Yamaha V-Star XVS650A Classic

Brilliant Motorcycle – I bought my XVS 650 V Star Classic Cruiser 10 months ago and I have never been happier with a motorcycle. It has plenty of power to get me around with lots of hill climbing torque. It is happy to cruise around at 60, 65 mph all day. I have toured on this bike with a lot of gear and it just takes it all in its stride with no problems at all. I love riding this motorcycle and I would buy another one of of them. Show details

Can't be faulted – I purchased a 2010 Vstar as my first bike with the idea of it being my apprenticeship into the bigger cruisers, but I could quite easily have kept hold of it for many more years (I didn't however). Sitting towards the top of the Learner market price range it is certainly well worth the extra cash as it does give the feeling you are riding a bigger… Read more

bike. I used this bike as a work commuter (City traffic), a run around to the shops, and a weekend tourer and it excelled in all 3. I was surprised how much get up and go it had and it could certainly keep the pace down the Old Pacific Hwy on a Sunday morning with 100's of other bikes. Reliability was fantastic and it never failed to start or give me the slightest bit of trouble. With no branding on it I have lost count how many times people (non riders) would ask if it was a Harley, I would say the aftermarket Vance and Hines short shorts certainly contributed to this......the sound was fantastic in the lo rev range.

I would recommend it to anyone looking for a laid back classic looking bike or as I mentioned, an intro into the bigger cruiser market. Absolutely faultless.

Second time around – I too am getting on a bit and am 77yo. My second bike ago was the same model and I was persuaded to buy the YamahaMT07 which is an excellent bike but due to health problems with my legs and ankles found it to difficult to ride easily. So taking advantage of the current price reduction, down from $12000 to 95 ride away which produced an acceptable… Read more

change over and I returned to the XVS650 Classic which is also an excellent bike that I had such pleasure on previously. It is so comfortable to ride with its running boards and toe and heel pedals. It has a nice seat and handle bar relationship. very smooth gear shift and good rear brake. The front brake is a bit under done and needs plenty of pressure for rapid deceleration but used with a different balance, more back brake gets the job done without panic.The engine has a fair degree of vibration using a single crank pin but you soon get used to it. My previous XVS had straight through exhaust pipes which I loved and will most likely install on this one once its run in.

To sum up its a great machine and not only suited to LAM's riders but would satisfy anyone looking for a top bike of the cruiser style and the quality of production is second to none with its paintwork and chrome.

There and back again – I bought a 2007 vstar 650 classic with 8857 miles on it about a month ago for $2000. It looked very clean and sharp in the Pearl white, so I gave them an offer, and they took it. Shocked me, but no complaints. This is the 2nd vstar 650 I have owned. I had a 2001 custom I bought new and sold in 2008. Kinda regretted it after, but I'm back now. The… Read more

650 vstar is probably the best bike I have owned, and I've had alot. My other 650 I had made a few 1000 mile or so road trips to the smokies and back, and it never gave me any fits. I expect the same from this one. A 650 is plenty big enough to go anywhere you want. Anyone who says otherwise, needs a reality check. These bikes are VERY low maintenance, cheap to insure, and fun/easy to ride. It is not just a learners bike as I've seen said before. Sure, you can learn on it, but that doesn't mean it's only a learner bike. Technically, you can learn on a R1. would you call that a learners bike? The vstar 650 is an all around great bike. There are plenty of accessories. And they pretty much haven't changed the design since 1998, so plenty of new & used parts, and will be for a long time. Also, you can usually find a good used one for dang cheap. Get a 650 vstar, ride it like it was meant to be ridden, and you won't be disappointed.

