I have this very bike, only in a 1998 version. It was my dad’s, and he gave it to me before he passed away. I started out on a Honda 65 when I was 14; later had a Suzuki GS 550 and a Harley Sportster. I’ve had this bike for about ten years, and it is definitely a lot of fun. Sometimes I think I’d like a bigger bike, but at 65 years old I probably will stay with this one.
I purchased an 09 V Star 650 several months ago after not riding for 25 years. Suggest to anyone learning to ride this is a great bike. For anyone once you realize that its ok to get the rpms up you'll really have fun with it. For highway speeds I typically run 3rd to 50 and 4th to low 60s and settle at 65 to 70. It's OK on the Highway but its more fun on winding rural roads. They really are great bikes. In the future I have my eye on longer highway speed rides possibly on an fjr1300, but don't tell my wife!
I just got myself a 2005 V-star custom with 500km on it recently, and I'm coming from a CBR 250. This bike feels like a beast for city cruising but I've yet to take it on the highway. I'm looking forward to getting comfortable enough with this machine to go touring through the mountains.
An ‘07 V-Star 650 was my first bike, and I actually still have it. I’m 5’11” and 250, and the bike feels fine. It’s funny that you call it a little bike because it’s a full size frame. The 650cc V-twin has plenty of power for commuting and cruising, though I agree it’s more fun on the back roads. It’ll scoot down the highway just fine at 70 MPH, but really could use a 6th gear.
I’m only 5’7” and I would like a little more room too! You could probably never get uncomfortable with your first bike! I had a Suzuki 650 for my first bike and I used the back passenger pegs and the highway pegs after I was through shifting man that thing was a dream for my first bike!
I've ridden sportbikes since the mid 80's. Being much older now, I enjoy the laid back feel of smaller bikes. The VStar is a great bike. Costs are a minimum and you will never get a speeding ticket unless you are a douchebag.
I have a V Star 950 and absolutely love it. Granted I'm 6'0 and 180#, and fits me well. Like you, I wouldn't mind being able to stretch my legs just a bit further. But that is a project for another day. Nice review.
Great review amd video thank you for posting this. I'm getting back into bikes after riding sport bikes in the past... Picking up my 2010 Yamaha vstar 650 in a week or so!!
Have had many bikes and this is my favorite all things considered. Won't be selling mine. A few mods and carb tuning for more power and less vibration. Can't go wrong.
I'm 6'3" ~200lbs and the XVS650 fits great although I opted for Biltwell Keystone XL bars... pullbacks/buckhorns are not my thing. It's easily one of my favorite bikes that I've owned over the last 40 years... and screw the windshield and accessories B.S.... nothing makes a bike more sterile than cruising on the highway behind a windshield.
Anyone looking for a starter bike this is the one to go with. I'm 20 and this is my first year riding I have the same bike just with Vance and hinze exhaust so it's a lot louder, but this is super smooth and easy on the wallet but still keeps up with bigger bikes
When I bought this bike I was like wauu after first ride,very impressive,good sound, fun and nice enjoyable to ride. Then I bought Suzuki boulevard 800,was nice bike all good I mean comfortable, good power and everything but the sound wasn’t that great and the ride was boring. For me the bike was not fun to drive at all. Like when you drive Toyota car...Then I got dyna and that was like slapping across face. The first ride was horrible. All the vibrations, valve sounds, brakes rubbish, when the bike hit hole there was knocking something on the frame, the heat what that bike made... I was very disappointed from this full stock bike but there was something- torque with that amazing 6 speed gearbox and the sound what makes height enjoyable fun to ride. Then the another aftermarket stuff what you can buy and fix that stock jokes as suspension, engine mounts brakes power there are unlimited options what you can upgrade and then you will get the right bike. Anyway always when I see or hear about Yamaha dragstar -v star 650 I highly recommended this bike and if you had it you will never forget.
This bike is one of most popular custom bike here in Brazil cause Harleys is too expensive like, v star costs $6.000 and an 883 costs $20.000. Harleys are a rich symbol here in our country
@@KorysRides figures. Appreciate you for commenting back. I also run a pretty big youtube channel. I do search & rescue for missing children. Stop by sometime....I'm going to make sure to send my subscribers your way...all the boys for the garage stuff. Thank you sir
Would this motorcycle be too big for a new rider/beginner? I'm 5'10" tall,...was looking at the R3 sport bike,but decided I am not the sport bike type. Nothing wrong with it,though,...it's nice looking bike,and priced right. The VStar 650 would be big enough for me! I could start out on a 250,but why spend the money on another bike and less than a year?
