Here is a review of the wife's 2007 Yamaha vstar 650 classic. Nice entry level bike, or a reliable ride for getting around town. Economical option for those on a budget.
My 650 will go 70 mph at 4900 rpm all day every day, no vibration, and get 41mpg. Riding at 55 mph yields 45 mpg. The “one more gear” statement that everyone says is not realistic. The engine does not have enough torque/horsepower to go over the mid 6000 rpm range in 5th gear. A 6th gear would have it lugging badly at highway speeds and require constant down shifting. Yamaha techs knew what they were doing. The engine is slightly stroked and was designed to run at 70 to 75% of max rpm as its sweet spot which, if you do the math, puts it right at 70mph in 5th gear. The engine is bullet proof, has ceramic piston liners, and doesn’t overheat on the hottest of days. It will last longer than you and me with proper maintenance. People that complain about vibrations from their Vstar need to learn how to sync the carbs and/or balance the tires. The bike, in proper form, does not vibrate at 80 mph, and it is barely noticeable at 90, which is all my Classic will do in 5th gear... hypothetically... These is my experience, ymmv.
Good points SNBI, but I just have to disagree with the idea a 6th gear wouldn't be nice to have for the highway...For short trips at highway speeds, you can tell it's running a bit high RPM's to get those 55 to 65 mile per hour speeds and to maintain it...The idea of a V-Twin is to be able to use the torque they develop at lower RPM's as compared to an in line piston design...Even at 40 hp, the 650 has enough low end torque to accommodate a 6th gear, doesn't have to a wild jump in ratio...It would certainly make the XVS-650 a great all around cruiser...I've the Custom, bags and windshield, floor boards and get a lot of compliments on the bike...I love the bike, but I've got to run with the idea that it needs that 6th gear...Be Well Sir and Be safe!..
Thank you for posting about your wife that is what I've been looking for I'm a 57 year old lady just got me a 2001 vstar 650 classic I hope you post videos of your wife learning how to ride it
Interesting about the lake. I have a 2000 classic that i purchased new, and now has almost 30,000 miles with zero problems. It's a great bike and even though I have several bikes up to a 1600 Vulcan I find I ride this the most, it's really light and easy to ride on twisty back roads ( which you seem to lack). Just in passing, pipes, air cleaner, and a jet kit really wakes it up! Anyone thinking about buying one you'll love it! Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it. Hope you have better roads at your new place. Lol
The good part of where I lived is that as a beginner the wife could learn to ride without much distraction. Don't get me wrong, there is much to see up in that country, even though it is flat. I am considering getting the wife an Indian Scout as a replacement. Not sure if this would be an upgrade in comfort and ride-ability for her though?
I read one review of the Scout that said the seating position, foot placement, hand grips, etc. felt very similar to a V-Star 650. The handling was pretty similar too. The guy said essentially, imagine a V-Star 650 with twice the power.
Thanks for the review. I'm 6'3' `200lbs and my XVS650 works me for all day touring. I'm used to ~40 years of sport touring riding so the leg-forward reclined stretched out riding position took some getting used to but that didn't keep me from doing 700 miles per day. My 2001 XVS650 is stone reliable and has never let me down even when temps got down to single digits °F... it started right up, warmed up in a matter of a few minutes and pulled off with no hesitations. It's definitely a bike I'll keep in my stable.
First, nice bike. I have a 650 custom and put on a back rest with sissy bar. Also a front wind shade and plan to upgrade the pipes to cobra pipes soon. Pretty much it for mods Im doing!
Dry weight is around 553lbs I've owed a 2004 vstar 650 classic and I'm going to pick up another 2000 vstar 650 classic next weekend it will be the wife's ride when she learns to ride herself and I find a bigger cruiser and
My 2005 Classic will do 90 mph in 5th gear. If you are having vibration issues you need to synchronize your carbs. Also balance your tires. The V star 650 DOES NOT have vibrations if everything is the way it should be. You will think you have a different motorcycle if you do these things. Also, I am 5’4” and the bike fits me fine. Single disc front breaks.
Yes, it is a good first bike. You should be able to plant your feet on the ground. My only complaint is that the friction zone on the clutch is very narrow, which may make it hard to start on slopes and takes some getting used too. The bike is light and goes 60-65, going above this might be a stretch, overall this is a great first bike to learn how to ride!
Absolutely! Was my first bike and it was great to learn on. Light, not fast, easy to maneuver and reliable. Now have a big Royal Star tour deluxe and love it. One thing though. I'm 5-9 and 185lbs. If your a tall or large person, it maybe to small, so definitely sit on one and test drive it.