Great first bike – I'm 54 just got back into biking after 30 yrs,can't go wrong with the xvs650 reliable,strong,easy to work on and customise and the ride is spot on but needs another gear,great learners bike ànd looks good. Show details

Have owned Many -Great Bike – We have customized over 250 Yamaha XVS650 Classics and Customs. These bikes are the Toyota Corolla of the bike world. They are pretty much indestructible. Parts are easy to find and are cheap. There are also more and more custom parts and features becoming available for this model. Could do with an extra gear on the highway. But definately the best LAMS approved bike.  Show details

mixed feelings – riding this bike was a experience and fantastic to learn on however mine went through 3 clutches in 6 month period buying a brand new classic from the dealer which broke my heart I can fairly say I would be still riding that bike today as it's certainly a bike you feel badass on for a learner  Show details

Terrible – Every device or machine has its failures but you need a company who will back you up when things go wrong; Yamaha Dont. Beautiful looking bike, mine is the two tone silver and does handle great. I was originally looking at black Honda shadows but this bike blew me away in appearance, unfortunately sitting there and looking good is not enough. My… Read more

machine has a massive vibration that virtually rattles the bike to submission, it is a disaster to ride and is only capable of a few km's around town, it is a real teeth rattler. It only has 600km's on the clock. The problem is my local dealer and Yamaha dont want to acknowledge the problem and have repeatively told me the vibe is normal, if it is, its by far the biggest heap of junk ive ever ridden and ive ridden a few (i had a 30year old suzuki that was smoother)it has an obvious bearing issue (you can hear it let alone feel it!) squeeking brakes and a dodgy clutch but apparently its all normal! sorry but take heed, Stay away. I have no doubt that most of these bikes are ok but when one go's wrong they dont want to know, its not worh the risk.

Bad – Having the opportunity to take one for an extended test ride I found: The bike vibrated from foot boards all the way through to the handle bars at all speeds in all gears, and specially near the limit of each gear. During a slow speed U-turn, I could not turn the handle bars all the way because they were hitting my knees. Accelerating was pitiful.… Read more

So pitiful that I would NOT want to try any overtaking maneuver on this bike. Whether I dropped down a gear or not, when up near 100kph - 85, 90, etc. - the bike went to WOT (wide open throttle) quickly and yet the bike's speed failed to respond. It took way to long to get up to 120kph. So any overtaking of a car doing 90 in a 100 zone, would take too long. A small model car would have more Oomph at this speed. I don't know where the power from the 650cc engine is going, but it ain't the rear wheel.

If all you want to do is ride it around town and you truly don't want to go above 100 - even doing 110 is pushing this thing - and you don't mind constant vibration no matter the speed, then this bike could suit you. Even if you're a learner. Otherwise, look elsewhere. BTW, I am 6'2" and found myself too constricted on the bike and constantly trying to adjust my position on the seat. But I did like the way it handled the faster bends - slower twisties might be an issue, but faster paced bends are fine and quite enjoyable on the bike. Easy cornering in bends No power, excessive vibration, congested riding position, handle bars interfere with legs in slow speed turning.

650 – got mine about 2 mths ago loving it..made a nice tank bib and sides for it..love it ride it ..great bike for learners nice ride, can anyone tell the difference in a 2009 classic vstar 650 to a 2017 classic star 650? have they changed much becouse they all look the same to me..  Show details

Great bike - not just for ladies or learners – Bought this as a near new second hand to replace the 250 Virago. The 650 is used as a daily driver to travel to work and back. Also used on weekend rides. Excellent low centre of gravity and very stable in cross winds Surprisingly good fuel economy Comfy saddle - the whole bike is no frills, but oozes class. I really really wish it had a sixth gear; the bike wants to keep pulling away in fifth but just starts getting too revvy.  Show details

Perfect for what it is – As far as value for money goes, the XVS650A is awesome. Bike looks good and has a high quality finish. Comfortable ride with a relaxed riding position. Over time you may yearn for a bit more power - it is a LAMS bike after all, but is still more than adequate.  Show details

Just Picked Up My New Toy – I am a returning user to the motorcycle world after a 27 year absence, I just picket up my 2009 Yamaha V-Star XVS650 Classic, under 700 verified miles on the clock, condition is 99.99% perfect ( small scuff on front fender). The bike is stock and I have got my shopping list ordered and waiting for the postman or woman to drop of my goodies. … Read more

Even stock it is getting some admiring looks. It looks much bigger than a 650 and handles like a kitten. Very happy to be back in the saddle.

