Yamaha V Star 650 Classic | My New Motorcycle

[@NJBoden]

Hey gang so I've gotten some questions about my size and comments about this bike being a "girl's bike". First I'm 6 foot nothing and about 210-ish (I like to workout) and this bike fits me just fine. It's been anvil reliable and I don't feel overly constricted riding it. It's very comfortable and has been my commuter since i got it. As far as it being a "girl's bike".... It's an awesome machine and yeah my 1100 was more powerful and it isn't a Harley but I sincerely don't care. A motorcycle is a motorcycle and if you find something you enjoy then who gives a damn. I don't own a Harley because I never cared about owning one. I live in Minnesota, we get maybe 5 months of decent riding a year and then eternal winter. I don't want to spend that much on a bike and this thing has been incredible to me. Plus like I said in the video, most people think it's a Harley when they see it at first anyways but that isn't why I like it. It looks great, runs great, and is reliable. Gotten nothing but compliments on it irl. I love it :)

[@utubeu8129]

I hear the same horseshit from realtors, if a home is not large its just a starter home. Im 58yrs old been on motorcycles for more than 40yrs I don't need a large home or a heavy bike. I think starters/beginners are the ones that worrying about size and impressing others.

[@NJBoden]

@@utubeu8129 Couldn't have said it better myself

[@darrylpugh6656]

These are sometimes people who are having a hard time justifying the way over priced HD’s they have bought. I have my 650 and to tell you the truth either think it’s a HD ore something much bigger. It looks big. And there is nothing anywhere on my bike that says 650 on it. And I couldn’t agree more with the statement the person above said.

[@chappy4944]

The Germans almost conquered the world in the 40’s on their 5-700 cc bikes, loaded with ammunition and machine guns and Sidecar, nobody called them a ‘girls bike’ so tell em that!

[@DaveForArt]

people always like to guess how many ccs .. they usually start at 1500 and i just nod my head. lol. someone once said it was a $35,000 bike. they are just nice ass bikes.

[@psalm2forliberty577]

Love it Brother great ride ! I test rode & almost bought this exact bike. I ended up with an ADV ride, a 2008 Suzuki V-Strom 650 which suits my lifestyle & goals currently. But I def want a Metric Cruiser at some point, a V-Star 650 or maybe a Suzuki C50. Ride safe & Amen on Helmet use ! A deer wacked me on my prior bike a Burgman 400. No warning just wham, totaled bike & I hit pavement & gutter at 50 mph. The big scar on my helmet that would have been my fatal head injury, if I'd no helmet on. You never get a warning so dress appropriately Brothers !

[@pja123pja]

I Don't know about others but my 2007 Vstar 650 Silverado Classic is perfectly happy cruising at 70 to 75mph. Make sure the tires are properly inflated, the wheels are balanced, the spokes are tensioned right, and the rear monoshock is properly adjusted and vibration will stay at a minimum. As far as passing speed, I have gotten the ole girl up to 90mph no problem, I rarely need to go that fast in my car let alone my bike, so that's not an issue. If anyone tells you otherwise then something's wrong with their bike. If you have to go faster, or just feel the need for speed, then this bikes not for you. Its a well balanced bike and just a hell of a lot of fun to ride.

[@chrisgoolsby9386]

I agree i have 07 with 9500 miles on it it does everything i want it to do

[@darrylpugh6656]

You are so right about this bike. I love mine and I am not a beginner! Maybe it’s good for a beginner but it’s a great bike for us who just enjoy riding and don’t need a monster that will do 150 mph.

[@kjensen7]

I had a Vulcan 800 Classic. Got teased by a new Harley Sportster owner that I rode with. I told him that I get the same wind in my face at a quarter of the price. He shut up. Watched your video cause I’m thinking of getting a 2007 Vstar 650.

