I have a 650 V-star and it is fantastic, very comfortable to ride and it is pretty good on accelleration. however it isnt all that fast and it cant take corners real fast as it is a very low bike it is easy to scrape the pegs. as far as sound i put after market Vance and Hines pipes on it and it seriously turns heads. But it depends on style you like, power you want, and the roads you will be on to which will be a better bike for you. hope this helped
@rumin749 I got one. When single- it speeds up pretty sharply (0-100 in 8 sec is not bad) with me on top (100 kg weight). I am told its kinda lacking with two people and luggage and I can believe that. 400-500 km trip ? Not a problem, it rides like a dream. The only thing this beauty does not like are very sharp turns. It's a big girl so she needs some space to turn. Other then that- I have not found any weak spot. Handles like a dream (its my first bike, too). Good luck dude.
I have the opposite experience with my 2009 V-Star Classic. It has unlimited ground clearance, meaning no matter what I do I will never scrape anything. BTW I own 5 bikes and I have 37 years riding experience and much of that was spent café racing on my 1976 Triumph T140V 750cc Bonneville.
I have ridden my V Star thousands of miles, and never have scraped my footboards either. It could be that my American version has a slightly different setup or clearance. Mine is a Classic model too.
I decided on a Cruiser for my first motorcycle. Getting a Kymco Venox. I love the styling on it.Gonna be nice to get off a scooter and onto the open roads!
@keyblade280 Congratulations! I took my motorcycle class on a Kawasaki Eliminator 125 about 90 days before I set out on the streets on my V-Star 650. With all of maybe 18 hours on the 125 in a parking lot, I was able to take this out on the roads with little or no problem. With your experience, you shouldn't have any trouble. It's fast enough for freeways here in the US and I have no problems except with long grades. Of course, that may be due to my weight (about 130 kilos). Best wishes!!!
@chunkyfecalbreakfast that silver pisspot was given by the hire company. They usually give them free but some companies charged less for bike hire but stung you for helmet costs.
Hey P187, Glad you enjoyed it. I just bought a 2009 Suzuki Boulevard C90T. It's a 1500 CC, air & oil cooled, has roughly 90 HP and weighs 338 Kilos. I'm sure you found the turning radius and handling a little different!
@Gothtecdotcom that's a topbox rack. I read reviews from people who have done 4hour trips without any aches, I guess we're all different. 95mph sounds about right for a heavy 40bhp bike.
I am considering one of these for my 1st bike. Thanks for posting this review. Definitely sounds like this bike could use some V+H Cruzers or similar pipes.
They really look like nice bikes, hoping to go and look at one tomorrow.If it was black i would have bought it 2 weeks ago when i passed Cat A test - unfortunately in Northern Ireland you get 1 year on R plates (45 mph on motorway!)
One wonders how the V-Star 650's braking compares with Honda's Shadow 750? Internet reports aren't exactly kind when it comes to reviews of the Shadows braking, hence the curiosity about the V-Star's 650s stopping power. Thanks for the clip.
I fucking love my 1998 v star 650 custom. such a great beginner bike, and im 5'6'' and have no problem at all with my footing. the bike weighs around 350lbs give or take, so its easy to handle. the custom looks better than the classic, imo if you're under the age of 30. mines flat black and its awesome!
@aceairgt3 I just bought a 1996 Suzuki DR200 dual sport bike as my first streetbike and I can't wait to ride it, all that I need is the license. I think it is best to get a dual sport as your first bike because it is tougher than a cruiser or sportbike. You don't have to worry about cracking the fairing or scratching your chrome exhaust pipes. :)
Hey P187, I live in Calgary Aberta Canada, Right at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Steep hills are a way of life here. The good thing is, that my bike has a really smooth cluth and lots of low end torque. It really helps with the hills. The one thing that you need to practice with t his type of bike, is low speed manouvers! LOL Cheers!
