I've had a 2008, fully dressed, chrome to the max, Canadian Special since it came out. It was my first bike. Took my test on it it and passed with flying colours. This is a great bike. I can go up steep hills in top gear with my wife , bags and rear luggage rack full. The only down side is it gets buzzy at 60 mph and above, needs a 6th gear. This is the best first bike to buy.
Vstar bikes have a square throw piston, not long throw like a HD you were lugging the hell out of that bike. The rev limiter kicks in over 30mph in 1st, 45 in 2nd - you were riding at 30mph in 5th gear sometimes This bike is quick IF YOU LET IT REV. Its not suppose to sound like a Harley, because its not a Harley.
Just got myself a Road Star Silverado for my first cruiser. Haven't ridden in 8 year's. Feels nice. I almost forgot how fun and Relaxing riding can be.
I have a Superlight 200cc, A buddy of mine is selling a 2003 V star for the equivalent of $2,500 USD in Mexican pesos, it seems like the natural upgrade, after this video I believe I am pulling the trigger on it... thanks!
I'm in love with this bike. She low maintenance and still carries a touch of classic glamour. I want one so bad but I'm also in love with my Virago and I'm not a bigamist. The hens in my house would never allow me to have two bikes anyway. "Peck Peck".
I absolutely love my 2002 v star classic, light weight bike. Good on the highway too. I have a windshield ans a driver's back rest. I ride my bike Year round. I also have Vance and Hines pipes. Nevertheless i know i will die riding my bike, but what a way to go. REMEMBER THIS, YOU ARE INVISIBLE TO OTHERS !
Not invisible to the chicks:) ... Hey, you are so right, what a great bike. I put a bunch of chrome on my '02,' and Cobra Pipes.....Paid 2k for the bike with 11,000 miles on it, has a custon paint job with no brand. For 2 years now I have not put a nickel of repairs into the thing. Everyday somebody asks "what year is that Harley" or "Is that an old Indian?" Had one old due at Jewel parking lot the other day say to me "That a Yamaha?" Yeah, I said. I told him that many people mistake it for a Harley. He said "well, you know how you can tell it's not a Harley?" How. "If it was a Harley," he said, "it would be in the shop."
I had a mid 80's virago 700 with drag pipes back in 87-88. I love the quality of the Yamaha, and I would have loved to get one of these. I got a DL650 Vstrom instead. More comfortable and versatile as well. Still it would make a great cruiser IMO.
Love it. And you found one of my reasons I dislike chrome with a passion. I’m very interested in the Vulcan 900 but it’s been while since I’ve been on two wheels. I think this is the better choice for my return…
Great review. I love this bike. I shifted to a 2015 custom model after riding a 2009 Vulcan 500 Ltd. for a few years, and instantly loved everything about the Yamaha. What is first gear lock out? I haven't heard that term before.
Even though it's two years after your comment.... I thought the same thing.... I have no idea what a first gear lockout is and I have been riding bikes since 1971.
I been riding 21 yrs and just went bk to one I put 97000k miles on my 07 I sold few years bk all I did was run yamalube 20 50 and ran it 75 mph at the highest speed. good bikes
without question the bike lost power when switching to this exhaust. Granted i DID NOT take it and have it tuned. But this mod was purely in the pursuit of that true dual Vtwin exhaust note
there is no all the way down, or all the way up on the shift lever, it only shifts one gear at a time, the level does not move further down or up - its always in the same place you MUST shift while the bike is still rolling - once you stop and you try to shift you are hitting the gears teeth on teeth
@@kenwittlief255 ... What you say is true in a literal sense. But certainly you understand what people mean when the say they have it "all the way down in low gear," right? Does it mean it is actually dropped down? Fallen off the frame and in laying on the asphalt? Come on.
Some bikes won't let you downshift to first gear without stopping first. It's to prevent over-reving. That's what he's talking about when he says "lockout". Personally I've never ridden a bike like that.
These are GREAT bikes for new riders, very forgiving, great looks, plus they have can be kept around even after you’ve worked all the new rider bugs out. Lots of 650’s on the road and they aren’t all new riders!
Mine pops a gurgles on decell .I have an 01 650 vstar with 37,000 miles.I don't know if it matters much but I have cobra after market pipes and bobbed out.reduced overall weight by 100 lbs.
I forgot when I'm in first gear I'm just in it?? What else would you be in? And you 'believed' it was a 650? You mean you didn't know? How can you test ride a bike without even knowing what cc it is? And isn't there a clue in the name, V Star 650 Classic? Wow!