[@DanielRMendoza]

I have the exact same 2004 bike, just customized it much more. I traded the stock exhaust for a Cobra slip on, added a lot more chrome fixtures, installed a batwing fairing, 4 speaker system with amp, and do regular maintenance on it. I have put a lot of love into the bike and it has been amazing! I frequently travel 4+ hour rides monthly on the freeways and the bike handles no problem at 75 MPH. I can go up to 82-83 MPH but that’s when I really start to shake. The only real downside to this bike is the acceleration. It usually takes me a few seconds to get up to speed. But that’s a small price to pay, and it catches up quickly. I think with these bikes, if you put love into them and trade out the stock components for performance aftermarket parts, your bike will be able to hang with most riders. Absolute fantastic bikes. Comfortable, lightweight, affordable, and they can look like any style bike you want them to! Great video and wishing all you bikers safety on your travels!

[@thomascuddy6439]

Thanks for the video. I just bought a 2007 V Star 650 to replace my Yamaha Stratoliner. I’m 74 and have arthritis. I needed a smaller bike - one that was easier to handle but still has enough power to get me around. The 650 will work just fine.

[@Diesel415]

Congrats on getting the XVS650, mine has been a great bike and one thing to be absolutely sure you maintain is the shaft drive. There are four points from the mid-shaft back to the hub that I grease liberally with every tire change or at the very least it should be done once a year. Letting the splines go dry will result in a very expensive repair.

[@tdublove9558]

That was very good information thank you for sharing that I just picked up the 08 v star 650 classic today It felt as good if not better than my Old CB 900 custom

[@Wildirishmanbiker]

My third bike 25 years ago. I re-carbed it ! Very reliable and solid bike. Not so much on the highway

[@old_shupshe]

I have same bike, minus the studs. To reiterate what others have said, check the shaft coupler and regrease it! Right after I bought mine at 14K miles the coupler was almost worn completely. They are available on eBay for about $40. Love the bike. Back when I started riding a 650 was a big bike, and it's more than enough to get you around. A little buzzy at 70, but not as bad as a sportster.

[@bennyblanko3]

I have a Stratoliner 1900 and my wife has this vstar 650. I have one word for this bike - fun. I love riding it. Yeah, the Stratoliner eats up the highway when that is required, but how fun is that - boring! Around town and country, this is a much more enjoyable ride. Always makes me smile. Her's has a Mustang seat, Vance Hines slip ons, rejet and airbox mod, and really has decent get up and go - surprised me when I first rode it. I thought it would be a slow dog, but it isn't. Super flickable with good tires, and plenty of get up and skoot, and comfortable for shorter trips.

[@NJBoden]

Hope you are all staying safe on and off the road ♥

[@just-dl]

Love the 650. Unless someone needs to spend a lot of time on the interstate, 650 cc is plenty. I like the size and shape. One mod I think you’d agree with is a louder ( and deeper tone) horn. Personally, I’d get a smaller windscreen. I’m only 5’7” and wouldn’t need one that big, plus the height of that one strikes me as disproportionately tall. Purely aesthetic opinion. Same with the leather. I’d lose the studs in a New York minute. But, awesome bike.

[@skArpPT]

I got a 2000 v star 650 classic and I love it. Buy what you want not what the community feels is cool.

[@gregpettit1439]

Many people ask about fuel mileage on these. I,v gone through many tanks on my Vstar and it gets a consistent 50 mpg. so that is 200 miles while running 55 to 60. The mileage really decreases higher than that.

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

I own a 2008 V Star Silverado 650. I'm 6', 170lb and it performs well for me. My was stolen two years ago and I just recently stumbled upon it at a local mechanics shop near me. It had sustained much damage. But I am in the process of rebuilding it now. I'll be making several changes, doing away with many of the components... Should have it back on the road soon. Ride Safe Keep The Shiny Side Up 👆😁

[@Zerstoror]

Whats that process like? "Hey uhh...this vin matches my stolen bike. Im calling the cops"?