@jimbo80982 Yep. 40hp & 37ft/lb torque is about the same as my DRZ400. However being a Vtwin the engine characteristics are very different from a single.
Looking at buying one of these after my ride, a Suzuki S40, was stolen. Came across this. Very few bad reviews. Taking one for a test ride tomorrow then wait impatiently for the insurance to come through.
I'm in the same boat - split between drag star 650 and 1100:-). Looks like a decent bike and suitable enough for my days off rides (Ireland and UK). It's just a little bit too quiet for my liking ;-)
I'm planning to buy my first bike some time this year (at least I hope) and this machine is on top of my "considering" list. Is it good for a first-timer to ride? I know, if a rider is careful and respectful towards the bike and a ride, it doesn't matter if it's a 125ccm Keeway, or 1600ccm Harley. I love HD, so I would like to buy something a bit more "massive", rather than a skinny piece of plastic that I would not like so much in a couple of months (I don't want to struggle with it either)
I have an 09 Silverado. It is a great bike. Ive had it up to 93 riding two up with my wife. It doesn't slam you back in the seat like my gl1800 does but, the ride is great, it turns heads everywhere, gets 50 - 52 mpg, and handles excellently. If Im going around town, through neighbor hoods or just running to the store, I prefer it over my wing. Its has metal fenders. The Suzuki boulevard has plastic fenders. Its cold natured though. My pipes sound better than this too.
I tip the scales at 275 lbs. Can I maintain 70 mph on the 650 V-Star without excessive vibration? I'd like to use local freeways for 10-15 miles for commuting... I ask because this bike is in my price range and enjoys a great reputation.
no vibration/wobble from the tires or front end. Its low geared for torque so it sounds like its wound up real tight. But,its not, great cruiser. Think ill take a spin this morning.
I own a 2000 Yamaha V Star Classic 650 I told my girls had a ride it tell my wife how to ride it great going around town it's not so hot on the freeway you can't compare it to a Harley an Indian it's just not there it's just a bike to ride when you want to ride it's a great bike to have around as a second bike for a friend who wants to ride with you I have no complaints about my bike
could you make some vids on the drz like out of london ? because im thinking of buying one just passed my bike test and have only been driving a gilera runner 125
My CBR600 got stolen and I'm thinking for going for one of these bikes instead. Being on a super bike type bike for almost 2 years do you recon it will be ok going straight to one of these as the riding position is totally different.
I'm looking to get my first bike and am leaning towards getting a v-star 650. people say i should go a 250 ninja but i like the classic look better, im not about speed but want for the enjoyment. any thoughts if i should go the 250 or 500, or would you recommend the 650?
@parrotheadlasvegas i just bough one of these bad boys and awating delivery of it, i part x my 125 dragstar, apart from the obvious (speed power size) is the 650 any harder to ride then my 125 would of been, how do you find riding it as your first big bike, this is also my first big bike do you reckon i will be ok on it, i have been riding for 6 years, 5 of those years on a 125 dragstar, any info or advice would be great thanks mate
Thanks for nice video i am just about to buy one of these as i just love the look of it. Its gonna be my 1st bike so i was bit scared, but you just put my mind to rest. Thx
It's a beautiful bike, and I'm sure, according to many DS owner's thoughts, that DS is real thing for me, because I love motorcycles and slow cruising, even when driving a car. I want to know how it feels when you accelerate 60-120 km/h, single and with 2 persons? Will I feel any lack of power considering that I never rode a chopper motorcycle before, only yamaha xt 600 and a few 125cc's? Is it tiresome if I want to take a 400-500 km trip? 'Cause I'm planning to have one. Thanks for video BTW :)
I had the 125 dragstar to learn on 10 years ago then had sports bikes until a couple of years ago. Looking at getting anXVS 650 to get back on 2 wheels. Oh and dude i know your in Spain but please put a jacket on even just for the vids.
can't get an 800 =(, coz I only have a learners permit to ride i am only allowed to get a bike under 680cc. can take up to 3 yrs to get a full licence so its kinda worth the investment to get a bike I'm willing to keep.