@@coopersilberling6883 I'm 5' 6" tall 130 lbs....Just wondering if you find the bike hard to handle. I'm a new rider, looking to get my first bike. Do you think a man my size could handle it or should I get something smaller, like a Honda Shadow 600 or Honda Rebel 250? I'm wanting to get something I can grow into...Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
it is heavy so if you are smaller then get something lighter than you can handle when someone pulls out in front of you. etc. I have been riding for 30+ years and I still enjoy a 250cc for anything under 60mph. My favorite bike of all time ( I have had 7 ) was a 2009 Kawi Vulcan 500 LTD. Fast but light enough to throw around if needed. I was given the V Star 650 I have now but would trade for something lighter in a heart beat. it isn't very fast but it looks good if looks are more important to you. I really liked my 80's 700cc Honda Shadow as well. My 2008 250cc Nighthawk was the funnest to drive fast, because it wasn't very fast. I could cruise at 65 mph and I am 300 pounds, but it topped out at only 70.
a LOT of bad advice from batsonelec C vstar 650 is an excellent all around cruiser bike, esp for riding solo it was THE most reliable MC on the market when it was in production (CR magazine) It is not a long throw engine like a HD, It has a shorter throw and therefore its powerband is at higher RPMs. It will go 100mph before the rev limiter kicks in - that should be fast enough for anyone in the US It also has a unique characteristic, on level pavement it will putter along thru town at 25mph in 5th gear without balking, and wind up from there to 100mph just by cracking the throttle open. funny that a guy who is 300 lbs would call the VS650 a heavy slow bike If you know how to ride you dont need to get a "light bike" with a small engine. Motorcycles are self balancing once you get the wheels turning. Take the MSF beginners course, learn how to ride right, and get your license in just 3 days.
I’m 6.7” mostly legs😂 about 185lbs. Will I have issues if I get this bike? Haven’t ride in 10 years but wanna get back into it. Found a good deal on a v star 650 touring but haven’t gone on a test sit yet.
I'm 6'2..was very uncomfortable for me to ride on due to where the floor boards were located. Found some 6" Forward extensions on ebay for under $100. What a difference! :-) You will have to take off the crash bar if you go this route. 👍
I like Virago's look very much, but let's face it: Viragos most probably have been created for short guys ("only for Japanase", or what?). Sitting on the Virago feels kind like sitting on some electric city scooter. It's just a little bit too small! "Star" line, fortunately, is different...
popping on decel caused by a lean condition could make your bike head temp a couple hundred degrees hotter than one that isn't lean ive seen as much as 300 degrees hotter than normal due to lean condition ., fyi
@@SiegfriedsMotorwerx I once had the misfortune of owning a 883 Sportster. It was a ton faster than the 650 V Star but still wasn't very fast. Harleys are slow fat loud obnoxious status symbols. There are 2 brands I would never buy, Harleys and OCC. Everyone I know who has owned a Harley had problems. ( pre 2000 year bikes ) So, they don't impress me at all. The V star 650 isn't all that great either but at least it is cheap and reliable even if slow and heavy.
a naked stock Vstar 650 will go 103mph then the rev limiter kicks it is that not fast enough for you to cruise around? if the rev limiter did not kick in, it would go faster but Mr piston would start kissing Mrs Intake Valve
@@kenwittlief255 as i said, it is adequate. top speed is only half of it, speed to 60 is also important. the v-star 650 is a slower bike. perfectly ridable mind you, but not fast at all. i have ridden a 1999 model alot. i have owned many bikes from 80cc to a sportster 883. my vulcan 500 was wayyyyyyy faster as my dad and i sorta raced and i stomped him. i helped him find the 99 v-star 650. it really needed a 6th gear. i rode a 250cc honda nighthawk for years, top speed 70mph. it was perfectly fine in 65mph or less areas. it was also not very fast, but was adequate. i was 300 lbs then.
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I've had a 2008, fully dressed, chrome to the max, Canadian Special since it came out. It was my first bike. Took my test on it it and passed with flying colours. This is a great bike. I can go up steep hills in top gear with my wife , bags and rear luggage rack full. The only down side is it gets buzzy at 60 mph and above, needs a 6th gear. This is the best first bike to buy.
that 08 sounds like a really classy looking bike
What MPG did you got in/out city and what is the actual top speed. Also is the 2008 model fuel injected?
I have a 99, my fourth (or so) motorcycle, and I can attest that it's a great bike in general, whether it's your first or your fourth!