If you are going to M1, don't buy it – Bought a 2014 and I was extremely happy while using it on the Gold Coast at 80Kph max to do the home-work commute. As soon as I moved to Byron and started riding it much more on the M1 than in town the frustration started to happen. At 100Kph the rev was already high and then at 110kph I would say that it was screaming. Also, my hands would get… Read more

numb after 15 minutes riding at that condition. Apart from that the bike was very stable and comfy to hide. Perfect bike for learners. Seating position was very relaxed, easy to do the corners and lots of power in low torque. Fuel economy was around 20Km/l. Anyway, I am happier with my scooter Aprilia Scarabeo 200ie for the M1 ride...believe or not.

Great Learners Bike – 2013 VStar 650 I got this as my 1st ever bike, and can quite frankly say im glad i got the larger 650 over a 250, the bigger size makes you feel more confident and comfortable on the road, the larger engine gives enough power to keep up with others (sits nicely on 120kph in 5th gear, can go to 140 any more i would say is pushing the engine to… Read more

much).

Have a Vance & Hines Custom pipe on it, sounds like a dream rev'ing at low rpm's, (my mate even has trouble hearing his own bike over mine). Converted it into a bobber recently and oh my is it gorgeous, a serious head turner to others, those who dont know the bike closely will think your on a Harley. The only downsides to the bike would be it not having a gear indicator and fuel gage which Yamaha could have added easily, just have to use the odometer which will give you around 220km per tank, and a remberance of what gear you in. Other than that a great bike to get

Great bike and cheap on parts – I bought this bike 2 years ago in a decent state and now I've converted it to a bobber. It was cheap to do and easy to install new parts. There are a lot of options out there for making your bike different to others and get the heads turning. Couldn't be happier.  Show details

Absolutely love it! – I bought this bike after my husband passed away as a bit of therapy. It has outperformed anything I've owned before, runs on the smell of an oily rag, and is very low maintenance as well as being the most comfortable bike I've owned. This bike has been a gem, although a little on the heavy side - note to self don't park it on a boggy lawn because the side stand sinks in and you have to try to lift up a beast while you're slipping around! lol  Show details

older riders – I have just bought my first bike a Yamaha xvs 650 perfect for a learner I love it I am 71 yrs old you are never too old.Ted. looking forward to getting on a Harley.dont know why I waited so long to ride I live in a retirement village and they think I am crazy.

Yamaha V Star 650 Classic – Bought this bike about 2 months ago. I haven't ridden for over 10 years, and was a little sceptical of the weight. Now close to 2000 km, and its been a dream. Great for a LAMS approved cruiser. Stock, its a quiet bike, plenty of low down toque gets you up and going quickly, though does run of out legs higher up, Will still easily cruise along at… Read more

100 and above, with plenty of go in it to overtake. Classic style with enough chrome and looks to turn heads. Recently put after market Vance and Hines Cruzers exhaust to add more depth and volume to the sound. Be advised, the Vance and Hines pipes exceed the legal sound limits, but not obnoxiously so. Lets other drivers know your there ! Bike has preformed flawlessly and is very forgiving for a newer rider. Comfortable riding position and easy to manoeuvre around. Very happy and will see this lasting me for many years to come.