Getting it louder is not a big problem ;) Croatian law forbids me from riding anything over 35kW before I'm 24 years old, so 650 is the only one for me. But I had some conversations with long-experience riders and they don't like it very much. Low starting power, high mileage and uncomfortable at higher speeds are some things they mentioned. (650 version, don't know if that applies for 1100) You should also check Kawasaki VN 900.
This bike wasn't designed to compete on the cruiser market with performance. 40bhp from a 650cc bike that weighs 229kg. My 400cc dirtbike has a faster acceleration and top speed.
Herp Derp I have the VStar 1100 and with stock pipes it sounds identical to the 650. Sounded like I was driving a moped around town, those pipes had to go :)
What the hell is that thing stuck on the back? And the seat does play hell with your hips and lower back over distance... If it tops out at 95 then it is restricted and needs tuning!!! And the Exhausts need drilling out... Handles like a Harley and heavy on the stand.... but hey I love the dragstar, shame thier not making the 650 anymore!!! Well not for the european market anymore...
350lbs? More like 500lbs, give or take (a ninja 250 weighs more than 350lbs). Definitely a nice looking bike though. I wouldn't be embarrassed to ride one around.
@187Premises Mine can do a little better than that, once I got the guys to retune it... Yeah about 4 hours is my limit... and that rack is seriously flawed...
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Bought this bad boy last month (xvs650a 2006) . Absolutely must have
I am in the market for one. How much did you pay for it? how's the experience so far?
I have a 650 V-star and it is fantastic, very comfortable to ride and it is pretty good on accelleration. however it isnt all that fast and it cant take corners real fast as it is a very low bike it is easy to scrape the pegs. as far as sound i put after market Vance and Hines pipes on it and it seriously turns heads. But it depends on style you like, power you want, and the roads you will be on to which will be a better bike for you. hope this helped
@rumin749 I got one. When single- it speeds up pretty sharply (0-100 in 8 sec is not bad) with me on top (100 kg weight). I am told its kinda lacking with two people and luggage and I can believe that. 400-500 km trip ? Not a problem, it rides like a dream. The only thing this beauty does not like are very sharp turns. It's a big girl so she needs some space to turn. Other then that- I have not found any weak spot. Handles like a dream (its my first bike, too). Good luck dude.
I have the opposite experience with my 2009 V-Star Classic. It has unlimited ground clearance, meaning no matter what I do I will never scrape anything. BTW I own 5 bikes and I have 37 years riding experience and much of that was spent café racing on my 1976 Triumph T140V 750cc Bonneville.
I have ridden my V Star thousands of miles, and never have scraped my footboards either. It could be that my American version has a slightly different setup or clearance. Mine is a Classic model too.
I decided on a Cruiser for my first motorcycle. Getting a Kymco Venox. I love the styling on it.Gonna be nice to get off a scooter and onto the open roads!
@keyblade280 Congratulations!
I took my motorcycle class on a Kawasaki Eliminator 125 about 90 days before I set out on the streets on my V-Star 650. With all of maybe 18 hours on the 125 in a parking lot, I was able to take this out on the roads with little or no problem. With your experience, you shouldn't have any trouble. It's fast enough for freeways here in the US and I have no problems except with long grades. Of course, that may be due to my weight (about 130 kilos). Best wishes!!!
@fragmasterkarl Precisely! I originally wanted the more meaty Suzuki 800 Intruder but it wasn't available. Was still very happy with the Yammy.
@chunkyfecalbreakfast that silver pisspot was given by the hire company. They usually give them free but some companies charged less for bike hire but stung you for helmet costs.
I'm so excited I found one that is absolutely perfect for me! I can't wait to pick her up my sweet Rosetta!!!!