+NorfolkSouthern643 The 650 is a great starter bike. My Dad got back into motorcycling after a long hiatus on a 650. He rode it about 35000 miles, with only a clutch plate replacement at 30000
I am also 5'10", (215) and i just bought this same model v star this spring. I had not ridden a motorcycle of any kind in about thirty years, but I recently retired and need something to do. My brother has been riding all his life and helped me pick this bike out. It's not too heavy, has plenty of pep, and looks pretty good cruising down the road. It took me no time to get confident with my ability with it. I thought about the 250 also, but am very glad I got the 650. I don't think I will outgrow this bike for several seasons. Happy riding!
+milkman1414 How does the bike handle on longer road trips at interstate speeds? I'm planning on getting one of these as my first bike and I'd like to be able to make a few longer road trips after a year or two of riding (anywhere between 200 & 2500 miles, visiting family).
I've done about 200 in a day. That's about the limit my ass will take. It will get up to 70 and stay there no problem, but that's not really what this bike is about. It's more for cruising around town and down little country roads. Kory's probably right, if you are planning long multi-day trips, you will probably be happier in the long run with an 1100 or bigger.
That's about what I am size-wise. It's a good bike for that, but if you do any long rides [300+ miles] you will probably want something bigger. You could probably find a used vstar 950 for the price of a new 650 and be a lot happier
Do you think it would work for you if you were just a bit shorter? I am 6'1.25" and am considering getting one (mostly for surface street riding). Thanks!
Andrew Johnson north of Sioux City area, Plymouth county. I spent most weekends of my childhood on West lake. Best fishing is in 20' of water just north of the harbor in North Bay.
Things weird about this bike is that a cruiser but have 5 speeds, have a shaft but its a low cc and loses hp, have low weight but is too large to be an urban motorcycle. At all if youre searching for an awsome 50s bobber looking bike that is the Vstar
@@KorysRides I just got a 2008 , it's not running like it should it was setting for a long time before I bought it. I put some seafoam in it trying to get it to straighten up, it goes in and out of power. I might have to take the carbs off and clean them.
![[박종현의 돌파매매] "비트코인 $10만에 베팅"… 가상화폐株 탑픽 '우리기술투자' / 머니투데이방송 (증시, 증권)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yOSBlDW_gVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I have this very bike, only in a 1998 version. It was my dad’s, and he gave it to me before he passed away.
I started out on a Honda 65 when I was 14; later had a Suzuki GS 550 and a Harley Sportster.
I’ve had this bike for about ten years, and it is definitely a lot of fun. Sometimes I think I’d like a bigger bike, but at 65 years old I probably will stay with this one.
I'm 63 and only 5'7". My 650 Classic is enough of a beast, for this old guy. 🇨🇦😊
not too heavy for a first motorcycle? Looks a little intimidating to me and I'm 43.
@@Voltomess It is the perfect first bike. Gentle enough to learn on it and powerful enough for years of riding.
I purchased an 09 V Star 650 several months ago after not riding for 25 years. Suggest to anyone learning to ride this is a great bike. For anyone once you realize that its ok to get the rpms up you'll really have fun with it. For highway speeds I typically run 3rd to 50 and 4th to low 60s and settle at 65 to 70. It's OK on the Highway but its more fun on winding rural roads. They really are great bikes. In the future I have my eye on longer highway speed rides possibly on an fjr1300, but don't tell my wife!
I just got myself a 2005 V-star custom with 500km on it recently, and I'm coming from a CBR 250. This bike feels like a beast for city cruising but I've yet to take it on the highway. I'm looking forward to getting comfortable enough with this machine to go touring through the mountains.
An ‘07 V-Star 650 was my first bike, and I actually still have it. I’m 5’11” and 250, and the bike feels fine. It’s funny that you call it a little bike because it’s a full size frame. The 650cc V-twin has plenty of power for commuting and cruising, though I agree it’s more fun on the back roads. It’ll scoot down the highway just fine at 70 MPH, but really could use a 6th gear.
