How to Install a Battery on a 650 V Star

[@weskaufman663]

I just started riding this year. I have a 2000 v star classic. I had no idea what I was doing but your videos are helping me do my own repairs. Thank you!!!!!!

[@bernbo]

Congrats on your new bike Wes that's awesome. Happy to hear the videos are helping you out, that's great. Cheers🍻 bro. Takeiteass

[@Wanderlustus]

Many thanks for this, Bernbo. Just bought a 1999 650 V Star, the first bike I've owned in 35, and the first cruiser style I've ever owned. Going to take some getting used to because I'll I've ever ridden are enduros and street-style bikes. Also, the first time I've ever been determined enough to do some of my own maintenance, and this vid was a gem. Winter months are closing in, and have to get the batt' out of the bad boy. This vid solved my probs. Consider me subscribed, and going to check out some of your other stuff soon as I get a chance. Hell, Winter's not quite here yet, and now I REALLY can't wait for Spring. Be well, brother.

[@bernbo]

Right on man, happy for you bro, congrats on the bike man. Thanks for the sub too. I hope the vids help you out, I have a lot of them on the 650 Vstar. Ride safe bro and Takeiteass!

[@Wanderlustus]

Too welcome, brother. Times like these I wish I didn't live 44 degree North. :< >

[@thomjarvis2922]

Great video and just what I needed to see. My second season with an 07 V Star 650 and first experience with a dead battery. All the best.

[@nancymorrison9978]

I just finished changing mine out on my 650 2003 V-Star. Then I found your video. Glad to see I did it right!😎

[@lowtech67]

As a new owner of a 2003 650..... thank you for the videos!

[@billyjean2960]

Okay firstly let me say thank you as this was helpful in the overall procedure. I killed my battery and your video is the first one that came up in my search for instructions of "Change for V Star 650" However, I could save novices like myself a lot of time by pointing out one thing. In the same way you put the screws in the slots for the connectors, so you would not have to "wrestle with them later" ( I had no problem placing my screws once the battery was seated) I did the same (before seating the battery and placing/screwing the terminals) with the battery inner cover!!! Saved me alot of time. I just held the inner battery cover to the face of the battery while I was seating it in place! Way easier than trying to shim and push it in, fitting the little lip on the bottom of it, under the battery once the battery is already seated and wired up!!! upon first look, you may think "But if the inner cover is on the battery before the terminals are hooked up it will obscure the negative screw point" Until you remember it is thin and flexible and moves right out of the way when you bend it gently!! Saves alot of time than trying to place the inner cover when the battery is seated and terminals are screwed in! Other than that? That rubber strap was a bit trying but I got it after a few trys!

[@bernbo]

Billy Jean Right on man good tips. Happy to hear it helped out. Cheers.

[@billyjean2960]

Love all your Star videos man!!!!! You are a true craftsmen bro' Those floorboards you made to replace the pegs were hot shit!!!! Amazing.

[@bernbo]

Billy Jean Thank you, those boards turned out great and they are still holding up like the day I made them. My brother loves them. Thanks for watching the videos bro. Takeiteass

[@Archaidius]

Great to see you back Bernbo. Always enjoy how detailed you are with instructions. This was the first thing I learned, I figured using needle nose pliers with the strap makes life easier lol. Keep em coming good sir!

[@bernbo]

Right on Matt, thank you. Needle nose are a good tip. Thanks for watching the vids bro. Takeiteass!

[@garamoody4860]

hello from the swamp. Still kicing down here. I bought an old 883 custom that needs some cleaning and tuning but they are pretty simple which is good for me. I was lucky with my v stars that I never got stranded anywhere. good video and glad to see you are still riding. Take care to the north. We have Hurricane Mathew headed our way and I sure hope it turns east soon.

[@bernbo]

Glad to hear your still kicking bro. An old 883 eh that will be a fun project for sure. I wish you nothing but the best brother and the Hurricane Mathew dies out quick. Stay safe & Takeiteass!