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

​@@Zerstoror That was about it! A cousin of mine saw it one day and let me know, we rode to the shop, which belongs to a friend of ours, and I confirmed that it was in fact, my motorcycle. He loaded it up and brought it to my place just a mile away. He had no idea it had been stolen, and the friend of his who had brought it to him for repairs had bought it from the one's that had stolen it from me. Crazy story. But true.

[@buddyharshawiowa]

Nice vstar.I just got a 01 drag vstar and love it.a lot of people thought I was nuts bc I sold my gsxr 600 to go back to a vstar safe travels

[@deonmilne8511]

I have bought a 2020 650 Classic and I absolutely love it!

[@jamiewood265]

She is a gorgeous lady. Love my white V Star 650.

[@gardini100]

I love them. makes the best looking Bobbers for a decent amount of money looking for one right now :)

[@groover5863]

mine will be up for grabs this fall. 2006 V Star Classic bags wind shield and all. Silver and blue only 20,000 km. Well maintained and never abused.

[@darrylpugh6656]

Hi I love the Color scheme the red and black. My VStar is Silver and black. I have had quite a few people tell me If you upgrade the air intake along with a good set of pipes that this 650 cc Will keep right up with the 1100. And this is supposedly from people who owned an 1100 at one time or people who have a 650 VStar and ride with others who ride an 1100 VStar. I can’t Waite to try these things out for myself. Thank you for the video.

[@oneeyepirateguy1133]

just bought a v star classic and I cannot wait for the weather to warm up mine is all white

[@petten33]

I ride a 650 Silverado Classic. I'm a happy camper. These are almost indestructible. I'm only 5'6", so the bike is a beast por moi.

[@NJBoden]

Oh same here. I'm 6 even 210 and I have no issues with any power or torque. Girl gets the job done! Anvil reliable is an understatement when it comes to the Silverados

[@mordicus420]

Good to know dude 👊 I'm 5'7 and looking for a 650 for my first bike next season (in the middle of doing the course for permit) Safe safe man ✌

[@NJBoden]

@@mordicus420 You too mate be careful out there ♥

[@Bugkiller08]

I love mine as well. I've gotten a few people to say "nice Harley". I'm also in Minnesota. Riding season coming soon!

[@dulcimerjunkie8516]

Looking at one on my local market. You just convinced me

[@lloydsplace2]

my 01 650 has a heel toe shifter. I just use the toe shifter. gonna change it to toe only. I keep hitting the heel shifter. I just put a new mustang seat on it.

[@howardbueno8464]

I have a 2005 yahama 650 v star classic it's a great bike fun to ride looks great and reliable what more do you need .

[@jlrutube1312]

I had one of these for a couple of years. It's beautiful and reliable. I ride on the interstate a lot so it was not exactly what I needed. It needs a sixth gear. It's good for the 60 and 65 mph secondary roads but on the interstates everyone leaves you in the dust.

[@tenzel1231]

that's your bike cause mine does 80 all day

[@jlrutube1312]

@@tenzel1231 Two things: 1. When the speedo says you are going 80 you are probably going 75 cause almost all Japanese bike's speedometers exaggerate. Mine did, and about everyone else on the v-star forums did too. 2. Yes, mine would do 80 all day too but it just runs at a high rpm to do that and that wasn't my cup of tea. Some people don't mind that and some people may perhaps even like that. I have a Honda VTX 1300 now and even it runs slightly faster rpm than I would like but I have gotten accustomed to it. I think pretty much all the Japanese cruisers would be improved with 6 gears. I had a friend who had a V-Star 650 and he went across Arizona and held it at 90 mph (which is getting close to it's claimed top speed) all the way across the state. The bike did it, but it did burn an entire quart of oil. I just think it wouldn't work the engine so hard with one more gear. I am glad you like your bike. It is, after all, a great bike with many charms.

[@Aremmyr]

Love my V-Star 650 !