Hey P187,
Glad you enjoyed it. I just bought a 2009 Suzuki Boulevard C90T. It's a 1500 CC, air & oil cooled, has roughly 90 HP and weighs 338 Kilos. I'm sure you found the turning radius and handling a little different!
@Gothtecdotcom that's a topbox rack. I read reviews from people who have done 4hour trips without any aches, I guess we're all different. 95mph sounds about right for a heavy 40bhp bike.
I have the 125cc of this. Got it for my first bike, since im 18 I can't get much higher, so nice to ride.
I am considering one of these for my 1st bike. Thanks for posting this review. Definitely sounds like this bike could use some V+H Cruzers or similar pipes.
Cruzers or short shots depending on how want bike to look I'm looking at this for my next bike shirt shots exhaust with kuryaken hypercharger
They really look like nice bikes, hoping to go and look at one tomorrow.If it was black i would have bought it 2 weeks ago when i passed Cat A test - unfortunately in Northern Ireland you get 1 year on R plates (45 mph on motorway!)
I still have the footage lol. I think it was just long forgotten. Will see what I can see.
One wonders how the V-Star 650's braking compares with Honda's Shadow 750? Internet reports aren't exactly kind when it comes to reviews of the Shadows braking, hence the curiosity about the V-Star's 650s stopping power. Thanks for the clip.
I fucking love my 1998 v star 650 custom. such a great beginner bike, and im 5'6'' and have no problem at all with my footing. the bike weighs around 350lbs give or take, so its easy to handle. the custom looks better than the classic, imo if you're under the age of 30. mines flat black and its awesome!
That is a very smart bike.Who needs speed when you look that good :)
@aceairgt3 I just bought a 1996 Suzuki DR200 dual sport bike as my first streetbike and I can't wait to ride it, all that I need is the license. I think it is best to get a dual sport as your first bike because it is tougher than a cruiser or sportbike. You don't have to worry about cracking the fairing or scratching your chrome exhaust pipes. :)
Hey P187, I live in Calgary Aberta Canada, Right at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Steep hills are a way of life here. The good thing is, that my bike has a really smooth cluth and lots of low end torque. It really helps with the hills. The one thing that you need to practice with t his type of bike, is low speed manouvers! LOL Cheers!
Great bikes indeed. Love my 650 classic. Looks just like your dragstar. Maybe they just have different names because of different countries?
you right. it's a really light bike though, i'm looking to upgrade since i've got past the learning curve.
@jimbo80982 Yep. 40hp & 37ft/lb torque is about the same as my DRZ400. However being a Vtwin the engine characteristics are very different from a single.
Great video mate, secret love for the cruisers....
Looking at buying one of these after my ride, a Suzuki S40, was stolen. Came across this. Very few bad reviews. Taking one for a test ride tomorrow then wait impatiently for the insurance to come through.
My dad has the M50 800cc and that shifter thingy is called a heel toe shifter. Nice bike and enjoy the ride.
Thanks for the great notifications.
Great video.. This kinda bike i will want to rent when i next go on holiday.. Perfect for just relaxing and taking it slow
I'm in the same boat - split between drag star 650 and 1100:-). Looks like a decent bike and suitable enough for my days off rides (Ireland and UK). It's just a little bit too quiet for my liking ;-)
01:17 - shit is a killer; I've wiped out on shit at least twice on country roads. You can't even see it 'till it's too late.
1:58
I'm planning to buy my first bike some time this year (at least I hope) and this machine is on top of my "considering" list. Is it good for a first-timer to ride? I know, if a rider is careful and respectful towards the bike and a ride, it doesn't matter if it's a 125ccm Keeway, or 1600ccm Harley. I love HD, so I would like to buy something a bit more "massive", rather than a skinny piece of plastic that I would not like so much in a couple of months (I don't want to struggle with it either)
I have an 09 Silverado. It is a great bike. Ive had it up to 93 riding two up with my wife. It doesn't slam you back in the seat like my gl1800 does but, the ride is great, it turns heads everywhere, gets 50 - 52 mpg, and handles excellently. If Im going around town, through neighbor hoods or just running to the store, I prefer it over my wing. Its has metal fenders. The Suzuki boulevard has plastic fenders. Its cold natured though. My pipes sound better than this too.
