2004 Yamaha V Star 650

[420thump]

Clean but u gotta spice it up a bit. Check mine out at 420thump. Nice riding.

[WorldMusicMan92]

you looking to sell this anytime soon?

[pontil1]

Bought an 09 this year. Loving it. Needed to get used to the geometry a little. (had a Honda Nighthawk previously.) My only complaints are the speedometer location ( I wear a full face helmet and have to tilt head pretty far to see speedometer) and the exhaust pipe location. (gets warm on my leg, especially in shorts...I know, not the best thing to wear)

[dyeun1]

-walks away-

-blows up-

WTF?!??!!?

[ElevenRaines]

Thanks for posting brotha, lookin at an 1100, but have considered the 650 as well. Im a short feller, so I appreciate the run through.

[changrider]

Great bike, I had 2 before. Comfy and reliable and well build. Best bang for the buck on the small cruiser segment.

[monster762]

Cool vid. I'm just learning to ride, can't ride anything over 660cc for the first year in QLD Australia so I think one of these will be perfect.

[sam3d]

I got me one of these, a 2001 as my first bike, awesome, never fell or nothin.

Drill the holes on the mufflers and it sounds mean!!!!

[dperique]

Thanks. Yamaha makes a decent/reliable bike at a decent price.

[capitaloss]

Beautiful bike bro!

[DuBois994]

am i big enough to ride a yamaha vstar 650 i am 5ft 11in. and 155-165lbs.

[dperique]

@DuBois994 It depends on your experience and skill, etc.. I did about 500 miles on a Rebel 250 (about 1 month of riding) before moving up to the Vstar 650. It felt big at first but eventually got used to it. I'm about 5'6" and 165lbs. I'm thinking you'll have no problem if you're careful.

[iManicGenius]

@dperique It's oddly got a lot of power for a 650.  @ 165 you might have trouble going slow if you're not careful.

[EpicGibson]

@dperique I started out on a V-star 1100... I'm 6'0 195 lbs... didn't feel too big at all. I feel more safe on a big bike than a light bike.

[CmoreBuhts]

@DuBois994 yea man i went to try this bike out im 5ft 8in 120lbs its super light very nice bike , i might get it

[cameronbak]

@DuBois994 I just got one of these after not riding for about 12 years...i am 6 feet tall and about 140lbs and it was rather easy to ride right out of the gate for me...you should be able to handle one no problem.

[dperique]

the top speed is not so great on this bike. I was able to do 75mph no problem (if I recall correctly) but it felt like the bike had to really work to do it. For many cruiser riders, 75mph is plenty. For some really big/fast highways, 75mph just isn't enough to keep up with traffic.

[1501HP]

@dperique

how is the top speed 75?

a 150cc scooter will do 60

[opensourcelinuxm]

@1501HP First of all engine size is not the end-all determination of power... This 650 makes about 40 horsepower; something like a Suzuki SV650 makes over 60 horsepower. Also the V-Star has a ton of weight to pull around in a very un-aerodynamic package. It also uses a shaft for the final drive which is less efficient than a chain or belt. The V-Star Classic model also has a FAT front tire which adds to the rolling resistance. I weigh 215lbs, the fastest my V-Star'll go on flat ground is 80ish.

[TheLjfox]

@opensourcelinuxm Is that 80 in miles or kms/h??

[opensourcelinuxm]

@TheLjfox It's 80 MPH, or about 130 km/h. Since I posted that comment I've nixed my V-Star and bought a Triumph Speedmaster. It's a similar bike but much faster and more comfortable. And for only $6,000 brand new. Great bargain of a bike.

[TheLjfox]

@opensourcelinuxm Hm the Speedmaster looks pretty nice! I've been looking at the V-Star mainly cause I wanted to do a cheap bob out - the speedmaster wouldn't be so bad either, except where I'm from there aren't very many on craigslist!

[shendereh]

i had a 650. top speed is 75 mph with a good tailwind.

[Dezerado]

i like everything about this bike but the back fender... it does a weird ... Swoop up thing ........ guess i could cut it off

[sonicbeerman]

do you know the model oil filter and air filter for the 650?

[FAWNMAIDEN]

looks beauuuuutifulllll.

[dperique]

@FAWNMAIDEN Thanks. Vstar 650 is a great looking bike even stock.