[@brianl4310]

i have a 2005 v star and i love riding mine i am about take a trip on it as soon as i figure how far a tank if gas goes

[@nicholascorbett4622]

Yea. But what I need to know is does it get the job done?

[@alrangel1289]

Just bought this exact bike...nice looking beauty...smooth rider!!

[@NJBoden]

Congrats on the purchase! It's so good :) Thanks for watching!

[@terryshrives8322]

I know exactly where you got that bike. I almost bought it. Nice video loved it

[@garrettr4752]

I just got one as my first bike, I'm a big guy so it looks a touch small. But man I took it up the road (first time ever riding a bike) but I think I'll like it alot

[@RiskyR1CH]

Nice ride, ditto about having no fuel gauge, you forgot to mention the choke,

[@NJBoden]

Sure did.

[@RiskyR1CH]

@@NJBoden my bad, must have missed it,

[@NJBoden]

@@RiskyR1CH Oh no you were right I meant it as I sure did miss it lol ♥

[@johnpatterson5875]

Did the indention on the Right fork come from the manufacturer or was it from an accident

[@NJBoden]

Manufacturer. I'm sure that's there to prevent damage to keys hanging off the cylinder

[@goodbragpro]

vstar gang bro!

[@cl3662]

Very nice bike, I just purchased one this week. If you don't mind me asking, why did you sale your 1100?

[@NJBoden]

I ended up getting a new job and we had to relocate. At the time the job I had didn't pay all that well. So everything I got to upgrade my KZbin stuff or my motorcycle was basically only possible if I worked a bunch of OT. When the time came to relocate I basically had no way to get it to my new home and didn't have the money for a trailer to haul it with the moving truck. I sold it to my buddy for 500 bucks as a favor. He needed a bike and I had no way to get it to where I am now. I do miss that bike (1st loves never die eh?) but I'm very happy with this one, even with the lower engine displacement.

[@cl3662]

@@NJBoden yea definitely it's a great bike ! In fact I sold my roadstar midnight Silverado 1700 to downsize back to a smaller bike. I like the 1700 but only for a short season, the big bike weight and fuel gas hog got old. Yes it was comfortable but it wasn't as light, nimble and fun like a smaller bike. I've come to the conclusion that I'm a smaller cc midsize cruiser guy not big cc.

[@NJBoden]

@@cl3662 I'm definitely the same way. Just because yyou can have more doesn't mean you always NEED it. I love how agile my 650 is and I usually average about 55MPG vs the 48-50 I was getting with my 1100. Those little differences really add up!

[@Juliussmoothie]

1:25 i had to cut off the heel shifter, having size 14 feet even with the footboards was too small lol

[@NJBoden]

Oof yeah don't blame you. I wear 12's and sometimes if I don't seat them in just right they tend to get caught up. Toe shifting works just fine ;) I only use the heel to drive past neutral into 2nd anyways

[@AbdulQadirKhan]

i think i will start saving for this one

[@sle2979]

Do these bikes overheat in traffic beingsir cooled? I want to get one

[@NJBoden]

Great question! I've owned two of these and have never had an overheating issue as long as I maintained my oil changes. They'll run hot in stop-and-go traffic and you'd probably not want to be caught on a bike in traffic like that anyways, but nope no overheating from it being air cooled. The bike can lose some power in the heat as well but once you get going it will be fine. You legs will probably get a little toasty too. My Harley Electra Glide is air cooled as well. Bigger bike (1,584cc's!) and can generate more heat but same concept applies. I've ridden air cooled bikes and have been caught in a few traffic jams. They absolutely suck, but I've never had a bike die from heat. Just make sure you're up on your oil changes and as always maintenance is the best form of prevention. Hope that helps!

[@sle2979]

@@NJBoden Thanks for the information. How often should you change the oil on a bike like this

[@user-qc3ol3mk3f]

Biggest con is the vibration of the bike at around 60mph. But all in all . Freaking great bike, very dependable !