[@serendipityforever1406]

It is time for me to replace my battery also. I always find your vids enjoyable and extremely informative in helping with my V Star. Thank you and hugs! S

[@bernbo]

Awesome, thank you for watching the vids. If your battery is past 5yrs go for it now that way you will never be on the side of the road with a dead battery. Cheers!

[@bones2405]

Very glad to see you back, it's always nice to wake up to a notification that you've uploaded another video...always look forward to seeing more from you! ride safe man...

[@bernbo]

Right on Bones, feels good to hear that. Cheers!

[@drew5074]

Great video every time a service my bike I check your videos first!

[@bernbo]

lol that's great. Cheers!

[@EightTwoFourWeddingStudios]

Thank you so much for making these videos! I've learned alot and saved a bunch of money paying others to do the work! I really appreciate it!!

[@bernbo]

Thank you Mark, it's nice to hear feedback like this. Cheers bro!

[@cruiznjoe4031]

hey...welcome back ..that battery was surely down and out...good DIY once again..hope to see more of that Star in action..take it easy Bembo :)

[@bernbo]

Thanks CruiZin Joe. Cheers!

[@heidijakowski4146]

Pretty bike,.... & yes it helps because I have never done it before. I am taking it out for the winter and will need to put it back come riding time, so it was great, thank you😉

[@gabevalencia2012]

Welcome back Bernbo! Nice to ya bro. Have a good one!

[@bernbo]

Thanks Gabe, Takeiteass!

[@Its2loudyer2oldmotovlogs]

Love your how to vids man and it's good to see ya back!

[@bernbo]

Right on man, thank you.

[@hkk3656]

How did you jump start the battery to get home? I jump started a motorcycle battery with a car battery and it fried the electrical system. I definitely had negative to negative and positive to positive.

[@bernbo]

At my work they have a battery charger, so I set it to start and fired the bike up no problems.

[@bernbo]

Was it a 12 volt system, what type of bike was it?

[@hkk3656]

@@bernbo Yes. It was a 12 volt car battery and a 12 volt Vstar 650.

[@bernbo]

@@hkk3656 dam, that sucks.

[@kenjarabek9901]

...with the screw/bolt nuts that are positioned in the terminal cage, I have cut small rubberized foam squares to be used as fillers tucked in the cage behind the nut to hold them in place...

[@bernbo]

Nice, great idea.

[@mygriefjourney5494]

Thank you for this. As a new rider and this being my first bike, you helped me immensely. I was able to do it all by myself 😊

[@amyjohns1103]

That's awesome u did it yourself. My husband passed + I'm learning how to fix all kinds of things I never knew how to fix. It can be frustrating but also very empowering as well.

[@tonyhericks182]

Hope things are well with you Bernbo. Great video for the newbies!!!

[@bernbo]

Thanks Tony, all is well, just been very busy with life shall we say. Hoping to get back on the camera again. Cheers bro!

[@frankwilson9406]

Nice vid man...need to know how many wires are attached to the negative terminal thanks in advance

[@bernbo]

Hey Frank, there is only the one cable on the negative terminal typically, but on mine there is a small red & black wire that is for my quick connector to a battery charger.

[@frankwilson9406]

@@bernbo thanks appreciate it ...keep the videos coming...all the best from Scotland

[@kristinschmoldt7140]

Thank-you! I find your videos to be very helpful!!!

[@bernbo]

Kristin Schmoldt Thanks Kristin and thank you for watching the videos. CHEERS!

[@askingforhidaya]

Thanks for the video, very helpful. I was wondering do you have any video on jumping the motorcycle? If not, can you please provide information on jumping a motorcycle.

[@bernbo]

Sorry I don't have a video on that, but here is a link that will help you out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn_dhJihn8Zgq6s

[@lildimit]

ANOTHER awesome video! Thanks for taking the time to make these, they have helped me tons :-)

[@bernbo]

Love to hear it Lillian

[@lildimit]

Thanks again!!!!! I appreciate it and saved me tons so far :-) Now I wish I had a compressor LOL I need to put on my crash bars and cant unscrew these things but I will take it in!