Yamaha V Star 650 classic – I bought mine in early 2015. Its been fantastic. I replaced the pipes with V & H pipes to give it a better note and put a top of the range windshield on it. Its faultless and is the only bike in Australia to have a 5 year factory warranty. The seat is fine on 200 km trips. The bike length of 2.45 meters gives the impression it is a lot larger… Read more ·  2

capacity. The 650 engine with a hyper-charger gets up and goes but its not going to do 200 km per/h and why would you want it too being a cruiser..The ride is gentle and smooth. Its a very stable and balanced bike. I had only planned to keep it for a couple of years but I have fallen in love with it. I wont be changing it anytime soon. I just invested in saddle bags as well. By the way I am a big boy. 183 cm in height and 142 Kilos in weight and the bike is not phased by my weight. It has the most torque in this class

Very Happy – I bought this bike a 2007 with 2700 miles on it, I have ridden this bike on an 80 mile long trip with the wife on the back on 70 mph highways and Ozark hills. The bike handles like a much bigger bike and It looks awesome, I couldn't be happier.

what a load of crap – mine is a 2014 model,only vibrated for about 50 ks during the ride home after purchase & not much at that,does not need a fuel gage,fill up at about 250ks still not on reserve,like better sound, drill some holes in muffler or change pipes,only 1 gripe and that is keeping it clean but worth the effort.I am 68 YO some say that is to old to ride but they are tin top drivers so they dont count. stay upright

Good value, reliable, never had an issue – I bought this in May 2010 new and couldn't be happier. Originally I wanted a cruiser for long trips- wollongong to Sydney three times a week but found its just as good as a daily commuter (and a definite head turner with well polished chrome and the midnight blue paint). It's been up and down the east coast half a dozen times, just about to hit 50,000kms and it still runs as well as the day I bought it. Highly recommended!

Good bike, Good Ride – Bought a 2013 650 Classic from new, liked the style of bike from the start and always wanted a cruiser. Did ride bikes a long time and said when the kids leave home I would get another bike. Like a lot of people. I have put 5000 kms on the bike now without a problem at all. The bike feels like its just starting to loosen up, getting more… Read more

responsive when you turn the throttle.

I did change the seat on the bike, just me. A little bit old school and like sitting in the bike and not feeling like your sitting on top of the bike. I'm 182cm and not so young.

Man what a difference it made, the bike was good before but its excellent now. Can throw the bike around and took the bike ride to another level.

Fuel, I do around 300 kms before I look to fuel up and have not gone anywhere near the reserve.

In town, the bike handles well and out on the road can sit comfortable at 100-110 kph. Do agree with most post, top gear could be a little higher or maybe a 6th gear to just pull those revs back a bit.

Originally I was just going to keep this bike for a couple of years and then get a bigger bike. However this bike really dose all I need and I've decided this bike will do what I want.

I have a couple of long trips planed and I'm sure this bike will do the job with ease.

Probably will change the exhaust tho just to give it a note at the next service.

great and stylish machine – I bought this Yamaha xvs 650cc classic motor cycle about a week ago and I had an after market exhaust system installed on it and now its just like riding a Harley sounds exactly like it and performs just as well. Its candy apple red metallic and is in great condition it is so comfortable to ride unlike a lot of other bikes. Has more than enough horse power to get you where you want to go.  Show 3 replies

Sit back and enjoy the ride – If you are looking for your first bike (LAMS) or something to go for a rewarding day cruises on, then the VSTAR 650 is your baby. With a very low centre of gravity, plenty of torque to get and keep you moving and a great riding position, you'll find the VSTAR 650 is an easy and enjoyable bike to ride. At just 165cm, I can put both feet flat on the… Read more ·  2

ground or balance bike with just the left foot down when stopped at lights.

The VSTAR 650 has lots of chrome and classic cruiser styling that will turns heads while you are on the road or in the car park - when I park somewhere, it's not uncommon for people to give it a good look over! Throw on some short stack pipes to improve the sound and you have heaps of street cred.

Around town it's a delight to ride - it's light and very easy to manoeuvre. (see my comments below) OK, it's not a street racer but a small twist of the wrist will see you pull away from the lights with plenty of pace.

Out on the highway you can sit on 100 kph easy, although you do get the sense a 6th gear would come in handy as those v-twins are doing some serious revving. Despite that, you'll still plenty in reserve to do a fast overtake.