[FAWNMAIDEN]

@dperique But why do they make them so heavy? I'm 5'5 and find it difficult to manage. I just saw a Vmax and I nearly screamed!!! I really love bikes, since I was young. But if you can teach me, that would be GREAT!!!.Get on the motorway, ride down to England, forget the road PO -LEECE, Drive over them! don't eat, don't pick up any hot women hitching for a RIDE, come straight down to me!!! COS I'M WORTH IT.....I'LL NAB YOUR WHEELS!! Kisses Fawn.

[dperique]

@FAWNMAIDEN heavy is bad because if you're light, it's hard to handle without proper technique. Too light is bad too because if the bike can go highway speed, it would get blown around by the wind of trucks and other big vehicles. Vmax is a great bike but not so practical (but who cares about that right when you can crank it up?). I'd love to teach u how to ride but I'm on the other side of the pond. Check out some vids on youtube and you'll learn a ton. Also Ride Like a Pro DVD helps.

[sonicbeerman]

how's it do on the highway? Been thinking of getting a 650 but afraid it won't be a good bike for 65-70+mph. Looks great though and can't beat the price. A new 2009 with a windshield and saddlebags is $5000 at my local dealer. Affordabe but really need to test drive I guess.

[dperique]

@sonicbeerman If u can go for a test ride. I think it will do 70mph all day but I felt it was working to do it and then it will have to work even harder to pass at that speed.

Maybe some performance mods could help

[1226willow]

I have this exact bike and absolutely LOVE it !!!!

[dperique]

get a used virago 250 or rebel 250. Even bought old and used, you get a good chunk of your money back when you sell it. Usually, you can keep it for a month or so to learn and then upgrade to a 650 and then sell the 250 and get some money back. Seems there's always someone learning so selling is not too hard esp. late Spring.

[cabuco2006]

@dperique yea, that exactlly what i did. eexcept i kept it for 2 years then bought the 650 then sold the virago. 250. i made about 700 bucks in profit on the 250 so i think i made out pretty well.

[Elect4Sure]

so what kind of a bike should we start off with to beat up? Thats a nice bike.

[drmayne]

Beautiful bike! I'm thinking about getting one.

[MariuszTokaj]

Yama is the best

[tge4]

I have a 950 vstar. I got it at the end of '09, so I haven't put but a 100 miles on it. It is AWESOME. Really like it. I'm 6', and it fits me perfect. The fuel injection is a big plus.

[RevolverLover101]

hmmmmm nice bike

[viarnay]

and what about the torque? thats the key

[maineyak]

Check out the V-Star custom clutch lever at clevverlever , com

[dperique]

Interesting idea. I've heard of this and if I had a spare $40 plus shipping, I'd like to give it a try. If this does what it claims, I believe it will increase the enjoyment of my bike.  Reducing clutching fatigue would be wonderful. Thanks!

[pedromprado]

@dperique Seems the clevver is just an (intelligent) relocation of the cable nearer to the pivot. I wonder why Yamaha did such a small friction area on the clutch.

I'd buy one too - I'd love an easier clutch...

[apricotsnms516]

wow for a 650 that is one small front brake!

[dperique]

LOL. I hear ya and single rotor too. But at least it's a light cruiser at about 500lbs and remember, it's a cruiser so it cannot go super fast like a 650 inline-4 sportbike. So maybe it doesn't need such big brakes. One benefit of single small rotor is it's easy to check tire pressure and add air.

[apricotsnms516]

true lol

[gvtrai58]

I had one. Great reliable smooth riding bike. Had a lot of fun on that bike. I'm bikeless now BUT not kidless.

[itube4521]

yup agree

[itube4521]

dude if ur a beginner a 650 is too much for u

[dperique]

I think if you're like me at 165lbs 5'6", I totally agree with you. 500lbs is a lot of bike to start out on -- esp. if you drop it and as a beginner you probably will. But if you're a bigger person that can pretty much pick up this bike easily if it falls, it's a good beginner bike. Either way, I think that anyone starting out should get a really cheap bike to beat up before getting this bike and possible (most likely) scratching it up. Thanks for the comment

[ninja6kid]

its a gutless weed, my 636 has over double the power this bike does, .lol this bike has NO power are you kidding me. this is a great starter bike i just baught one for my mom she hasent riden in 15 years and she can ride the shit out of it. apparently even a ninja 250 is faster lawl

[revjimjones]

It's an air cooled 650. A bike that makes 40 HP isn't too big for a beginner.

