On my second season of riding. I’ve put just over 5k miles on my 650 vstar. As a beginner it’s been amazing. Easy maintenance, reliable and good size to learn.

3 years too late but will still say 1 air cooled 2 carb 3 cable clutch 4 shaft 5 low seat 6 not slow by anymeans 7 good on fuel 8 not too heavy 9 looks good 10 loads you can do to the bike 11 great sound 12 easy and cheap to maintain 13 cheap to buy but getting to be a collectors bike so prices will be going up even more reason to get one 14 very very comfy to ride distance 15 very very reliable 16 parts dont cost a fortune 17 Good first bigger bike but also good as a bike to keep even for the old school /bunch 18 does not seem to date or look old 19 rides good 2 up 20 good as a tourer and not just a cruiser Well there you have it 20 reasons to get one The only down side for me was getting to grips with my feet being forward and not below But once I got to grips with that off I went and I have kept it so at the young age of 70 I guess it will now stay with me because it is a forgiving bike in many many ways and its now done over 50K miles with not a single issue what more do you want and dont say Harley because they are simply not as good end of !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like that you start off with a Bible verse. I like that we see you pray with riders when they buy a bike. Very classy!

I’m about to buy a 2000 v Star 650 today

The VStar 650 isn't just for entry-level. I've been riding street bikes regularly since 1992, and I'm pretty happy with the 650 I bought 3 years ago. It's not a very exciting bike, but it never spends any time at the local mechanics shop either - I wish I could say the same for some of the other bikes I've owned over the years! Most riders seem to complain that they don't have enough power (40HP), they find the clutch abrupt, or it feels like it could use a 6th gear. Those things have never bothered me, but if there's one thing I could whine about it would be the brakes. They're best described as 'adequate'. I find they feel rather wooden, but they work... okay.

Low maintenance. Dependable cruiser. Yamaha makes great bikes.

I've had a 2008, fully dressed, chrome to the max, Canadian Special since it came out. It was my first bike. Took my test on it it and passed with flying colours. This is a great bike. I can go up steep hills in top gear with my wife , bags and rear luggage rack full. The only down side is it gets buzzy at 60 mph and above, needs a 6th gear. This is the best first bike to buy.

My uncle went coast to coast on one of those. After he came back home he got an 1100 but still that little 650 did the job!

I had one when I got back into riding. Great bike to start out on. Loved that bike. Got taken out by two little spotted deer. So I bought a 1600 midnight star. Now I run them over.

I just got a 98 vstar classic 650 w/ 9800 miles last week as my first bike. It feels a little big at first but after a few hours it's pretty comfortable. At first I didn't like that the clutch only needs to be pulled in about a half inch before it disengages; however now I've learned to love it. I can keep one finger on the clutch and barely pull it to switch gears. It also has a very forgiving gear box that lets you do clutchless shifts. The seat is super comfortable (I'm 5'11" 165lbs).

My first bike, 2008 v star 650 classic, loved it.

My first street bike was a 2001 V Star Classic Custom 650. I was in love with it when I first bought it. I paid $2,000USD for it. Everywhere I took it even on group rides with nearly all Harleys, everyone loved it. I loved it too. They are cheap, reliable, powerful and easy to ride. For my second bike I think I want a little more power though but, I would buy the V Star I had before all over again and again.

My 05 Yamaha V-STAR 1100 was a spot on a perfect cruiser and long distance rider . The shaft drive is the best , no chain . Yes it was a bagger .

Metric cruisers are awesome. I have a 2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 classic lt and it's such a great bike. The only thing I'd say about them is change the exhaust. They never have loud pipes lol Mine has debaffled Cobra Dragsters on it right now and she is so loud, so so loud lmao love it

i just got a 2007 VStar 1100 and i gotta say, it's a pretty cool little bike. light, handles well... little lower than i expected, and i gotta change a bunch of things, but i'm happy with it. it's not what my Indian was, but i didn't expect it to be. i'm looking forward to wrenching on it to make it mine and gettin to know it. kinda funny that my first bike was a gray '82 Virago 750 in the winter of '02-'03 and here i am again, 20 years later on another gray Yamaha v-twin. history might not repeat itself, but it rhymes.

I hate floor boards also. I cut my motorcycle teeth on foot pegs and I find shifting and braking a little awkward but that's just me. I have a 2014 V-Star 650 and love it. I have been riding for 48 over years and have owned Harleys, Honda's, Jawa's, BMW's and the list goes on. Now I am an old man and have finally found a motorcycle that I will spending the rest of my life riding it. The only thing I dont like about this machine is that it has carburetors which when I start it I have to modulate the choke a little until the engine will run on its own, but still a very superb motorcycle!