Fuel economy is pretty good - I've been getting under 4.7l/100k (50 mpg+). At around 230 kms it's time for a refill but there's still 3 litres in reserve tank.

In short; you get big bang for your bucks! Easy to ride, great styling, Yamaha reliability, excellent resale value and all without the jacked up prices of some well known cruisers (most people can't tell the difference between them anyway).

Myth buster time;

It's a cruiser with a longer than normal wheelbase so manoeuvring and u-turning can be a problem. Wrong. With a bit of practice and developing some skills anyone, big or small, can easily do a u-turn (or full circle) in under 6 mtrs (24') diameter on the VSTAR 650 (or any bike for that matter) - that's easily within a narrow two car side street. Heck, i've never ridden before and i can do it - just took a few practice sessions to hone some slow speed manoeuvring techniques. Styling, reliability, low centre of gravity, excellent resale value Needs a sixth gear for highways??

Great bike – I found the bike a little hard to handle at first. This is my first bike at age 50, I wished to join my church's motorcycle ministry. I find it a great bike though have nothing to compare it too. It handles well and I do tend to take corners a little slow. There is a nice refined pulse through the frame. Had it up to 140klms/hr overtaking a… Read more ·  3

semi following another rider on a Nija 300.

I purchased the Yamaha small windshield for the bike and would recommend this for highway travelling. I am less intimidated at travelling at high speed with the windshield. The lack of pressure on the chest is good. My only gripe is the range. 220 klms before switching to reserve. I was hoping for more. I told myself I would not modify it though I am going too with a set of Vance and Hines pipes. Saw and heard a set on another 650 V Star.

When I pull up at a country service staions, people comment favourably on it.

I did have reservations about a manual choke as I was after a fuel injected bike, though the choke setup works fine. No issues at all.

May 5th 2018 Update: Great bike but?

This is an update after owning this bike for about five years. It is a great cruiser for 95$ of occasions. Though does run out of steam on steep inclines when overtaking traffic. I cannot afford to upgrade at the moment. I now have 25,000 klms on the clock and with an Airhawk 2 she is a comfortable ride. My next step up will be the 1300 XVS with hard panniers and all the blitz and zing. I did a test ride today and clocked up 320 kilometres on one tank. Refilled at the bowser and put in 15.77 litres. So I would say that is about its maximum. This was all riding in the speed limits here in Oz. When chasing my Harley mates I find fuel economy drops from 20 kilometres per litre down to 16 kilometres per litre. So it pays to obey the speed limit. I am hoping the 1300 will have the extra power I require for overtaking bubble cars up long steep inclines. You must have a windshield and cruise control would be a nice option one day. This is my first bike ever and satisfies me 95 to 99% of the time. Though there are those odd occasions where more ponies are needed. I have not regretted one step in purchasing this bike second hand. A 2009 XVS Classic. Comfortable and feet touch the ground flat. I am 5'9" Range. Wish it could go further before switching to reserve.

XVS CLASSIC 650 – I have 2011 model red in color, I am 56 yrs old just come back into bikes was looking at bigger bike but said no. I am am happy with my choice, it has 3000 km on the clock now only ride it on weekend if weather is good. I changed the air filter to a k &m big difference in power and response. Next step have ordered vance & hines crusers not the… Read more ·  11

short shots to load attract attention dont need that. I am also looking for a wind shield but having trouble finding the right one.

Perfect – For a man who rode a lot as a kid, and always wanted a road bike, the 2013 Yamaha XVS650 classic is to me, just about as good as it gets. @ Upon purchase I added a set of Vance & Hines Cruzer pipes to make it sound more Harley and less sewing machine, and it has just been a joy. Plenty of highway power (as long as you remember it is after… Read more ·  1

all...a Cruiser). Awesome balance, fantastic looks, and as far as value goes, I've had comments that if it was badged "HARLEY", it would be worth twice the price.

If you're after a mid sized cruiser, and not wanting to mortgage the house, do yourself a favour and check this bike out! You wont be disappointed! Looks, ease of ride, ride height,road presence Perhaps a 6th gear.