I’m only 5’7” and I would like a little more room too! You could probably never get uncomfortable with your first bike! I had a Suzuki 650 for my first bike and I used the back passenger pegs and the highway pegs after I was through shifting man that thing was a dream for my first bike!
I've ridden sportbikes since the mid 80's. Being much older now, I enjoy the laid back feel of smaller bikes. The VStar is a great bike. Costs are a minimum and you will never get a speeding ticket unless you are a douchebag.
Thank you. Insightful comment. I drive slow, do I think this would be a good match. I don't like loud bikes either.
I got a 01 vstar 650 with 150k miles on it and it still runs like a champ
Do you still have it? How’s it still running good I might be buying one tomorrow morning Yamaha 650 for $1400 2003
I bought the ,650 as my starter. I should have gotten an 1100. I'm 5'9 and about 200 lbs
I have a V Star 950 and absolutely love it. Granted I'm 6'0 and 180#, and fits me well. Like you, I wouldn't mind being able to stretch my legs just a bit further. But that is a project for another day. Nice review.
Great review amd video thank you for posting this. I'm getting back into bikes after riding sport bikes in the past... Picking up my 2010 Yamaha vstar 650 in a week or so!!
Love the reveiw. Nothing flashy, just facts and advice.
Have had many bikes and this is my favorite all things considered. Won't be selling mine. A few mods and carb tuning for more power and less vibration. Can't go wrong.
Thank you for the review because there are lots of us considering getting one but kind of on the fence. ; -)
Real nice review from what sounds like a real informative guy on the matter. I'm looking forward to browsing for other reviews of yours.
I'm 6'3" ~200lbs and the XVS650 fits great although I opted for Biltwell Keystone XL bars... pullbacks/buckhorns are not my thing. It's easily one of my favorite bikes that I've owned over the last 40 years... and screw the windshield and accessories B.S.... nothing makes a bike more sterile than cruising on the highway behind a windshield.
Thank you for doing this review it was so helpful!
Damian B made me laugh a bit .. but so random at the same time
Anyone looking for a starter bike this is the one to go with. I'm 20 and this is my first year riding I have the same bike just with Vance and hinze exhaust so it's a lot louder, but this is super smooth and easy on the wallet but still keeps up with bigger bikes
J'ai la version 97 ! premier modèle . Je ne m'en lasse pas !
When I bought this bike I was like wauu after first ride,very impressive,good sound, fun and nice enjoyable to ride. Then I bought Suzuki boulevard 800,was nice bike all good I mean comfortable, good power and everything but the sound wasn’t that great and the ride was boring. For me the bike was not fun to drive at all. Like when you drive Toyota car...Then I got dyna and that was like slapping across face. The first ride was horrible. All the vibrations, valve sounds, brakes rubbish, when the bike hit hole there was knocking something on the frame, the heat what that bike made... I was very disappointed from this full stock bike but there was something- torque with that amazing 6 speed gearbox and the sound what makes height enjoyable fun to ride. Then the another aftermarket stuff what you can buy and fix that stock jokes as suspension, engine mounts brakes power there are unlimited options what you can upgrade and then you will get the right bike. Anyway always when I see or hear about Yamaha dragstar -v star 650 I highly recommended this bike and if you had it you will never forget.
How awesome, another Kory!
I'm thinking of getting one of these as my own first bike. I've been bumming rides off my friends' bike.
How is it
I got 95 on mine but it really needs a 6th gear! I want the 1100 & looking to trade!
its beautiful bike for sure
This bike is one of most popular custom bike here in Brazil cause Harleys is too expensive like, v star costs $6.000 and an 883 costs $20.000. Harleys are a rich symbol here in our country
I think about buying a 2004 from my neighbor got 3k. Super clean..but...I'm 6 2 ..at 240 pounds. Maybe I'll test it out and see how I feel
I would bet at that size you will not have a good time on this bike
@@KorysRides figures. Appreciate you for commenting back. I also run a pretty big youtube channel. I do search & rescue for missing children. Stop by sometime....I'm going to make sure to send my subscribers your way...all the boys for the garage stuff. Thank you sir
Don't get me wrong.. Its a great looking bike.. But the 250 will do 85.. I really expected more out of the 650
same im like 140lbs 5'4 so i dont think ill have a problem getting up to 70
Awesome,got the same bike,ofc lil bit different but same color
I have the 1900. I'll never need another bike.
The sound is awesome for a 650. Can I ride it with A2 license?