[@NJBoden]

Agree entirely. It definitely needed a 6th gear.

[@robertross4274]

Now just add big air intake a performance jet kit and a dyna 3000 ignition 👍 and watch how much power the 650 can achieve

[@darrylpugh6656]

What is a Dyna 3000 ignition and how does it work?

[@gregpettit1439]

@@darrylpugh6656, that is an aftermarket ignition module. It just plugs in, in place of the factory one. There are maybe 8 different setting for the timing curve. I have heard these are very good.

[@ferrelli76]

I feel you on the studs not a fan they feel more like they should be on a Indian motorcycle I like less flash.

[@MichaelM-q2q]

Mines a 2013.clasic.its great but my Ole legs can't hold the 350 lbs up anymore. It's for sale. Under 12,000 miles.

[@willmoore8708]

Harley Schmarley! The Classic Is Classic!!!

[@doctor_andrés]

beautiful! enjoy it!!!

[@peterfox294]

Do you know what brand the rear passenger boards are?

[@williamarinder8809]

I am thinking about one of those myself. About how much did it cost, if you don't mind giving the price?

[@NJBoden]

The seller wanted 2500, I was able to talk them down to 2000. Best tip I can give new buyers is to remember that when they sell, they are just as eager to get rid of their bike as you are to get it. And you can believe that people get mighty eager to compromise when they see the cash in your hand ;)

[@williamarinder8809]

@@NJBoden That bike looks to be in excellent condition for the age. And $2,000 is a really good price. The comparable ones I am looking at are asking around $3,000 or more. Yea, cash in hand helps sometimes.

[@puertoricanjj4691]

Would you recommend for my first bike ?

[@NJBoden]

I'd recommend it for anybody's first, second, third, or any time bike without question!

[@billytscherne4643]

Can you cruise 70 mph with a 650cc ?

[@NJBoden]

Not as smoothly as something with a bigger displacement. Once you hit 70 you start feeling more vibration and the engine starts to power out. You'll be able to cruise it but not as comfortably as a rider

[@trec.3696]

So is it possible to remove the windshield by removing the bolts, this is something I’m trying to figure out before I pick up this bike?! Thanks for the making this video and I hope everyone is staying safe on the road and in the world.

[@NJBoden]

I haven’t removed it yet but from what I can see all you need to do is remove the bolts :)

[@trec.3696]

@@NJBoden thank you!! I’m picking up an o7 v star Silverado on Friday, it’s my first bike, And after passing the msf course I’m really excited! FTW ✌🏾

[@NJBoden]

@@trec.3696 Congratulations on passing the course and I have to commend you on making a wise choice and taking the MSF course in the first place! I know you'll enjoy your first bike, they're anvil reliable and low maintenance. Maybe I'll see you on the highway one day! Best of luck to you ♥

[@gregpettit1439]

Yes, it can be removed! Its just not made to be put on and off like some are. The one in the video looks like mine, believe me, you'll want it.

[@yurart]

Hi, Nick! I wish to buy the same windshield for my 650. Is it comfortable to ride with the current windshield? Are there any problems with it? What is your height? How good is its wind protection at high speed (~70 mph)? Where can I buy the same windshield? Thanks in advance!

[@NJBoden]

It's very comfortable riding with it on. I'm 6 foot even and I have no clue where to get it as it came with the bike when I bought it sorry mate ♥

[@marvinschumacher2885]

Try Amazon

[@yurart]

@@marvinschumacher2885 already bought it locally. Thanks

[@eldyablo6244]

Very nice bro 👌

[@hyperspaceexplorer5594]

Is it true that V Star 650 stalls a lot? I plan to buy one.