Grat bike and price! – I had been looking for something for not too much and used bikes were what I was coming up with. Then I found the new V Star 650 at a local dealer and couldn't believe the looks and price. I bought the 2009 Classic in 2010 and got a fantastic deal at $4500. After purchase the first thing I did was order a windshield. I got the Star brand… Read more

windshield from the dealer and installed myself. Next I bought some Willie & Max saddle bags, they are the same size as the Yamaha bags that come on the Silverado model of the 650, but at half the price. I like the hard mount style bags, just look better than the small throw over cheap ones I see a lot. I also got a Cobra brand engine gaurd and installed that, makes the bike look wider and adds some chrome to it as well. As far as looks I couldn't be happier. Most have no idea it's just a 650. But, with a 650cc engine you are going to notice it's not too quick and things like highway riding start to get old sooner than later.

I've put about 14000 miles on my bike in just under 3 years and love it but I can certainly understand why people trade up for a larger cc bike after a while. It's absolutely fantastic for around town, backroads and shorter trips on the highway but extended periods at speeds of 65mph or more it starts to wear on me. Also, I'm 6'3" and about 220lbs and honestly the bike really isn't set up for taller riders. I get back aches after about 60 miles or so and usually need a break. I have to stretch my legs too. I've been told numerous times that I look too big for my bike but it's a full size bike so what am I going to do? But back to the highway riding. It'll go 70mph or more for as long as you can take it but for me it burns me out. I feel like the bike is revving and I really have to concentrate on staying in the throttle.

Not to mention the faster you go the worse the wind gets but that's on any bike. Plus once you get it to 70mph+ it will still excelerate but slowly, you're not going to shoot past anyone to pass if you need to hurry. I've heard a lot of people complain about its 5th gear and it needs a 6th which I agree with but it is a 650 so that's not a huge surprise. Since it's a shaft drive I'm not sure there is any solution to drop the RPM's any while riding at higher speeds, it is what it is.

I didn't buy the bike to make long trips but after owning a bike for a few years I can see the appeal of taking it on a road trip. Only problem is, this probably isn't the bike to do that, at least not for me. If I were to just ride mostly back roads and only use the highway now and then it would travel well enough. But the other problem for me is the comfort. I think a bike with a higher seat height would suit me better being taller.

Maintanence on the bike is simple enough. Oil and filter changes can be done at home with no real skill involved, the gear oil and air filter are very easy too. Did the spark plugs at 12000 miles as well, easy peasy. Had to get a new rear tire put on at about 10000 miles, ran me about $250 which I wasn't prepared for but now I know what to expect for next time. Overall it's been a great bike for the money I paid for it. It serves it's purpose as it's just for fun and a way to enjoy myself when I feel like getting out. If I ever get more serious about travleing on a bike I'm certain I'll look to upgrade to a larger cc bike. But like I said, it'll pound the highway all day long and 70+ if you're up to it. So, it's something you could travel with. I give the looks and price an A+, comfort (for me at 6'3") I give a C. Highway use for extended periods I give it another C, of course these are just my experiences and opinions. Ride safe Inexpensive for what you get Needs a wider gear ratio for highway use

Vstar 2013 650 classic – After not ridding for two years and wandering to my local Yamaha dealer I was very surprised to see this years bike. I bought my bike that week and hadnt test rode one.best buy I've made in years very happy with the ride comfort and looks. Turns heads at traffic lights. Ridding position, the look ,handling is superb Does need fuel indicator only fault Show reply

Cruising in style – Bought the 2013 vstar 650 classic and it is amazing. Got the looks, power and style. Added new exhausts for sound and carbs to boost power. What a bike. Harley looks at a fraction of the harley price. Best bike ever. Handling is like a more expensive bike, all black and chrome shows real appeal. Gets the looks everywhere you go. Sweet looking bike. Looks, power, quality, ride, handling, price  Show reply