version of the 650 V-Star} back in 2000 ....it's the best bike I have owned in over 55years of motorcycling.
Other bikes have come & gone, but even now {at 73yo} my Dragstar {V-Star} is my "keeper for life" ...handling it & riding it still as easy & enjoyable as it ever was.
I second your views . I have rode bikes since i was 17 .. now 65 . Bought my secondhand V Star 650 Classic just over 3 years ago . It's got the looks, reliable, easy to ride and maintain . Great value for money . If i ever get the urge to see what else is out there for the money etc i soon return to my venerable V Star !!!
Exactly. Not only are parts very available, but they are also very good parts new and used at a very low price. I have a 2009 vstar 650 Silverado classic, which is the fully dressed model. It's not fast and it's low geared but it is comfortable and very well made. These bikes have a real frame and with shaft drive rare gear oil changes is all the drive train ever requires. They sound good. They look great and they ride smooth for their size. They are great for back roads and state highway, US highway lower speed cruises. They get good gas mileage at open road 5th gear about 50 miles an hour. If they are accepted for what they are, they are very dependable and practical. They will do interstate but at a very tached up rpm. I use mine for no hurry back roads and state highways, US highway riding and go about 50 , 55 mph and just enjoy the cows and horses, antique cars, bales of hay ,and general backroads country scenery . I've had mine for 6 years. I have another more powerful and faster motorcycle, but I enjoy my vstar. They are well made and very dependable.
I sold my last bike almost 30 years ago... an '81 CB 750F Supersport.
In a vain attempt to regain my wasted youth I recently bought another bike... a Vstar 650 (I didn't want the recklessness of my youth back).
You echoed everything I was thinking.
Well said!
Just pick up my 2006 vstar yesterday as my first bike, I’m absolutely loving it
I just bought my first ever road bike and that being a 2005 VStart classic. I absolutely love it and completely agree with the video. Solid coverage man!
Thank you for this video! Im doing my test this weekend and am thinking of getting one of these!
Would highly recomend them,ive had two of them
Get it! And have no regrets just fun & enjoyment . Be safe!
I’ve had my classic for almost 4 years now. Done a handful of work to it and I’m still obsessed with the bike.
Nicely done!
Power: a lot of people get this bike and think since it looks like a HD it should sound and run like one.
Its not, the engine is a square throw design, it red lines at over 7200 rpm, and the rev limiter kicks in around 7200.
So people get on the bike, expect it to sound like a HD, and shift it like a HD at 10, 20, 30, 40 mph... Ive seen people doing it in videos of the bike, you can see the speedo when they are shifting, then they complain the bike has no power and it needs a 6th gear. There are comments about lack of 6th gear on your video too.
the 5th gear is already an overdrive ratio
the bike will hit 103mph before the rev limiter kicks in
if there was a 6th gear the bike would not be able to hit 80mph, because the engine would never reach the peak of its HP curve - its perfect just the way it is.
the rev limiter points for all the gears:
1st = 59 km/h = 37MPH
2nd = 84 km/h = 53MPH
3rd = 110 km/h = 69MPH
4th = 137 km/h = 86MPH
5th = 165 km/h = 103MPH
yes the engine will be reving fast doing 65 in 3rd gear, its designed for it, more like a sports bike than a long throw HD potato potato cruiser. You can ride this bike all day at 85mph in 5th gear. If you think it sounds too loud, get earplugs.
Mine is totally stock. I love the way the engine GROWLES in 3rd, thru the air intake, WFO at 65mph just as you shift into 4th, and it does it again when you shift into 5th at about 80.
It has a rev limiter - you cant hurt it unless you down shift too soon (going to fast) and mechanically redline the engine (ie DONT kick it down into 3rd at 85mph!)
The other thing: the idle spec is 1200 rpm. People want it to sound like a HD so they turn the idle adjustment way down
the oil pump is not spinning fast enough to push oil to the top of the heads below 1200 rpm, running it that way will run your bearings dry
Like you said, if you get one of these with low miles, that has been well maintained, esp if its still factory stock, you can expect to ride it until the odo reaches 100,000 miles easily
and if you are not fanning the clutch all the time, it can last the life of the bike too
even though many were made over 20 years, it can take a while to find a good one that has not been trash-modified and abused
People who bought them new, and take care of them, tend to keep them til the doctor says "you cant ride anymore"... or their estate is selling it., because it literally lasted for the rest of their life...