I have been an instructor. I would tell the students to buy for the riding they would do and teach them on their bike. The smallest bike a student learned on was a 650. The largest..1200. If one learns on a smaller bike it doesn't set them up for a larger more powerful and cumbersome one. Full disclosure..I taught one on one so it easier to instruct them on the technique needed for the bike they chose. All passed their tests without fail at an independent test facility.

Great bikes! I have a 2006 V Star 650 Classic that has just a little over 6500 miles on it. I'm 66 and this bike fits me just fine as being short in height. I had 2011 Heritage that I sold and bought a 93 Goldwing Trike.....love that machine as well. But the 650 is my go to, two wheeled motorcycle for fun. I'm itching to ride it now......thanks

A nice black and chrome 650 classic was my first bike ever, I loved it, it was nice. 6 months later I bought a 2007 1100 custom in really nice shape, dark gray and chrome, it was beautiful and I rode both from time to time and never had issues with either one of them.... 😎

I owned a 650 custom a few years ago and they are great for around town and occasional freeway rides. Rode mine from Wi to WV and back........ that's when I found out that I needed more power for extended freeway runs. A couple of hours here and there on the freeway and you will like this bike.

I criscrossed every part of Honduras and the Bay Islands on a bike just like that. Beautiful ride, never had any issues in 3 yrs that I owned it. I love em.

Just picked up a 2007 with only 3,600 miles at a good price. Runs great after its warmed up. Seller told me the carbs were gone through last year. Are these bikes usually cold blooded? Rides/runs great at 55-65 on the 2-lanes, gets buzzy at interstate speeds but pulls well. Hard to maneuver slow intown speeds, needs a lower 1st gear. Doesn't like slow cornering. Being 6' tall and long legged I don't like the low seat height. Of course non of the complaints matter when I'm on that twisty/hilly country black-top road because this is where the bike shines as a definite 9 on my scale. When taking a tight turn at a moderate/sane speed avoiding an obstacle only needs the rider to point the tire in the desired direction with no fear of being thrown in the ditch, very well mannered. Motor pulls inclines good with proper gear selection, doesn't lug well in high gear. That's when I forget it's only a 650. It's good at, "Just a cruising!"

He sounds so cold. You can here him shivering in his voice.

They run out of steam at about 85 in a headwind with a windshield, but a really nice bike to start with or get back into riding. Put about 35k on one then upgraded to a Honda Interstate 1300.

Never owned street bike had lot of dirt bikes but looking for a DD commuting to work. I saw a 2009 Yamaha V star 650 in CL for $2900 with 3000 miles on it. Looks very clean no scratches seems like a good deal save a ton of gas plus ride in the carpool lanes.

I had one (DragStar XVS 650 Classic) for approximately 4 years and rode it semi-regularly for 3 (as my primary bike was the mine-beloved Intruder C800). I rode it mostly in the city (where it did its job perfectly as a good-lookin' home-to-work-and-back commuter), but even ooutside the city it held up with some of the bigger machines my friends saddled - I'm talking about 80mph speeds on highways. Considering my stature (5"7' & 140lbs) it seemed a perfect fit at first, but to my surprise, it felt quite small, and the floorboards seemed way too high for comfort required for long(-er) rides. Otherwise, it was a fine machine to ride. Technically speaking, the only issue (re-occuring) was that the carburetor got stuck during every single season-off, requiring me to dismantle the bike and clean it every single spring. Also, I had to replace the AC pump after 2nd season of riding, but that could happen to any bike. And yeah, the battery was getting dead after a month of no riding, but I could pinpoint the root cause down to previous owner's re-wiring job (a shitty one), who also added some extra led lights to the bottom and sides, just for "effect" (it looked like a silly motorized circus). After removing these, the battery status was fine all the time. Fine bike, but no match for the C800 🙂

I own a 2004 Yamaha vstar 1100 classic and a 05 Sportster with a hammer kit and I love both bikes for different reasons . One thing I honestly like the floor boards I'm short and it just seems really comfortable

I was originally going to use a CRF250L as a learner bike but I found a second hand 2006 V star 650 and got it instead and it’s perfect.