[itube4521]

lol dis only 40hp?

[digitaltitan]

My first bike was also a 650 and I am 150lb. Definitely a great bigger bike. I loved my first bike I glad I didn't settle for anything less than 650cc.

[fr8pl8]

I have an 07 vstar and it rides great. I won the ride the rails contest with it in Cincinnati Ohio. My only complaint is the front brake sqeaks and seems like it turns too many rpms at highway speed like it needs another gear.

[qwertys101]

i have never ridden a motorcycle before but i have been looking at the suzuki boulevard and the v star 950 but is the 650 anygood on highway might consider the 650

[dperique]

If you've never ridden a MC before, the 650 will be plenty fast for you on the highway. BTW, the speedo reads too low. So if it says 75mph, you're going maybe 68mph. If you're ok at 70mph, the 650 will be ok. If you want to go faster for a long way, get bigger -- like 950. Some folks stay with the 650 for several years esp. as first bike. I'm partial to Yamahas because that's what I have. But suzuki is probably ok too. Good luck and ride safe.

[qwertys101]

so have you had any problems in the years of riding your bike

[dperique]

I had the 650 for only 2 months; I had no problems during that time. The 650 has been around for a long time and I think if there were issues, you'd see them on any vstar650 forum or google. Mine was a 2004 and even 5 years old, it still ran well. I traded for a 1300 because my commutes require at least 75mph and sometimes 80mph constant speed on the highway. Although the 650 can do it, I felt it was working hard to do it.

[dperique]

Good for her. The 650 is a good starter (or 2nd bike) and can last a long time but to get to move up to 1100 is wonderful. The 1100 feels (in physical size) like the 650 but you get more power -- so you get familiarity plus a boost in power. I hope she enjoys it.

[zipmaster101]

My wife started on the 650/, now she's picked up a Vstar 1100/08,and loves it.

[jab300]

am getting mine next summer for sure

[dperique]

Cool. You will enjoy it -- great bike.

[WashburnN4ist]

I bought this same bike used a couple weeks ago. It's a 2000, and I got it for $1250 on craigslist. Awesome bike, no complaints for the cash.

[WashburnN4ist]

I meant to say $2150, which is still awesome.

[dperique]

Still not bad. Enjoy it and since you saved money, you now have more budget for aftermarket parts. This bike has so much aftermarket support and will be fun to add things.

[LonnyManCanAdventure]

beautiful bike .. I just stumbled upon this trying to find some vids of a 1984 Yamaha 650 .. thats MY bike .. heh .. I cant afford new bikes yet .. fell in love with mine with just a picture .. hah

[dperique]

Thanks for the comment. I'm with you -- I'm gonna buy used from now on. You save so much and I like to ride them a lot anyway and put miles on them. Also, I always hated 'break-in' period.

this one was about 3 years old when bought so not bad. I hope your 1984 model takes you home reliably every time. Cheers.

[LonnyManCanAdventure]

I'm guessing "break in" period is the time it .. breaks? .. lol .. i dont know .. this is my first bike, and JUST got it .. helpful tips and advice much appreciated .. I came into the motorcycle scene clueless, and randomly

[hockeyreffivefive]

Very nice. This is my next bike for sure. Stay safe.

[dperique]

Thanks -- I bet you will love it.

[whitetail54]

nice ride

[whitetail54]

nice video, I got my 650 V Star 09 abouth 3 weeks ago and love it. but need to get a better seat for the wife

[dperique]

Agreed. That seat plain sucks unless you're under 70 pounds. Unfortunately, good seats are hundreds of dollars -- but wifey will be happy and will ride with you = worth it.

[silvermeerkat]

If you ride passengers often, I would upgrade your seats, that pillon seat is hard as a rock.

[jtglrg]

Haha...I love how you can tell that you are trying your hardest not to jizz yourself. I remember when I got my first bike...I was the same way...lol Nice ride...What did you upgrade to?