I agree with everything you stated and learned something.
Tnx bro
Super helpful man cheers this is the most coherent thing I’ve seen on the biting points of this bike so far
Hope so.. just bought a 2006 Silverado with 99 miles perfectly preserved
I got my first Bike in 2010. It was a brand new 2009 Yamaha Vstar 650 Silverado. It was cerulean and silver, and absolutely gorgeous bike. Her name was Claire. I literally got my license the day before I bought her, she cost $8000. I put enough miles on her in just a few days to require her first maintenance. At the end of her second week I rode her solo from Seattle Washington to Staunton Virginia. Got her second servicing in Harrisonburg Virginia that same week...
I think it was safe to say, I was bitten by the bug so to speak. Sadly, Claire met her fate after only 14 months, when I was Tboned by a dodge ram pick up. Thankfully I was wearing full gear at the time.
I have had 4 yamaha Vstars. 3 of them including my current one, were all 650's, and one of them was an 1100. I prefer the 650 for the reasons mentioned above. I also love how it handles. You can steer to turn, or you can lean to turn, or a combination of both. I like that versatility.
With stock pipes, they are a quiet ride, which I like. loud pipes save lives is just an excuse to sit at a light and try to look impressive revving your bikes. Oh btw. its NOT impressive...
though, admittedly, I find 2 flaws with this bike.
1. checking the oil is difficult because the sight glass is practically on the underside of the bike.
2. No hazzard lights. Hazzard lights at a stop light or in stopped traffic works wonders to make the drivers coming up behind you, notice you. These should be STANDARD on ALL bikes.
However, I love my Vstars, and dont see me even looking for something else anytime soon.
I bought mine new in 2000. Half a dozen other bikes have come and gone but I still have my vStar and ride it regularly. Now I have an Indian Chief and the vStar which is my old standby, keep it clean and happy and it will always make me happy, I’ll never get rid of it!!
i love your blogs and the bike .i own a xvs650 dragstar 97 custom for 18yrs now 80,000mls on the clock here in england uk
I'm a beginner to bike's, and i this will fit me perfectly. Big thanks 🙏
I had one, purchased circa 2002. It was the "classic" which had slightly different styling, however essentially the same bike. I was using it as my sole transportation through grad school. I will mention one known maintenance reliability issue, that while I read about it in the forums, I did not really understand the issue until it happened to me.
The problem is the rear pinion gear. It is not properly lubricated from the factory. It needs to be pulled (not a big job, but set aside a Saturday) and have molybdenum grease put in. Molybdenum grease is essential for this application due to its properties. Frankly, I didn't do it, and the pinion wore to the point that I released the clutch at a stoplight and experienced no forward movement.
I tore it down, as I said, it isn't a really big job, and found that the excessive wear had resulted in no contact between the pinion and the ring gears. Here is the problem, not all of the parts were available, Yamaha simply did not offer them as replacement parts. I replaced the parts I was able to, and continued to use the worn parts where I had to, applied the proper grease, and it was enough to allow me to continue using it to finish grad school. I later sold it for parts.
I think it confuses people when they are sold a running, ridable bike, and told it is only for parts. However, I could not, in good conscience, pretend that I was selling a serviceable motorcycle. That said, I was entirely aware that the buyer weekend rode it for several years after that, telling me that my partial fix was a fairly good one.
In all, I liked it. I did discover that I didn't like the cruiser riding position, but that is something that has to be tried to make a good decision. My current Moto Guzzi is a better bike in nearly every way, however, it is also a more expensive bike. As I said, other than the pinion gear grease issue, it was a good bike with, as you have observed, a lot of good qualities.
your expereince with lack of lube in the shaft drive assembly was only on very early years of production
Yamaha got that straightened out quickly
the biggest problem with the shaft drive since then is taking the bike to get the rear tire changed, the mechanic pulls the rear wheel, wipes the 60% moly off the drive shaft, and puts axle grease on it instead (because it 'looked dirty'). That shaft will be destroyed in about 3,000 miles (like your pinion gear).
