V-Star 650 classic review

[@longbeaches44]

I recently purchased a 2002 VStar 650 classic with 20K miles. It is a well-maintained bike with a pod kit/rejet and a V&H slip-on exhaust. I have just changed the 11-year-old Dunlop tires for Michelin ll Commanders, swapped out the front pads for EBC sintered versions, and changed all fluids, splines greased, etc. It runs like a top. The bike feels much larger than it is, has lots of low-end torque, and is fine on the freeway. IMO, a really great and affordable mid-size cruiser.

[@gnjadventures]

I too had to change the Dunlop tires when I bought mine. I am due for another set. I have the Shinko tires and now I going to get the Michelins after this season is over. The Shinkos were all I could afford at the time. They aren’t bad tires. In fact I’ve not had any issues, but my friend has a VStar custom and he has Michelin commander II and the ride is so smooth. The adjustment shocks were set the same. Stay safe and ride your ride.

[@longbeaches44]

It's like a new bike with the Michelin Commander lls! Still breaking in the EBC pads, but I already see a tremendous difference.@@gnjadventures

[@vadersfather1248]

Got my 2014 vstar classic 650 with Vance Hines pipes for 7 grand Aussie dollars with only 3000 Klics on the clock two months ago and cannot be happier I ride every day and love it

[@gnjadventures]

My 05 had 8500 miles and I’ve had it now 8 years. I have an oil leak that I have traced back to the stator wires leading back into the side of the engine. I have a new stator on order and I’ll make a video about changing it. I have one now, but people seem to not be able to figure out removing 3 screws and installing new screws, so I will make another video. I love mine and I’ll keep it as long as it runs. It’s paid for and gets me where I need to go. Stay safe!!

[@vadersfather1248]

@@gnjadventures you to m8

[@iamkingrichard2032]

A couple of weeks ago, I bought a 2000 Yamaha Vstar 650 Classic and so far I don't have any issues with it. It has around 8500 miles. I installed new Kurnakyn ISO grips and added new Viking Saddle bags and it looks great now. I am planning on riding it in short trips.

[@gnjadventures]

I love my v-Star 650. I just take short trips. Once in a while a 100 miles ride, it gets some vibrations above 75 mph. I have the mustang seat added and it made a world of difference. Wow, a 2000 with that few miles is a great find. Stay safe out there and ride your own ride.

[@electrician248]

I have one of these fine motorcycles. One thing you may want to check are the cam chain tensioners. If when you start a cold engine, you may hear a small and very brief rattle that goes away in an instant. Its a fairly easy task and it works. Just back out the Alan head bolts on the tensioner just a bit until you can jiggle it a little. You will hear a little click and now it is adjusted and you are done. I performed this service on my 2011 V-Star and no more rattle!

[@gnjadventures]

@electrician248 thanks for the heads up. I will definitely check on that. I haven’t noticed a rattle, but can’t say I’ve listened for it.

[@electrician248]

@@gnjadventures Thank you. That part of most over head cam, four stroke engines usually never gives any trouble, but its an easy fix if it does.

[@Chris-sm4jv]

Nice review. Just recently bought a 2005 vstar 650 classic 7k miles, my clutch cable broke on me a few days after I bought it, when I went to replace it I seen the clutch adjuster bolt somehow got broken and that’s what ended up causing my old clutch cable to break.. got it fixed today and the bike is perfect. Yamaha told me that they couldn’t even order the clutch adjuster bolt for me. Was wondering if anybody else has had this problem?

[@gnjadventures]

I have not heard of that issue on a clutch bolt. Is it possible to find one on eBay or maybe a store like Grainger where they have several bolts of different sizes and thread pitches.

[@dylano7242]

Of the Japanese Cruisers the yamaha is lightest , but still ride like a larger Cruiser. And go for not much money. I bought a 2006 v star for $2000 with 8k miles, and a 2016 honda shadow phantom 4k miles $4k. Both I'd take any day over a larger more expensive less reliable harley , or Indian .

[@gnjadventures]

I have been happy with my V-Star. I have the video where I replaced the stator. I have been fighting an oil leak and narrowed it down to the rubber grommet where the wires from the stator come out of the housing. I’ve ordered a replacement stator so watch for that video to come out soon. That is the only issue I have had is the stator.