Absolutely love my 08 vstar 1100, bought the bike bobbed out and hated ever moment of riding it, rebuilt to OEM spec's. Now she's a real head Turner and real comfortable to ride, I call it my 2 wheel lazyboy..

Nice bike. But it was a bit small for me. So my starter bike ended up being Suzuki Boulevard M50. Not too much bigger but felt adequate as a first bike.

I am in the Northern Territory of Australia. I only just began riding this year. Currently I am just riding a Yamaha virago 250. I am about to join the South Australia/Northern Territory branch of the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA). I am looking at the XVS Yamaha 650. I think it will be good for suburban commutes but if I want to do open road it will also be capable. I live in the middle of the desert. 1500 kilometres from me is Adelaide. I no longer own a car. But if I had to get to Adelaide for an emergency and I couldn't get a Qantas flight, I need a working motorcycle for the open road. Not to mention not colliding with kangaroos, emus, cattle, horses, Camels, sheep, owls, eagles and hawks. Yep, the middle of nowhere, no cars but wild animals that jump out in front of you and send you to heaven.

It would be helpful if you compared it to other bikes in the same niche like the Honda Shadow ?

Luv my '05 V Star 1100 Silverado... Such a good dependable and comfortable Bike with enough Power to get on up or out of the way... ;)

This was extremely helpful to making my mind up on my first road bike

The Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 as far as I'm concerned is the best entry level cruiser. It's so versatile it suits any rider, just a great all round bike. I also respect your opinion!!

Pretty reliable little bike. Though I hated mine. Seemed way too underpowered for me. I now have a Vulcan 900 and I'm extremely happy with it.

Very pleasant to ride. Gives you loads of confidence. Sometimes I make myself go a bit faster but when there's no on behind me on single carriageways I'm happy to plod along at 55 or less. Don't often need to come out of 4 and 5. It's happy in the 30s in fourth too. It encourages relaxed riding but I've hustled it through some bends and it's not scared me. My other bikes are an FJ1200, Deauville 700 and an AN400. The other half has a 125 Virago which is actually why I bought my XVS 650. I love riding the FJ and this one and they are "chalk and cheese" I don't think I have a preference. Obviously cleaning the XVS takes much more time but she's a beauty when done.

I can't say enough about my 2006 XVS-650...Was stored last year and only 400 miles on it in the last 8 years, and bought it with just 2828 miles 2 months ago...It's the custom with the bags & windshield...But as one reply says, can't ride it like a sports bike and you're shifting out way to high on the RPM's, gotta remember you're on a V-Twin and use that low end torque and cruise!..

I got a Honda VTX 1800 as my first bike. Turns out it was probably a bad idea considering I crashed 4 days after purchase. Still gonna ride once I’m healed though :)

best thing about the v star 650 classic is that it is shaft driven no belt or chain ... it had plenty of power and get up and go!!! i had that lil bike over 110 mph by accident i was just crusing and it rides so smooth .... i will purchase another one in the near future i loved that bike ...

Looking to get into riding for the first time once COVID is all over. Thinking about getting a Yamaha V Star.

I got a Suzuki Boulevard S40. A smaller cruiser, but I love the way the single cylinder 650 sounds.

My first cruiser was a 2002 v star custom 650 , great little bike

Excellent video sir. I love your honesty and humor. Thank you.

I just got a 2007 Dragstar 650 Silverado classic in champagne silver on 7000 miles and love it .. gona get some white walls for it 👌🏼

Love my 2008 vstar 1100 classic...amazing bike, love both my bikes tho, 2 totally different feelins. Have an 07 HD 1200XLN also amazing bike as well

Just got my v star 1100 yesterday Great fun bike 🏍 If anyone can help me find out what seat is this bike from the video Been searching for a solo seat not bobber though?

I was strictly dirt oriented until I rode the v star 650 classic now I'm buying one 🤷

My current Ride is a gently used 2005 V-Star 1100 I've only had it a few months now. It's wonderful to ride because it's so comfortable. It came with many after market parts. I'm just waiting on winter to be over so I can get into the wind . I try not to ride unless it's at least 64 degrees outside

The star line of bikes were best thing Yamaha ever produced.

Deffintly gonna give you guys my business. Just gotta pay of my truck then I'm coming to see ya!

I just bought a 2008 V-Star 1100 Classic with 26k on it. Clean, clean, clean, and a joy to ride! But...I gotta get new handlebars: outter bars closer together and reduced reach (short arms here). Otherwise, I'm very, very happy.