Nope. Too slow for the highway. Its the sweet spot that determines the highway speed. Should tac about 4k at 65-75 for long trip and acceptable vibration. Else your just working bike too hard. I think they had a 55mph tradition design remnant. Just one more gear and they would of been perfect.
Hello, do you think it can't make 75mph for long trips? I wanted it for a log road trip. It's funny how I can make 70mph in a Vstar 250 with upgraded sprokets 17/38.
My 650 will go 70 mph at 4900 rpm all day every day, no vibration, and get 41mpg. Riding at 55 mph yields 45 mpg. The “one more gear” statement that everyone says is not realistic. The engine does not have enough torque/horsepower to go over the mid 6000 rpm range in 5th gear. A 6th gear would have it lugging badly at highway speeds and require constant down shifting. Yamaha techs knew what they were doing. The engine is slightly stroked and was designed to run at 70 to 75% of max rpm which, if you do the math, puts it right at 70mph in 5th gear. The engine is bullet proof, has ceramic piston liners, and doesn’t overheat on the hottest of days. It will last longer than you and me with proper maintenance. People that complain about vibrations from their Vstar need to learn how to sync the carbs and/or balance the tires. The bike, in proper form, does not vibrate at 80 mph, and it is barely noticeable at 90. These is my experience, ymmv.
@@snbi3910 not that unrealistic, of course if you put an extra gear in this underpowered bikes you will have to downshift often, but the extra gear is more like an overdrive than a real gear, as I told, the vx250 is really underpowered, but the sprocket upgrade i made was really appreciated in long straight roads to keep the engine really cool and steady and helped to get a little bit more of that small bike. The sprocket upgrade did left the 4th gear slightly higher than the 5th and the 5th right where the 6th would be.
EdrumSense I did the same on my GV250 when I had it. Knocked 200 + rpm off the top end. 5th gear on the xvs 650 is an over drive... .966 ratio. People expect it to cruise at low rpm like a Harley. That is not how this bike is designed. Harley’s are designed to cruise a low rpm, xvs 650 was designed to cruise at 5000 rpm. This is where the engine is happy. It is not over reving, it is 2200 rpm below redline, not straining the engine at all.
@@snbi3910 I did knocked off around 900 rpm, if you learn to downshift there will be no problem at all. And at least in the Vstar 250, the 1st gear is waaay too short, so the first gear was more usable that just a mere kick off gear, and the rest of gears worked fine. Ofcourse, any hill and you have to down shift, but again, it was really relaxing in stright flat roads.
Thanks JL, I was excited for the bike review. This is a great vlog idea one that I need to put on the list for this coming riding season. BTW, she is wonderful and is the one who got me into riding as well as to being my inspiration to be the best person I can be.
I feel sorry for you, the landscape sucks like a tornado, all flat and as boring as hell. What happens at 6:44, you go over a double yellow line, your road markings are the X-files stuff!
MiscStuff, the double yellows is a no passing zone, an a corner of the highway. I took a left on a county highway going straight north. Hence the double yellows. I live in the red river valley of the north, NW MN which was formed by an old glacial lake (Lake Agassiz), so it is an ancient lake bed (like 100,00 years old). I have since moved to Bismarck, ND. I hope to do some motovloging along the Missouri River valley, and the western badlands this summer. I hope this landscape will include a bit more diversity than NW MN. Thanks for stopping by!!!
You've said this on every single video so stfu already. Some ppl start with smaller engines to get used to a bike. I'm sire your first car wasn't a hellcat so chill already.
My 650 will go 70 mph at 4900 rpm all day every day, no vibration, and get 41mpg. Riding at 55 mph yields 45 mpg. The “one more gear” statement that everyone says is not realistic. The engine does not have enough torque/horsepower to go over the mid 6000 rpm range in 5th gear. A 6th gear would have it lugging badly at highway speeds and require constant down shifting. Yamaha techs knew what they were doing. The engine is slightly stroked and was designed to run at 70 to 75% of max rpm as its sweet spot which, if you do the math, puts it right at 70mph in 5th gear. The engine is bullet proof, has ceramic piston liners, and doesn’t overheat on the hottest of days. It will last longer than you and me with proper maintenance. People that complain about vibrations from their Vstar need to learn how to sync the carbs and/or balance the tires. The bike, in proper form, does not vibrate at 80 mph, and it is barely noticeable at 90, which is all my Classic will do in 5th gear... hypothetically...
These is my experience, ymmv.