I tip the scales at 275 lbs. Can I maintain 70 mph on the 650 V-Star without excessive vibration? I'd like to use local freeways for 10-15 miles for commuting... I ask because this bike is in my price range and enjoys a great reputation.
I way 290.
no vibration/wobble from the tires or front end. Its low geared for torque so it sounds like its wound up real tight. But,its not, great cruiser.
Think ill take a spin this morning.
gaalford Thanks, from one big guy to another..and ride safe!
I own a 2000 Yamaha V Star Classic 650 I told my girls had a ride it tell my wife how to ride it great going around town it's not so hot on the freeway you can't compare it to a Harley an Indian it's just not there it's just a bike to ride when you want to ride it's a great bike to have around as a second bike for a friend who wants to ride with you I have no complaints about my bike
could you make some vids on the drz like out of london ? because im thinking of buying one just passed my bike test and have only been driving a gilera runner 125
thnx a lot man im getting my first bike and i guess its gonna be a DragStar 650.
My CBR600 got stolen and I'm thinking for going for one of these bikes instead. Being on a super bike type bike for almost 2 years do you recon it will be ok going straight to one of these as the riding position is totally different.
Nice review Premises :) Looking forward to the WR125X review cos that's my current bike lol ;)
I'm looking to get my first bike and am leaning towards getting a v-star 650. people say i should go a 250 ninja but i like the classic look better, im not about speed but want for the enjoyment. any thoughts if i should go the 250 or 500, or would you recommend the 650?
@parrotheadlasvegas i just bough one of these bad boys and awating delivery of it, i part x my 125 dragstar, apart from the obvious (speed power size) is the 650 any harder to ride then my 125 would of been, how do you find riding it as your first big bike, this is also my first big bike do you reckon i will be ok on it, i have been riding for 6 years, 5 of those years on a 125 dragstar, any info or advice would be great thanks mate
"Don't knock it 'till you try it". I agree with you :)
Thanks for nice video
i am just about to buy one of these as i just love the look of it. Its gonna be my 1st bike so i was bit scared, but you just put my mind to rest. Thx
It's a beautiful bike, and I'm sure, according to many DS owner's thoughts, that DS is real thing for me, because I love motorcycles and slow cruising, even when driving a car. I want to know how it feels when you accelerate 60-120 km/h, single and with 2 persons? Will I feel any lack of power considering that I never rode a chopper motorcycle before, only yamaha xt 600 and a few 125cc's? Is it tiresome if I want to take a 400-500 km trip? 'Cause I'm planning to have one. Thanks for video BTW :)
Great video! I just got one of these for my first bike and I'm having a blast ;-)
my buddy just bought one of these i was looking at them but i opted for the vz800 marauder
Personally I'd take the GS if I'm riding in cities. It has more power, it's a lot lighter, better with fuel and will maneuver well.
Planning to go on a 5000 km trip soon, do you think this can handle it, @187Premises?
cheers mate thanks for the info.
@oli333 Many thanks bro!
dragstar 650 or suzuki vz 800 marauder?
@vac0002 338kg! Wow I wouldn't want to stop on a steep hill with that mother! Yea the turning and handling is a different ball game.
You should try a Harley Davidson Electra glide or ultra glide (speakers front an rear)
Actually a nice cruiser. handles seem lower than other cruisers, or maybe that's cause you're tall?
hij, is je Yamaha 650cc te koop met alles aan en hoe veel kost die bedankt Bob Philippines
I had the 125 dragstar to learn on 10 years ago then had sports bikes until a couple of years ago. Looking at getting anXVS 650 to get back on 2 wheels. Oh and dude i know your in Spain but please put a jacket on even just for the vids.