You can adjust the clutch to catch sooner. It takes like 10 seconds. Not hard. I had the same issue. I adjusted that and it works great now.
How do without floppy lever?
Vstar bikes have a square throw piston, not long throw like a HD
you were lugging the hell out of that bike. The rev limiter kicks in over 30mph in 1st, 45 in 2nd - you were riding at 30mph in 5th gear sometimes
This bike is quick IF YOU LET IT REV.
Its not suppose to sound like a Harley, because its not a Harley.
Just got myself a Road Star Silverado for my first cruiser. Haven't ridden in 8 year's. Feels nice. I almost forgot how fun and Relaxing riding can be.
Like a little mini vacation every time you turn the key!
Got mine 650 xvs 2004 two weeks ago , love it ! Last bike i had was 35 years ago 😎
Awesome! Enjoy that new to you v star!
Just bought a 2005 1100 a month ago, hadn't riden in 30 years
Got mine yesterday haven’t ridden in twenty years and it’s awesome
I have a Superlight 200cc, A buddy of mine is selling a 2003 V star for the equivalent of $2,500 USD in Mexican pesos, it seems like the natural upgrade, after this video I believe I am pulling the trigger on it... thanks!
What the heck is 1st gear lock out?
I was wondering the same thing I've never heard that.
I'm in love with this bike. She low maintenance and still carries a touch of classic glamour. I want one so bad but I'm also in love with my Virago and I'm not a bigamist. The hens in my house would never allow me to have two bikes anyway. "Peck Peck".
LOL!!
Just got one myself this week for my second bike I'm in love
how is the Vstar holding up?
I absolutely love my 2002 v star classic, light weight bike. Good on the highway too. I have a windshield ans a driver's back rest. I ride my bike Year round. I also have Vance and Hines pipes. Nevertheless i know i will die riding my bike, but what a way to go. REMEMBER THIS, YOU ARE INVISIBLE TO OTHERS !
Not invisible to the chicks:) ... Hey, you are so right, what a great bike. I put a bunch of chrome on my '02,' and Cobra Pipes.....Paid 2k for the bike with 11,000 miles on it, has a custon paint job with no brand. For 2 years now I have not put a nickel of repairs into the thing. Everyday somebody asks "what year is that Harley" or "Is that an old Indian?"
Had one old due at Jewel parking lot the other day say to me "That a Yamaha?" Yeah, I said. I told him that many people mistake it for a Harley. He said "well, you know how you can tell it's not a Harley?" How. "If it was a Harley," he said, "it would be in the shop."
I had a mid 80's virago 700 with drag pipes back in 87-88. I love the quality of the Yamaha, and I would have loved to get one of these. I got a DL650 Vstrom instead. More comfortable and versatile as well. Still it would make a great cruiser IMO.
I have a VStrom with the bars up and back and the pegs lower and forward. It’s like a sporty cruiser I reckon… kinda.
Hey mate. Great video. Got my heart set on this very bike for my first one. Thanks again 👍👍
Thanks so much! Glad we could help, defiantly a great choice for a first one!
Good bike, but I like it with stock exhaust pipes. I don't like it loud at all!
Love it. And you found one of my reasons I dislike chrome with a passion. I’m very interested in the Vulcan 900 but it’s been while since I’ve been on two wheels. I think this is the better choice for my return…
Great review. I love this bike. I shifted to a 2015 custom model after riding a 2009 Vulcan 500 Ltd. for a few years, and instantly loved everything about the Yamaha. What is first gear lock out? I haven't heard that term before.
Even though it's two years after your comment.... I thought the same thing.... I have no idea what a first gear lockout is and I have been riding bikes since 1971.
its like meditating watching riding
I been riding 21 yrs and just went bk to one I put 97000k miles on my 07 I sold few years bk all I did was run yamalube 20 50 and ran it 75 mph at the highest speed. good bikes
Nice!
I ride a Vstar 650 and I don't get the issue with 1st gear. When the shift bar is all the way down .... it's 1st gear.
without question the bike lost power when switching to this exhaust. Granted i DID NOT take it and have it tuned. But this mod was purely in the pursuit of that true dual Vtwin exhaust note
there is no all the way down, or all the way up on the shift lever,
it only shifts one gear at a time, the level does not move further down or up - its always in the same place
you MUST shift while the bike is still rolling - once you stop and you try to shift you are hitting the gears teeth on teeth
@@kenwittlief255 ... What you say is true in a literal sense. But certainly you understand what people mean when the say they have it "all the way down in low gear," right? Does it mean it is actually dropped down? Fallen off the frame and in laying on the asphalt? Come on.