Anyone who touches a shaft drive must know it MUST have 60% Molybdenum grease lube - nothing else will do.
After not riding for 20 years I got me 2007 v star 650 for $2400 to get back into it and I'm loving it. Will keep it for sure no matter what I upgrade to.
Just got an '05 classic as my fjrst bike. Im super excited to begin my motorcycle journey.
I bought a 2003. In 2021. It had 1500m on it. I loved it but had to go bigger . I was riding with my wife on the freeway. It didn't have enough power for two up. I got a 2022 kawasaki vaquero. And it is perfect. But I do miss the vstar. It's a great bike for one person 👍
I had one of these v-star 650s and I rode it for about a year then upgraded. It's a very fun and enjoyable bike. I had the classic version with the fuller fenders. The engine runs best between 60 to 70 mph but much over 70 and it feels like you need to shift to 6th gear pretty bad but there isn't a 6th gear. That is the only real drawback to the bike. However, if you don't mind traveling on the smaller secondary 65 mph highways it is just fine. But if you live in America and spend a lot of time on the interstates where everyone goes 80 mph you will be very disappointed with the little v-star. In a pinch you can reach 90 mph on it but it isn't happy going that speed or even 80 to my way of thinking. Other than that one complaint you just can't get a better bike for the money.
the bike will go 65mph in 3rd gear, and 85 in 4th - you were lugging it, and the bike was not happy with you!
I agree.
What about making a + 1 tooth change in the front sprocket ?
Or does the modest 40hp not amount to enough to pull it ?
And being shaft drive, one can't do a smaller step change as no rear sorocket !
I test rode a V Star 650 and loved it - but bought a Suzuki V-Strom 650 instead.
On my V, I did the +1 front sprocket - but its s higher revving 65-70 hp engine too.
I would def consider a VStar I love the Cruiser w/ Shaft drive but wouldn't appreciate being "pushed" by traffic.
If the +1 sprocket swap is a bad idea, is there a VStar (or other metric cruiser w shaft drive) thats a tad larger but not massive ?
Thanks in advance - David in Texas
Amazing video matey, appreciate the hard work....Great bike too, 40 mpg (US gallon), top speed with windscreen 92mph, Bulletproof air cooled engine, EZ oil changes, and rear wheel removal, classic styling that seems to have disappeared off the market, i enjoyed a cup O tea and a marmite toastie whilst watching your video. Cheers
Just got one 2002 model so far I love it
Haven’t ridden in twenty years and looking at one of these to get back on the road 8 grand with a couple thousand on the clock even though you are from nsw after your thoughts going to get it and I’m actually looking forward to riding again
Nice looking bike! Love your vid.s - Tnx :)
I have a 1999, I have done a lot of customization as you can see in my youtube, really fun bike!
I just bought a 2002 as my first bike. It definitely lacks speed on the top end, but it feels like it gets there pretty quick and as my first bike, it feels probably way faster than it is. But I love it, very comfortable and it looks and sounds great, with a non stock exhaust of course though. My coworkers compliment me on its looks and that makes me feel good. Wish the gears were a bit longer though. I feel like I shift a lot and I cruise a lot in 5th gear to keeps the revs lower.
Sounds like you are shifting to fast and I have not had any problem doing 100mph on either one of my 650s and I weigh almost 300 pounds.
I wonder how this excellent bike compares to the Suzuki C50 Boulevard ?
I did test ride one of these V-Star 650s and it was impressive, no doubt.
Has anyone ridden both & can compare ?
Buddy I like your steering wheel can you show me from where I can get the same or sizes?
Great video. Can i ask how tall you might be?
I bought mine in 2016 and I'm keeping it forever
What seat are you running? i got a skunk seat as well but dont have a matching passenger seat for it. will loook better for saddlebags too with the passenger seat
Beginner or Seasoned Rider, the V Star is a good, all around bike. I own a 2008 Silverado V Star Classic. At 68 years old, I'm not riding to beat the competition, I ride for the pleasure of riding.
🪶
Thanks for sharing your opinion. You have a nice bike.