[@bernbo]

Lillian Thats funny you say that, I was just thinking about a compressor the other day, might have to pick one up, very handy for a lot of things.

[@lildimit]

haha... hoping you live nearby lol. JK

[@seemeontv]

Great to see a new vid, bro! If we could flip the work week (2 on 5 off) we could get out more.

[@bernbo]

That would be awesome bro

[@skmalladi]

Hi Bernbo, the battery seems to be securely locked up in the compartment. I'm thinking of getting a phone charger to hook up to the terminals of the battery. How difficult is it to to do that? What's your thoughts on this matter? Thanks!

[@pktech1969]

Hey Bernbo...glad to see you're OK. Was wondering where you've been the past 2 months. Life gets busy I guess. None the less...glad to see you're ok and looking forward to future vids... "Takeitease"....bud

[@bernbo]

Thanks man, life can get busy for sure. Hope to get more vids up soon. Takeitease

[@frank2cruize416]

Great Video, Thanks. How often do you adjust your valves and will you ever do a video on it?

[@bernbo]

Been a few years since I had the valves adjusted, just had them done at the shop a few months ago though. Not something I have done before. Maybe I might try it in the future.

[@frank2cruize416]

I'm going to attempt to adjust mine in a couple of months when it cools down a bit. Thanks for all the videos man. Ride safe.

[@golfandhike5598]

Thanks aye. Going over to help a friend with batt. install on same m.c. today. Stu Blaine Wa.

[@philspaseo2377]

Is there one specific size on the 650 vstars? I’ve noticed oreilys and autozone specify batteries for this bike but they seem to be out of dimensions, either too wide or too tall…

[@bernbo]

Great question Phil, I'm not sure, I have gone through 2 batteries on my 650 and just told them what I have and they both fit no problem.

[@devontec15]

What tool is the remove that little side panel on the right side of the seat. It's like that has one bolt

[@bernbo]

You will need an allen key or hex key tool to remove that bolt.

[@devontec15]

@@bernbo thanks man

[@Tyykjen]

Love your videos man. I have a question, i just removed the leather tankbra from my 650 dragstar, but i now have a big gap betweeen the tank and the speedometer. Is this a problem, should i buy a new bezel or try to find a way to push the one i have closer to the tank.? Thanks! And cheers from Norway

[@bernbo]

I don't see it being a problem, other than the aesthetics of it. If your lie me it would probably bug you. You could try to push it back into shape but that may be harder than it sounds. You may be able to find a new bezel for not a lot of $'s. Here is one for $18 www.ebay.com/itm/2001-XVS650-Vstar-Speedometer-Bezel-Mounting-Bracket-/291906610654?hash=item43f6fd65de:g:srIAAOSwzaJX~EI7&vxp=mtr Thank you for watching the videos. Takeiteass!

[@Tyykjen]

Thanks! Will probably fix in the winter. Riding season is over here in Norway now ;) Cheers!

[@bernbo]

Pickle sickle Always a sad day when riding season is over. Here's to a short winter. Cheers!

[@Tyykjen]

Agreed! :)

[@OmarCapellan]

I have a 2009 Yamaha v star 650 classic, and I can not find what size is the bolt that holds that battery panel. my bike came without it, by any chance do you know the size of that bolt or is there another bolt like it on the bike that I can use to buy a new one. thanks

[@bernbo]

Hey Omar, that sucks, I think that bolt is a 6mm not sure about length though.

[@OmarCapellan]

Bernbo thank you 😊

[@dennisharbin2700]

It has been a long time I've missed them. How is the JB weld repair holding out for you?

[@bernbo]

Just no time lately for vids. The repair is holding like a champ, not a drop of oil.

[@dennisharbin2700]

Bernbo that's awesome man

[@gumarro72]

Hello from Texas. Great videos! How many miles have you put on your V-Star?