Some bikes won't let you downshift to first gear without stopping first. It's to prevent over-reving. That's what he's talking about when he says "lockout". Personally I've never ridden a bike like that.
@@markhorton9570 Thanks for that, I had no idea what he was referring to!
excellent review, I was looking to buying one as my second bike, this is a huge help, thanks
Glad we could help!
Nice job making this video. I enjoyed it. I'm thinking to get one of these as my first bike.
These are GREAT bikes for new riders, very forgiving, great looks, plus they have can be kept around even after you’ve worked all the new rider bugs out. Lots of 650’s on the road and they aren’t all new riders!
Im sixty years old and i have a 650 classic, it's highway capable, light weight. Its notl a Ninja, itls a cruiser. You'll Love it.
I have a 2001 650. These are solid built bikes. Just wondering if another gear would have been okay.
Mine pops a gurgles on decell .I have an 01 650 vstar with 37,000 miles.I don't know if it matters much but I have cobra after market pipes and bobbed out.reduced overall weight by 100 lbs.
It’s the AIS system. Delete it to stop the backfiring. What on earth did you all remove to take 100 pound off??
@@chancepodrasky458 passenger seat and passenger
I forgot when I'm in first gear I'm just in it?? What else would you be in? And you 'believed' it was a 650? You mean you didn't know? How can you test ride a bike without even knowing what cc it is? And isn't there a clue in the name, V Star 650 Classic? Wow!
My 2000 v star stops after in first maybe something is up with yours.
Can you put more panning to the left ear? I still hear some faint static in my right speaker.
Excellent bike. Just bought one that is 2 tone maroon and sliver with bags and windshield. LOVE it !!
They are great bikes for sure, they last forever and look great doing it
@@SiegfriedsMotorwerx ,,,, I'll likely keep the 650 forever as the ultimate fall back bike in reserve or main rider even.
That’s a great game plan, they also make a killer canvas for a little custom project, I’ve seen a pile of 650’s turned into bad*ss machines
Anti NWO I just bought one today as my first bike, I’m 5 8 125lb feels kinda big but still controllable, has 15k miles so hopefully it last long
@@coopersilberling6883 I'm 5' 6" tall 130 lbs....Just wondering if you find the bike hard to handle. I'm a new rider, looking to get my first bike. Do you think a man my size could handle it or should I get something smaller, like a Honda Shadow 600 or Honda Rebel 250? I'm wanting to get something I can grow into...Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
I don’t understand the complaints about a loud bike. People don’t LOOK for us. That’s why we HAVE to be loud so they know we’re there.
You can still push down on my shifter after your in first gear on my Suzuki you can't but the v star you can mine a 2002
What model is your Suzuki?
looks like a solid bike that wouldn't be too difficult to do your own maintenance...
No they are generally nice to work on
What is the mpg in/out of the city and is it fuel injected, the one from 2008?
Can the clutch be adjusted so the friction zone will engage quicker
One thing I hated is tf you ran a marathon before making a video
Would you say a V-star 650 a good starter bike? Never been or sat on a motorcycle
That’s a double edge sword
At the end of the day ANY bike is a good starter bike
But the v star 650 is generally a good bike to start on
it is heavy so if you are smaller then get something lighter than you can handle when someone pulls out in front of you. etc. I have been riding for 30+ years and I still enjoy a 250cc for anything under 60mph. My favorite bike of all time ( I have had 7 ) was a 2009 Kawi Vulcan 500 LTD. Fast but light enough to throw around if needed. I was given the V Star 650 I have now but would trade for something lighter in a heart beat. it isn't very fast but it looks good if looks are more important to you. I really liked my 80's 700cc Honda Shadow as well. My 2008 250cc Nighthawk was the funnest to drive fast, because it wasn't very fast. I could cruise at 65 mph and I am 300 pounds, but it topped out at only 70.
a LOT of bad advice from batsonelec C
vstar 650 is an excellent all around cruiser bike, esp for riding solo
it was THE most reliable MC on the market when it was in production (CR magazine)
It is not a long throw engine like a HD, It has a shorter throw and therefore its powerband is at higher RPMs.