[@NJBoden]

In my experience the only time it would stall is if I didn't let it run for a minute since it's carbureted and not fuel injected. So I would say that is not true, but like any carbureted bike if you don't let it run for a minute or try to cut the choke while the engine is still cold then you run a higher risk of stalling. But that is true of any carb'd bike. Hope that helps and stay safe out there ♥

[@charleswilson4526]

Nice bike, does it have the same feel as the 1100? A big bike feel in other words?

[@NJBoden]

Size wise it feels a little narrower with my knees against the tank, but otherwise it feels more like a running back than a lineman. It has the size but it is definitely way more nimble and agile. You don't lose that big bike feel at all. I'm glad I had an 1100 but honestly I prefer this one way more.

[@charleswilson4526]

NJBoden what’s highway/top end power like? I heard you can do pod kits on this and it opens right up

[@NJBoden]

@@charleswilson4526 It gets a little less torquey once you start getting into the 60s-70s but you still get enough acceleration if you need it. You can do pod kits if you want (my 1100 had a Kuryakyn air intake) but at that point if you're worried about not getting enough power and airflow you'd probably be better off with a bigger displacement engine anyways. In my experience though I never felt at a loss of cooling, airflow or overall power, but I also ride fairly conservatively (like I'm invisible, stick to the speed limits etc.).

[@charleswilson4526]

NJBoden I ride a Vulcan 800 and I see a lot of these around and I’m curious as if I ever had to sell this bike quick and grab a cheap bike, this would be an option. I’m 5’7 177lbs so I’m sure I can get up to 80 no issues

[@NJBoden]

@@charleswilson4526 Oh yeah you'd have no problem at all. I'm 6'0 and 210 and I can do 80 no sweat. I haven't tried for top speed yet but I think it tops out at about 90 or so, so I think you'd be set up well :)

[@johnbuffa8028]

How do you feel this would be for a first bike? Secondly, I’ll have 2 people on it very often, is it big enough for two?

[@NJBoden]

It’s a bike you can grow into nicely and take time to grow out of while you hone your skills. If you’re going to have a passenger a lot I think it might not give you enough. It has enough power to take care of you and a passenger for sure but with more than one person bigger is always better. Solo riding though you’ll be set.

[@mxjrichardcarvalho1864]

I started riding last year and bought a 2005 Vstar Classic. Generally seemed to be well recommended for a new rider, with potential to grow. The main reason I got it was the shaft drive. So far I like it. A little heavy I think, but I believe most shaft bikes are. Hope you're all riding safely.

[@NJBoden]

@@mxjrichardcarvalho1864 Thanks hope you are too ♥ The shaft maintenance is so nice and the added weight I feel helps with not getting knocked around by the wind as much but that might just be perception or wishful thinking :P Glad you're enjoying your bike and wish you many many happy and safe years ♥

[@sehr1515]

You went from that upgraded yamaha 1100 custom to a stock 650? Yikes man, you were set.

[@NJBoden]

Like I said I had to sell it for a move as I had no way to get it to where I was at the time. I'm set now this bike has been great all season long :)

[@gregoryblair9810]

Saw a female biker movie and several were riding 650 classic and custom.

[@NJBoden]

Good for them it's a good bike I'd recommend it to anybody honestly

[@thomaslego6478]

How tall are you

[@NJBoden]

6 foot nothing 215lbs :)

[@korazon3spinado]

What kind of gas mileage do you get?

[@NJBoden]

Usually between 48-50 mpg. Where I llive it's connected by a lot of country roads and highway so unless you are on the residential side roads you're usually going at least 55. I'd have to guess if I'm going 40 and under it'd probably hit more near 42-45 mpg realistically speaking.

[@korazon3spinado]

That's about what I get on my Suzuki gs500f.

[@NJBoden]

@@korazon3spinado good stuff :) Nice bike too! GS500f looks toooo sweeeeeet!

[@korazon3spinado]

Thanks they're both old school bikes!

[@korazon3spinado]

Both air cooled with carburators, 9 to 1 compression and a choke.

[@my2wheels]

Had the same Bike! It was a great riding Bike!