[dperique]

Yea. I still get excited and dread snow/Winter which will cut into my riding. Anyway, I moved up to a 2007 Vstar 1300; I really like it and made vids of it too. It seems that there are a lot of folks who moved up that went to the 1300. Another good one to at least consider for 2009 would be the new Vstar 950. Man, I wish I had the garage space for more than one bike. Thanks for the comment

[trimphbsa]

"Shoot. That was funky" LMAO. Cool video, cool ride.

[soundrone]

what do you clock for mileage i got an 03

[dperique]

Don't have this bike anymore but I think MPG was in the low 40s

[musiliterart]

damn she's purty. Nice ride. ride safe.

[FR0321]

Nice bike. very clean.

[dperique]

Nice. The Silverado is good because it *comes* with the touring equipment -- very useful on a first bike. Nice to go somewhere and have a place to carry things you might buy along the way. Perhaps on your second bike (or maybe this one), you'll realize that you need or want more stuff -- conveniences, etc. Then you'll see how you can endlessly spend on bikes :-). Enjoy and I hope Spring/Summer shows you some good rides. Stay safe.

[janitor300]

how much time it takes to get to 60MPH? please.

[dperique]

I don't have any 0-60 times but I felt that it was very easy to get to 60mph. I think this bike can cruise just fine at 75mph. However, I feel that this bike is more comfortable at 70mph & I think you'll get better gas mileage at that speed. At about 90mph, I started to feel significant vibration in the floorboards. I would say this is maximum practical speed for this bike - i.e., I'm sure it could go faster, but it will be stressing it. 70mph is your best highway speed. 60mph is no problem

[titans1279]

How does this bike handle with two people on it?

[dperique]

Sorry I don't really know. I've only had my 70lb kid on the back. I really didn't notice her.

[marler1975]

buy a harley if you want, but they still won't last like a metric.I know several people who own harleys and they all say that a harley just won't hold up like a metric.I don't know about you , but I have better sense than to spend a fortune on two wheels that ain't gonna last.But it's your money spend it to make yourself happy, not others.Just as long as you keep riding.

[dperique]

Harley will be a consideration not a done deal; I buy if it makes sense. Right now, I just need to ride for a while. I like to keep an open mind with metric vs. Harley. But the point is, I'll keep riding no matter what bike.

[marler1975]

It's all about personal choice and satisfaction, not others opinions.I wasn't knocking Harley's,or Harley owners, just sharing info. I got from reliable owners.I also have a v-star custom avd it is a blast to ride.Everyone I have talked to says they are extremely low maintenance and dependable. Hope this somehow helped you.

[dperique]

It's always good to hear about other's experiences. I heard Yamahas are pretty good; perfect for me since I just want to ride. Thanks for the comment, regards.

[IWLocal8]

Not holding up like metrics? How many 1940's Hondas are running around?

Ride safe.

[fsh2021]

Hey, Thanks for the video, shows a good detailed look at the bike. I started off with a 250 Rebel which has served me well but am looking to upgrade. I am about 5'10" or so and about 150lbs and am wondering if this bike will be too big? I know how to handle a bike just fine, but I'm worried that if it starts to tip, I would have trouble pulling it back up. Im looking for a good performance cruiser that also has a nice, somewhat sleek 'sporty' look to it. Any suggestions? Nice Bike! Thanks Alot

[dperique]

I went from a Rebel 250 to this bike. Rebel was 300lbs and this is 500lbs. This bike will feel big at first but it is not that big. The Rebel is just small. This bike is also nimble and has much more power than the Rebel; you can easily take this on the highway and really ride. I'm 5'6" and 160lbs and I could not muscle the bike up when it tipped; I could easily get it back up w/ proper "picking up" technique however. If you like the Rebel, you'll love this one! I miss my Rebel sometimes.

[IWLocal8]

After puberty, pick up a Harley...

BUY AMERICAN!

[dperique]

Dude, puberty has not come yet. But I'm already checking out the new Harleys (would love to try a FXCW Rocker) or something in the FLH family. Specifically, I like the Road King.

[IWLocal8]

LMFAO dperique! Ride safe - love to see a video of you with your new Rocker!

[diesel5355]

do you think the vstar is a good beginner bike?

[dperique]

I would go for a lighter bike as a first bike unless you're too heavy for a smaller bike. The Rebel 250 is a good beginner bike. This is a good second bike; it is 500 pounds and if you drop it, it's not hard to pick up.