Blessings from Georgia USA 🙏
Thanks for the review mate. I was thinking Boulevard C50, but I reckon I'll get one of these instead based on your informative video. 🤙🤙
No!!!!! C50 is heads and shoulders better. Power and gear ratio go to the Suzuki. Vstar 650 is like riding a washing machine with handlebars. Suzuki has hydraulic valves, vstar needs adjustment every 5k.
Yeah the pricing seems on the high end with the vstar too! I tried both and I didn't like the vstar. The stock bars hit my knees on slow tight turns and it didn't pull as much as the c50 which had feather-like handling.
where did you get that diamond stitch seat from?
Im a first time rider at 68 and bought my brother's 650 2000 vstar. I live in a major city, Houston, and always feel it is too slow coming away from a stop for the other traffic. I weigh 180 so maybe because im new to this i could use some pointers.
What seat / passenger seat is on this bike? Just purchased a V Star and would love to have something like this!
I've got a v star classic, and my only gripe is I wish it either had an extra gear, or was higher geared for the freeway. I'm usually in top gear at 60 / 70.
Thats the reason i think the 1100 is the perfect version. same bike just a little bit more power.
Is it still possible to get this motorcycle in 2024 ? I'm in New Zealand and I want to get my first bike. Online its saying that the VS 650 has been discontinued in 2017. Cheers
What handle bars are on the bike?
In my opinion the 1100 is the perfect version of this bike. Same good bike just a little bit more power, still slow but it got that little extra. I also believe its just as easy to handle for a beginner.
I’m about to buy one to ride around while I rebuild my barn find 79’ kz750. Very excited.
A liter bike, for a beginner?!
@@kenwittlief255it's a cruiser, not a sport bike.
Thanks for the video, next spring I'm gonna buy my third bike and it has a good chance that it Will be a SragStar (Vstar) 650. Had a Honda Deauville 650 before. That was the point when I fell in love with V2 engine ❤🎉 Nice Vid, keep on going' 😊
Do you still own this bike?
Can get this bike get you from Perth to Melbourne?
How much is too many kms for a bike like this?
Got the bike and cannot be happier it’s a great ride but I does need another gear but that’s a minor issue
What abt the 1100 is it reliable 🙏🏽🙏🏽
great. thx.
Amazing bike. Do you know where you got the seat?
If you're in Australia, it's from Mark Taylor Trimming. Look him up on Facebook. Great work at a good price and he posts it out really quick.
They need a 6-speed transmission in these motorcycles 5 speed is not enough
But it’s great for an around-town bike when you don’t need to go on the highway for more than few minutes.
5th gear is already an overdrive ratio
with a steeper 6th gear it would never hit the peak of its HP curve - its not a HD, it likes to be rev'd
Is the 650 a good starter bike?
Most definitely!
In Australia it’s marketed as LAMS, (learner approved motorcycle scheme) and is a great first bike! Not too heavy, not overly fast. But heaps of cruising, windy road fun. Love mine, (2018 XVS650 custom.) really can’t bring myself to part with it yet!
Ok, you guys listen up GOOD ADVICE COMMING.. I have this bike,2000 model. And the only problem with it is the driveshaft, well the splined coupling that joins the shaft to the pinion gear, seems Yamaha was. Stingy with the grease and they wear out around 25 to 30.000 miles. Since it’s not available from Yamaha you need to by the whole rear end at an Astonishing price new or used,so next time for tire fitting do not forget the grease.,!!! Very common problem ,.
do not forget the grease , m !!!!
I have a 1100 v star 2000 - 2005 ,ride more then 50 000 km.
Ride to Italy,Kroatia and othser EU Country
But 2005 begin a starter problem and i sell away!
Because there wasn’t an 1100 on market place at the right time?
Of all the bikes ever made the Virago 250 is the most desirable for me, only 300 lbs, 75+ mpg and very flickable
you forgot the 1 in 1650 ;)
One reason why I can't , can't afford it . I had a 05 1100 V-STAR , sold it in 2013 for what I paid , me sorry for that .
Bummer
It's reliable until the starter clutch gives up. :D
The only problem is are they still making them and are they. Available still for engine parts. Lemay Nelson. Vancouver Washington pacific coast. Northwest. USA.