Would this motorcycle be too big for a new rider/beginner? I'm 5'10" tall,...was looking at the R3 sport bike,but decided I am not the sport bike type. Nothing wrong with it,though,...it's nice looking bike,and priced right. The VStar 650 would be big enough for me! I could start out on a 250,but why spend the money on another bike and less than a year?
+NorfolkSouthern643 The 650 is a great starter bike. My Dad got back into motorcycling after a long hiatus on a 650. He rode it about 35000 miles, with only a clutch plate replacement at 30000
I am also 5'10", (215) and i just bought this same model v star this spring. I had not ridden a motorcycle of any kind in about thirty years, but I recently retired and need something to do. My brother has been riding all his life and helped me pick this bike out. It's not too heavy, has plenty of pep, and looks pretty good cruising down the road. It took me no time to get confident with my ability with it. I thought about the 250 also, but am very glad I got the 650. I don't think I will outgrow this bike for several seasons.
Happy riding!
+milkman1414 How does the bike handle on longer road trips at interstate speeds? I'm planning on getting one of these as
my first bike and I'd like to be able to make a few longer road trips after a year or two of riding (anywhere between 200 & 2500 miles, visiting family).
Dylan Glaser It can be done, but it would be a LOT easier on something bigger. 70mph is kinda the top speed you will want to pound out miles at.
I've done about 200 in a day. That's about the limit my ass will take. It will get up to 70 and stay there no problem, but that's not really what this bike is about. It's more for cruising around town and down little country roads. Kory's probably right, if you are planning long multi-day trips, you will probably be happier in the long run with an 1100 or bigger.
I just bought one like this almost exactly the same except mine has Vance & Hines pipes. Does anyone know approximately the fuel range???
Was waiting for you to start it...
Pyasa Hyena try searching "vstar 650 exhaust" for that
I like this bike but...im 5'3. Wonder if I could still make it work.
you can. I'm 5'2 and I handle mine fine.
I feel like at 70-75 this bike is really rev'd out. Gearing is terrible
I'm 6'0 and a lean 200lbs. I'm looking for my 1st bike and not wanting to break the bank. would this bike suit my short/ fun weekend needs?
That's about what I am size-wise. It's a good bike for that, but if you do any long rides [300+ miles] you will probably want something bigger. You could probably find a used vstar 950 for the price of a new 650 and be a lot happier
Do you think it would work for you if you were just a bit shorter? I am 6'1.25" and am considering getting one (mostly for surface street riding). Thanks!
Leland Unruh if it had different handlebars that would probably work
What part of Iowa are you from ? I just moved from okoboji iowa to Colorado Springs !
Andrew Johnson north of Sioux City area, Plymouth county. I spent most weekends of my childhood on West lake. Best fishing is in 20' of water just north of the harbor in North Bay.
You need to get a big gold wing lol
I've owned three.
@@KorysRides do you think there is much difference in power between the 650vstar and a 800 cc Volusia and also size of the two bikes?
@@charlestomasino9161 I've never ridden that 800 so I have no idea
nice bike grandpa
Are you sure that's your grandpapy's bike?
aqua Loon uh, yeah? why wouldn't it be?
I weigh 126 pounds piss wet through so I think it's definitely big enough for me.
mine look exactly the same
are there any starter bikes that are not small for 6,3?
Rolands J most dual sports. wr250 or crf250l, etc
It’s a 650 I am pretty sure it goes faster than 90mph
Nope
does this bike go past 70MPH??? I need a little speed in my life!
Yes, does about 100. Wrong bike if you like speed.
@@KorysRides well, for a 650 cruiser it need to go pass 70 LoL
Carbed?
Yes it has a carburetor
Things weird about this bike is that a cruiser but have 5 speeds, have a shaft but its a low cc and loses hp, have low weight but is too large to be an urban motorcycle. At all if youre searching for an awsome 50s bobber looking bike that is the Vstar
Exactly. They look nice with some fender work and different handlebars.
@@KorysRides I just got a 2008 , it's not running like it should it was setting for a long time before I bought it. I put some seafoam in it trying to get it to straighten up, it goes in and out of power.
I might have to take the carbs off and clean them.
Hi guys would it suit a guy who is 5.9 at all thanks
I rode my brothers 2001 V Star 650 and it's fine. I am also 5.9 145lbs.