Good review man! so when are you moving to spain?
@RKGalery thanks man!
'rollin' over shit' love it
Nice legs behind the DragStar :-D
What year is this bike ? Have they changed over the years?
Nice review mate. Done just as it should be.
You're welcome!
I been looking everywhere but no straight answer how Is the get up and go and what is the top speed
In your own opinion, how do Japanese cruisers such as Yamaha compare to American Harleys??
the hardleys.not a scratch on them.
Yamaha MUCH better
What one?
can't get an 800 =(, coz I only have a learners permit to ride i am only allowed to get a bike under 680cc. can take up to 3 yrs to get a full licence so its kinda worth the investment to get a bike I'm willing to keep.
@transdetendal why change? Just buy a third! :)
Oh Yeah, foot pedals are called floor boards in north America. :) Cheers!
Looks pretty sweet.
I've had lots of these, , being on the short side I can straddle this bike easily move it around, not as fast as an R6 but good safe fun. 🇬🇧
I have 125 Virago and seat is uncomfortable after 50 kilometers.
0-60 around 8 seconds. Top speed 96mph.
@187Premises really? only 40bhp?
Beautiful bike but i couldn't believe it when you said 40hp! my 150cc dirtbike kicks out 40hp! (but it is a 2t)
great review : D
Getting it louder is not a big problem ;)
Croatian law forbids me from riding anything over 35kW before I'm 24 years old, so 650 is the only one for me. But I had some conversations with long-experience riders and they don't like it very much. Low starting power, high mileage and uncomfortable at higher speeds are some things they mentioned. (650 version, don't know if that applies for 1100) You should also check Kawasaki VN 900.
Good review, thanks!
what happend to that other vid
Great video!
How tall are you? I want to know if i am to tall for it, i am 1m 92cm
This bike wasn't designed to compete on the cruiser market with performance. 40bhp from a 650cc bike that weighs 229kg. My 400cc dirtbike has a faster acceleration and top speed.
What's the face mask looks awsome
thanks awesome review btw
Lol very different bikes.
If there are twisty roads and the traffic is bad I'd get something other than a cruiser.
Is this Bike for sale ?
pretty bike
Lol sounds like my blower i use to clean up.
Herp Derp I have the VStar 1100 and with stock pipes it sounds identical to the 650. Sounded like I was driving a moped around town, those pipes had to go :)
noize och-
Nice bike !
the wr 125 one
Front toes! lol.
Zero to 60 in eight seconds just isn't true. Quicker than that unless yours is running wrong
@187Premises sure but... wow i mean a bike like that without a lot of power... just dosent seem right...
@187Premises DOH!! thats where i went wrong! shute!!ha ha ha
It's exactly 449 lbs.
What the hell is that thing stuck on the back?
And the seat does play hell with your hips and lower back over distance...
If it tops out at 95 then it is restricted and needs tuning!!!
And the Exhausts need drilling out...
Handles like a Harley and heavy on the stand.... but hey I love the dragstar, shame thier not making the 650 anymore!!! Well not for the european market anymore...
Ridden plenty of customs, different but nice :)
350lbs? More like 500lbs, give or take (a ninja 250 weighs more than 350lbs). Definitely a nice looking bike though. I wouldn't be embarrassed to ride one around.
I'm 180cm.
@187Premises Mine can do a little better than that, once I got the guys to retune it... Yeah about 4 hours is my limit... and that rack is seriously flawed...
lol my 125 has a v-twin :)
only downside seems to be the sound
+jarno meekes it would be brilliant with pipes. I miss riding this bike
about how much would it cost to put new and better sounding pipes on this bike?
jarno meekes Something like £300. If you want to go cheaper I imagine you can just drill a wider exhaust hole