[diesel5355]

hah, Im no light weight (6ft 260) but i was thinking if i should get a cheap dirt bike or somehting to practice getting used to using the clutch and watnot.

[dperique]

I would not get the Rebel because of your size (plus you'll look funny on it :-)). At 5'6" 160 I was maybe a little too big for the Rebel but didn't look too bad. The Vstar 650 fit me well. I couldn't muscle the 500lb Vstar 650 up easily if I was about to drop but could with the 300lb Rebel. I'm guessing you could muscle the 650 up if you were about to drop given your size. You can play with the clutch/friction zone with the 650 and when you get good, it should have enough power for you.

[JordanAcev]

Nice bike. Can it do 90mph on the freeway at all? I am thinking about getting one for cruising. I was thinking about a bigger one, but I would think the gas mileage on the 650 is a lot better. I cant imagine ever wanting to go faster than 90 on a cruiser.

[dperique]

I had this thing up to 90mph one time. It can do it but it took some effort & there was significant vibration-not too bad but it was vibrating noticeably. Had a 19" windshield too. I consider 90mph to be the bikes top "practical speed". Anything faster, and I think you're pushing it hard. I'm sure it can go faster but I don't like to push my bike too hard. Also, the speedo is off by about 5mph the speedo was readying about 95mph which is about 90mph. It was 45-55mpg. Thanks for the comment.

[dperique]

You'll love it especially after you learn some stuff (e.g., how to turn sharp, etc.). It was not my first bike (started on a Rebel 250). I spent a bit of time working on clutching, shifting, figure eights, and uphill starts in my driveway before take the license endorsement class. This one should be fun for practice since it's quite nimble for it's size. Good luck in getting your license & thanks for the comment.

[bronxer78]

She's a beaut, dperique! I got first-hand 2006's V-Star Silverado 650 Classic, which featured the nice touch of studs on the leatherwork, but otherwise the same bike except maybe for the most minute mechanical details. A thing which I especially like about your video is that is clearly shows some of Yamaha's accessories for the Silverado, like the handgrips and chrome mirror bars. Are you thinking of getting any more accessories for it?

[dperique]

Congrats on your Silverado. I always liked the studs on that bike. If it's like the Custom, you'll love that bike.  Regarding accessories -- you can see on my other vids that basically, the accessories I bought were to make it like a Silverado. If I had to do it again, I think I'd go for the Silverado.

[CannibalCulprit]

the most helpful video I've seen on the vstar so far and I've been looking for days! Thanks for posting and like your little brother said, stay safe :)

[dperique]

Thanks for the comment; I might do another video (update) on my V Star -- I added a 19" Memphis Shades windshield, Yamaha driver floorboards, passenger seatback, driver seatback, and put another 2300mi on it. I'll be getting ready to do an oil change soon too.

[CannibalCulprit]

Great! I've bought an 08 model which gets delivered in 4 weeks. Looking forward to seeing your next vid!!

[itsmpt]

good video. Thanks for posting

[steveturri]

Excellent video. Hope this helps anyone looking to get this bike. I got one about a month ago and absolutely love it. I got the slightly upgrade one with the floorboards which are nice. One thing I noticed, and may be a model difference but you were able to put the stand down after starting. I thought that was tied to the auto cut off switch. Enjoy the new bike!

[dperique]

Thanks for the comment. What did you do to the floorboards? is there something you can just add to the floorboards (i.e., simple bolt on)? I think floorboards will help with rider fatique especially with the shin area. I find I flex my shins or flex my calves because of the way my foot fits on the foot pegs; then I end of getting shin splints that night. I'm thinking the floorboards will help keep the feet stable (i.e., no flexing either way).

[steveturri]

The 2004 V-star silverado 650 comes in 3 variations, I dont remember the letters off the top of my head. The owners manual will show you. That particular version that I bought came with the floor boards standard. I would imagine you can get them from a yamaha dealer. They basicly replace the pegs. I notice a big difference with them from the bike I learned on, the shin splints you feel I have never gotten on this one.

[aperiquet]

Hey, that's nice. You almost sound like you know what you're talking about! Haha. Your little brother is allowed to jive you like that. Drive safe, but have fun!