It will go 100mph before the rev limiter kicks in - that should be fast enough for anyone in the US
It also has a unique characteristic, on level pavement it will putter along thru town at 25mph in 5th gear without balking, and wind up from there to 100mph just by cracking the throttle open.
funny that a guy who is 300 lbs would call the VS650 a heavy slow bike
If you know how to ride you dont need to get a "light bike" with a small engine. Motorcycles are self balancing once you get the wheels turning.
Take the MSF beginners course, learn how to ride right, and get your license in just 3 days.
Just bought a 650 custom for my first bike.
NICE! How is the Vstar holding up for you
Great review.I am considering buying this bike.
Great bikes! Are you looking for a first bike or just a new bike?
I’m 6.7” mostly legs😂 about 185lbs. Will I have issues if I get this bike?
Haven’t ride in 10 years but wanna get back into it. Found a good deal on a v star 650 touring but haven’t gone on a test sit yet.
I'm 6'2..was very uncomfortable for me to ride on due to where the floor boards were located. Found some 6" Forward extensions on ebay for under $100. What a difference! :-) You will have to take off the crash bar if you go this route. 👍
Mine a 2002 very good condition 9k miles with cobra pipes sounds mean but far from it
Probably sounds really good though, 2-2 system or a 2-1?
Yea it's 2 and 2 sounds like a 1100
Nice I like a v star with a set of duals on it
No audio
Stalls it and then complains about the clutch 🤣 u were is 2nd gear when u stalled it taking off
He'll Yeah it can. Get it done , little Cruiser .yeah, put some pipeson.
OK video, would have been better if you'd have spent more time reviewing the bike instead of comparing it to what YOU like.
Thank you for pointing that out, we will keep this is mind in future videos
"THE CHROME IS KIND OF... ANNOYING..." THIS DOUCHE
😎
Great and honest appraisal. Well done mate.
Fonze 👍
our pleasure. Thanks for watching!
Annoying is that Yamahas 535 Virago is faster and has more power.
Are they really? Be interesting to see a dyno comparison
I like Virago's look very much, but let's face it: Viragos most probably have been created for short guys ("only for Japanase", or what?). Sitting on the Virago feels kind like sitting on some electric city scooter. It's just a little bit too small! "Star" line, fortunately, is different...
@@slidewayzgreer2740 46 bhp against Vstar 650 39 bhp. Top speed virago 160 kmh and 650 Vstar 139 kmh.
I have owned them both in the past.
@@madsbuhris interesting, good to know.
but such a nightmare to work on
Do you think
you and breath harder for the video
Why keep revving it? Are we supposed to be impressed?
He’s down shifting genius
So you want to be heard right before you break your back neck or whatever.
Backfiring just means it’s running lean
My bike backfires like a mofo. Also runs lean
Id much rather prefer no pops and bangs
popping on decel caused by a lean condition could make your bike head temp a couple hundred degrees hotter than one that isn't lean ive seen as much as 300 degrees hotter than normal due to lean condition ., fyi
Discombobulating 😮
Get out of my left ear 😂
nope, its a 6 speed. you just didnt look hard enough for the 6th gear.
It has 7 gears, but 5th, 6th, and 7th have the same final drive gear ratio
but when you down shift from 6th or 7th, it auto jumps down to 4th....
you must be a Harley rider if you think this bike is fast. It isn't. It is adequate, but not fast.
Sportster guys…
#RIPwhips
@@SiegfriedsMotorwerx I once had the misfortune of owning a 883 Sportster. It was a ton faster than the 650 V Star but still wasn't very fast. Harleys are slow fat loud obnoxious status symbols. There are 2 brands I would never buy, Harleys and OCC. Everyone I know who has owned a Harley had problems. ( pre 2000 year bikes ) So, they don't impress me at all. The V star 650 isn't all that great either but at least it is cheap and reliable even if slow and heavy.
a naked stock Vstar 650 will go 103mph
then the rev limiter kicks it
is that not fast enough for you to cruise around?
if the rev limiter did not kick in, it would go faster
but Mr piston would start kissing Mrs Intake Valve
@@kenwittlief255 as i said, it is adequate. top speed is only half of it, speed to 60 is also important. the v-star 650 is a slower bike. perfectly ridable mind you, but not fast at all. i have ridden a 1999 model alot. i have owned many bikes from 80cc to a sportster 883. my vulcan 500 was wayyyyyyy faster as my dad and i sorta raced and i stomped him. i helped him find the 99 v-star 650. it really needed a 6th gear. i rode a 250cc honda nighthawk for years, top speed 70mph. it was perfectly fine in 65mph or less areas. it was also not very fast, but was adequate. i was 300 lbs then.