[@bernbo]

Hey Gumarro, I have put on around 26,000 miles since I have owned the bike.

[@laserman87]

Hey how would you take the shock out, without taking the whole rear end apart?

[@bernbo]

Hey laserman, that's a good question, I think you might have to remove the rear fender and wheel to do that. Not sure I have not removed the rear shock before. You could try a motorcycle floor jack to take some weight off the rear tire and try to remove that way so there is no load on the spring. Sorry I wish I had the answer for you. Cheers.

[@laserman87]

Thanks brother.

[@kenjarabek9901]

...as I own a V-Star 1100 and have made many modifications, some for appearance, but most for purpose. Neccessity, invention and simplicity are the basis for design as demonstrated in your floorboards video...(oh, and minimal amount of coin in pocket)...

[@bernbo]

lol sweet, thanks Ken

[@asainlover67]

Hey man, those two plugs shown in the video, do you know what they go to? My friend bought a 2005 Vstar 1100 and on his the darker colored plug seems to have a bad connection. When he unplugs it, the bike starts right up. With it plugged in, it gives him trouble. Any idea why, or what the plug goes to?

[@bernbo]

Sorry bro, not sure where they go, but it will probably be different on the 1100 over the 650. very strange not sure why it would start up when unplugged, fricken wiring can be a real pain in the ass.

[@asainlover67]

Well thanks anyways, we'll continue to troubleshoot. Prolly just gonna end up buying a manual on the bike

[@patrickyoung2117]

A good battery for the V-Star can be bought for under 80 dollars, they're powerful but tiny. ( I tried Wal Mart, great price but too damned disorganized and not ONE SINGLE BATTERY fit!) Don't get discouraged, this installation can be downright awful, I had to tie all the wires out or the way with tiny bungee cords (and temporarily disconnect a couple) and the absolute worst was getting the rubber battery strap hooked back in at the bottom. I bit the bullet and notched an old flat tip screwdriver, and used it to force the strap over the bottom tab. DEFINITELY worth it!

[@OhRonaldo]

Glad you're okay, been a while. Where do you locate the quick connect for your battery tender?

[@bernbo]

Thanks Ron, to be honest with you I just keep the lead hooked to the battery in case I need to hook one up. I have never had to use one for the life of the battery.

[@Timothy1987]

hey brother just bought me a 2000 yamaha v star 650 custom with only 10k on the clock. my first bike.. im a super newbie haha. question.. bought a new battery for it fired right up came back 2 days later dead.. didnt have enough power to crank it over.. me and my uncle push started it i rode it around the neiborhood for 30 mins or so.. parked it. next day same issue.. dead. any advice or troublshooting tips? thanks brother.

[@bernbo]

Right on bro, congrats on your new bike. It could be a couple of things, the first thing I would check is your regulator rectifier kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnqxe6SumsiVaJo and if that is not the problem it could be your stator. kzbin.info/www/bejne/amXLfZ2Gd7SVj9k. you may want to take it into the shop for that one. Hope this helps you out.

[@Timothy1987]

Bernbo awesome thanks for the reply! ill check em... i already love this bike the engine is strong but its all worthless with wiring /battery issues haha... thanks again from texas brother merry christmas!

[@vitomir-vitovladika3265]

Hi Bernbo ...nice to see ya back... but 123 $ for a freakin battery this is a robbery if u ask me ...for 123 $ i can send u 2 batterys with shipping included from Sweden ...lol

[@bernbo]

Couldn't agree more, some shops around here are close to 200 bucks freakin ridiculous.

[@mckomb1]

Helo Bernbo. Remember me? Here Przemek from Poland. I asked you abaut Sunglasses, very thanks. Now I want to buy something better: a helmet scorpion exo-100 with blenda - what you think abaut this helmet. And I have question for you-I change my horse from v-star 650 to midnight 950 and I am looking for one part- you could help me?

[@bernbo]

Hi Przemek, don't really know much about the Scorpion exo-100 with blenda, just looked it up. Looks like a pretty good helmet from what I have seen on it. Congrats on the new bike bro. What part are you looking for? maybe I can help.