Good points SNBI, but I just have to disagree with the idea a 6th gear wouldn't be nice to have for the highway...For short trips at highway speeds, you can tell it's running a bit high RPM's to get those 55 to 65 mile per hour speeds and to maintain it...The idea of a V-Twin is to be able to use the torque they develop at lower RPM's as compared to an in line piston design...Even at 40 hp, the 650 has enough low end torque to accommodate a 6th gear, doesn't have to a wild jump in ratio...It would certainly make the XVS-650 a great all around cruiser...I've the Custom, bags and windshield, floor boards and get a lot of compliments on the bike...I love the bike, but I've got to run with the idea that it needs that 6th gear...Be Well Sir and Be safe!..
I have the 2014 'Custom' version of this bike. I really like it - it's not fancy or fast, but it's very reliable and gets the job done.
Better than a Harley any ways.
Nono , Yamaha virago is perfekt 🤘
Thank you for posting about your wife that is what I've been looking for I'm a 57 year old lady just got me a 2001 vstar 650 classic I hope you post videos of your wife learning how to ride it
Interesting about the lake. I have a 2000 classic that i purchased new, and now has almost 30,000 miles with zero problems. It's a great bike and even though I have several bikes up to a 1600 Vulcan I find I ride this the most, it's really light and easy to ride on twisty back roads ( which you seem to lack). Just in passing, pipes, air cleaner, and a jet kit really wakes it up! Anyone thinking about buying one you'll love it! Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it. Hope you have better roads at your new place. Lol
The good part of where I lived is that as a beginner the wife could learn to ride without much distraction. Don't get me wrong, there is much to see up in that country, even though it is flat. I am considering getting the wife an Indian Scout as a replacement. Not sure if this would be an upgrade in comfort and ride-ability for her though?
I read one review of the Scout that said the seating position, foot placement, hand grips, etc. felt very similar to a V-Star 650. The handling was pretty similar too. The guy said essentially, imagine a V-Star 650 with twice the power.
Thanks for the review. I'm 6'3' `200lbs and my XVS650 works me for all day touring. I'm used to ~40 years of sport touring riding so the leg-forward reclined stretched out riding position took some getting used to but that didn't keep me from doing 700 miles per day. My 2001 XVS650 is stone reliable and has never let me down even when temps got down to single digits °F... it started right up, warmed up in a matter of a few minutes and pulled off with no hesitations. It's definitely a bike I'll keep in my stable.
Nice, not sure if I could do 700 miles per day but it does get a person where they want to go.
Love the sissy bar! Can you tell me where its from? I've got the same bike. Pearl, 2012 Classic. No need to upgrade, its all I need.
Can you tell me about the windscreen? Do you know the maker and do you like it? Mine is naked so I am looking for one.
I have the same bike! Very impressed with it so far.
First, nice bike. I have a 650 custom and put on a back rest with sissy bar. Also a front wind shade and plan to upgrade the pipes to cobra pipes soon. Pretty much it for mods Im doing!
Great beginner bike to the cruiser world.
Easy bike to learn learn on for sure
Any mods you have done to the bike? Pipes, bags, other??? Thanks for stopping by and catching my video!!
Hog Tyd if you want it to sound more like a harley i surgest vance and hines cruzers
How well does it climb hills? Steep entrance ramps to the interstate highway?
It's got a full frame as long as your harley
do you still have that bike and do you still ride it ? you want to sell it ?
Recommend a good radio system
Did she feel the bike was heavy at first
Hi there! What is the top speed on highway? Thanks
Is this bike just for the lady's?
Do I sound slow to you people
Dry weight is around 553lbs I've owed a 2004 vstar 650 classic and I'm going to pick up another 2000 vstar 650 classic next weekend it will be the wife's ride when she learns to ride herself and I find a bigger cruiser and
Very nice video!
Notice no fuel gauge
well I just rode a 2011 vstar 650 and funny enough it was an automatic! I absolutely love this bike
They don't make a automatic vstar bub lol 😆
@@yamariderAllen this was a stupid comment on my part, i do remember the bike but it had an auto clutch in it.
it does 65-70mph.
My 2005 Classic will do 90 mph in 5th gear. If you are having vibration issues you need to synchronize your carbs. Also balance your tires. The V star 650 DOES NOT have vibrations if everything is the way it should be. You will think you have a different motorcycle if you do these things. Also, I am 5’4” and the bike fits me fine. Single disc front breaks.
الي عطش لايك
is it a good first bike?