[@ericcortes3773]

we missed you

[@mattia945]

Thanks from Italy

[@HarleyBreakoutGuy]

Nice looking bike

[@jesusiseverything2174]

Great video!

[@4108harlan]

I replaced my battery, now bike won't start, any ideas???

[@bernbo]

Hey Roger, not sure what happened there, was it fine before the battery change?

[@4108harlan]

@@bernbo Yes, however, did not start it for about 6 weeks. Going to test pickup coil today

[@4108harlan]

@@bernbo btw, you have GREAT videos , really appreciate you knowledge!

[@gamenight5788]

Really appreciate the help!

[@kevinmarshall5758]

Removing & installing a battery on a Honda VTX 1300R is a lot more involved I have to remove rear passenger seat first then remove rider seat & remove a plastic electrical unit that sits on top of plastic cover, undo 3 phillips screws to remove plastic cover to get access to battery to undo negative terminal & then positive terminal, then pull up battery to remove from motorcycle. To reinstall battery in motorcycle everything is done in reverse order. It's much easier to access the battery on your Yamaha VStar 650 Classic.

[@bernbo]

Holy crap that is a lot more involved.

[@Chato54]

What year is this bike?

[@bernbo]

Chahoe_54 Hey Chahoe this bike is a 2004.

[@Chato54]

Bernbo cool thanks. I’m having an issue with my 2001 v star 650 and I can’t seem to figure it out. It’s not the battery, just bought a new one, charged it and threw it on there. I flip the switch to the in position and nothing happens, no lights, no power to the kill switch or starter switch at all. There’s power going to the ignition switch but as soon as I flip it to the on position, it loses power. Can’t figure it out. It was working fine for a few days then this happened. Any suggestions or idea that can lead me in the the right direction? Thanks in advance!!

[@bernbo]

Chahoe_54 you could search on KZbin 650 vstar regulator rectifier, it may be the unit has failed.

[@Davofromdownunder65]

That’s what I’m going to do with mine, we call it a trickle charger. My battery has lasted me since new and mines an 08 model so I’m not complaining lol

[@bernbo]

Wow 2008, that's a good battery.

[@randellmoody3767]

What year is that v-star??

[@bernbo]

It's a 2004 classic.

[@yorikvatral929]

Is charging works ?

[@bernbo]

No charging didn't work.

[@drewjohnson5539]

$109 !?!?!?!?! I just bought mine for $35. Did I get a crappy one or maybe the wrong one?!

[@bernbo]

Hey Drew, that was 109 bucks Canadian 3 yrs ago, so not sure, you may have got a great deal on yours. I wish mine was $35 lol.

[@andylee1035]

nice work bro

[@Iseekoutthetrails]

that is a crazy price for a motorcycle battery, I just bought a new battery For my SUV and it was only $53 bucks.

[@bernbo]

Some of the shops around here want close to $200, just crazy man.

[@Iseekoutthetrails]

that is crazy, I found this on Ebay www.ebay.com/itm/AGM-BATTERY-Fits-YAMAHA-XVS650-V-STAR-650-CLASSIC-1997-2010-/291709203328?hash=item43eb393380:g:4x0AAOSwmmxW5yHn&vxp=mtr

[@bernbo]

1down4up daaam that's a deal.

[@TheFiroots]

Yes, thanks

[@fuscacharlie82]

Obrigado!!!

[@HarleyBreakoutGuy]

That's a shame and they are not cheap to replace either

[@bernbo]

True, over priced for sure.

[@senormarquez5469]

Hi Bernal, i am a new rider. i got a motor like yours,. i don't know how to change the battery even i watched your video 3 times,,, could any one help me to writer down the every step that he did, XD

[@fx802]

I would have had Bernbo do all the work and had a COLD BEER, then take it for a long ride!!

[@bernbo]

hahaha have you been talking to my bro!

[@LuckyMammoth]

Handyman!