Yes, it is a good first bike. You should be able to plant your feet on the ground. My only complaint is that the friction zone on the clutch is very narrow, which may make it hard to start on slopes and takes some getting used too. The bike is light and goes 60-65, going above this might be a stretch, overall this is a great first bike to learn how to ride!
Absolutely! Was my first bike and it was great to learn on. Light, not fast, easy to maneuver and reliable. Now have a big Royal Star tour deluxe and love it. One thing though. I'm 5-9 and 185lbs. If your a tall or large person, it maybe to small, so definitely sit on one and test drive it.
Nope. Too slow for the highway. Its the sweet spot that determines the highway speed. Should tac about 4k at 65-75 for long trip and acceptable vibration. Else your just working bike too hard. I think they had a 55mph tradition design remnant. Just one more gear and they would of been perfect.
Hello, do you think it can't make 75mph for long trips? I wanted it for a log road trip. It's funny how I can make 70mph in a Vstar 250 with upgraded sprokets 17/38.
My 650 will go 70 mph at 4900 rpm all day every day, no vibration, and get 41mpg. Riding at 55 mph yields 45 mpg. The “one more gear” statement that everyone says is not realistic. The engine does not have enough torque/horsepower to go over the mid 6000 rpm range in 5th gear. A 6th gear would have it lugging badly at highway speeds and require constant down shifting. Yamaha techs knew what they were doing. The engine is slightly stroked and was designed to run at 70 to 75% of max rpm which, if you do the math, puts it right at 70mph in 5th gear. The engine is bullet proof, has ceramic piston liners, and doesn’t overheat on the hottest of days. It will last longer than you and me with proper maintenance. People that complain about vibrations from their Vstar need to learn how to sync the carbs and/or balance the tires. The bike, in proper form, does not vibrate at 80 mph, and it is barely noticeable at 90. These is my experience, ymmv.
@@snbi3910 not that unrealistic, of course if you put an extra gear in this underpowered bikes you will have to downshift often, but the extra gear is more like an overdrive than a real gear, as I told, the vx250 is really underpowered, but the sprocket upgrade i made was really appreciated in long straight roads to keep the engine really cool and steady and helped to get a little bit more of that small bike. The sprocket upgrade did left the 4th gear slightly higher than the 5th and the 5th right where the 6th would be.
EdrumSense I did the same on my GV250 when I had it. Knocked 200 + rpm off the top end. 5th gear on the xvs 650 is an over drive... .966 ratio. People expect it to cruise at low rpm like a Harley. That is not how this bike is designed. Harley’s are designed to cruise a low rpm, xvs 650 was designed to cruise at 5000 rpm. This is where the engine is happy. It is not over reving, it is 2200 rpm below redline, not straining the engine at all.
@@snbi3910 I did knocked off around 900 rpm, if you learn to downshift there will be no problem at all. And at least in the Vstar 250, the 1st gear is waaay too short, so the first gear was more usable that just a mere kick off gear, and the rest of gears worked fine. Ofcourse, any hill and you have to down shift, but again, it was really relaxing in stright flat roads.
How tall is your wife
Sorry I just heard it thank you for posting great video
Pretty boring straight road you you live on need to come down to Arkansas Ozarks & do some country curves
Talk about you ride not history of you and you wife.
Thanks JL, I was excited for the bike review. This is a great vlog idea one that I need to put on the list for this coming riding season. BTW, she is wonderful and is the one who got me into riding as well as to being my inspiration to be the best person I can be.
get the f outta here you JL. Go watch some channel that speaks your language because obviously English is not your native language.
I feel sorry for you, the landscape sucks like a tornado, all flat and as boring as hell. What happens at 6:44, you go over a double yellow line, your road markings are the X-files stuff!
MiscStuff, the double yellows is a no passing zone, an a corner of the highway. I took a left on a county highway going straight north. Hence the double yellows. I live in the red river valley of the north, NW MN which was formed by an old glacial lake (Lake Agassiz), so it is an ancient lake bed (like 100,00 years old). I have since moved to Bismarck, ND. I hope to do some motovloging along the Missouri River valley, and the western badlands this summer. I hope this landscape will include a bit more diversity than NW MN. Thanks for stopping by!!!
MiscStuff Feel sorry for yourself, because you obviously are just a miserable piece of crap.
Lmaooooo😁🤣🤣😂😁🤣 This bikes a little baby beginer girls bike it’s embarrassing actually for guys to ride. i FEEL embaresing FOR YOU
We feel more embarassed by the way you spell.
You've said this on every single video so stfu already. Some ppl start with smaller engines to get used to a bike. I'm sire your first car wasn't a hellcat so chill already.
Keith rides a moped