My very first cruiser, same year, but mine is black. Great bike, but these stock pipes sucks, so I've changed mine. Also, if you make a sharp turn with these floor boards, you're going to grind them in the asphalt lol, the bike is very low.

My first bike was a 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 classic, recently I’ve had my heart set on a Harley but the more and more I these other bikes and good reviews especially since they’re low maintenance as well... I’m thinking of getting a vstar 1100

At 66 I bought the 650 custom...I love it...great bike for a shorter guy...im 5'7 with both feet flat on the ground at stoplights...2009 model for 1900.00 only 7,000 miles....enough speed for me...I wanna live to 67 😁

The V Star's are very reliable and load's of fun to ride... I own a '08 Silverado ✨✨✨ Customizing it at the moment... Thanks for sharing your opinion... Keep The Shiny Side Up Brother 👆

I ride a 2007 vstar classic ..I'm 5 ft 1 inches tall. Love love my bike..My son is 6.3 and rode it and he commented that he felt cramped on it.

Are there any distinct differences from a 2010 950 vstar and a 2015 950 vstar? They look identical.

i have a 2003 and it was a perfect first bike. I bought a 2006 stratoliner and it was like hopping on the same but wider and faster

"I get it ..... i TOTALLY get it... just go into something with an open mind, ya know? ....one day my back might give out, and I won't be able to ride my FZ anymore..." .....ummmmm, not sure you TOTALLY get it.

Gen 1 VMax here. Love my bike!!

get the 1100 they weight the same but the 1100 has better brakes and power

exactly what I need for those back road trips to work and back !

Love my 2013 XVS650 custom. Just wish it had another gear for highway use.

These style of bikes were so cool

Power to weight ratio doesn’t seem to be that great but if that’s the 650 you didn’t say. However if the 1100 is the same weight minus the engine then I will say everything you are saying good about getting that bike makes sense only if you have the 1100 version of it

its a great bike , was my 2nd 1 i owned. i put some hwy bars on it to stretch out and new exhaust. never a drama with it

Yeah I like your videos they're generally pretty f****** cool and sometimes you even have some really interesting stuff like when you do the bike competitions with your friends and y'all are all riding different bikes trying to figure out which ones are crap and which ones might be good

We’re is Shawn? He get tired of testing the vstar 650 lol

I love my 2008 vstar classic 1100.the best bike I ever owned

I thank the Lord for remaining faithful in my faithless times.

Nice bike I started off with a Yamaha dragster 125cc sexy bike now have a Honda shadow vt750cc still sexy

Remember to give the CC's.

I LOVE my 07 v star 650. Plenty of power for me and the way I ride. Lots of backroads and farm to market roads.

This bike sounds like a symphony. I am a musician and a lot of my gear is Yamaha because everything they make is great.

Hoping to own one of these on friday. First on road bike since I got my M1. Cant wait

Love my v-star. Handles well in all weather conditions. Keeps up easily with bigger bikes at highway speeds.

You'll soon outgrow the little 650. You're are better off with the 1100 V-Star instead which is a better bike in the long run. That's why they're getting so many on trade in is because riders want to step up soon after they ride them.

Welcome to the cruiser world a.k.a. MOTORCYCLE WORLD. Now you finally know what it's like to be an actual "biker".

Last August 2019 purchased a 2010 650 vstar with 3904 +- miles for $3800. Last bike HD $21,000. Price difference allows a 75 y/o to sleep in a bed. Ps the vstar is now for sale.

First impression cool . Like it.

Don't ever over lean/excert your horizontal bike plain. It's all throttle, brakes ( front and rear ), body positioning ( forward-leans and backward-leans )! Stay happy and safe. Remember about defensive riding rules!

Perfect city bike can handle highways weekend trips when you want to but still perfect size for the city

Any bikers out there I need you’re input on this. I am 17, I do not own a car but I am looking at a Vstar 2004 just like this bike but it’s by buddies. It’s in perfect condition and it’s looks and sounds great. Should I get a motorcycle as my first ride or should I get a car?

I almost bought a used V-Star one exactly [same color] like the one in this video, a few years back. I ended up buying a new [only three miles, odometer] 2019 all black Honda Phantom, which is also shaft drive.

Is the 1100 v Star good for a beginner. I've ridden before but never owned a bike. I'm 6'2 and have sat on the 1100 and it feels light.

What is your opinion on a Honda shadow 750 ace as a beginner bike?

Noob question, but I have only ridden bikes like my Honda xl75 and my cousin's klr, and am interested in getting a cruiser, I'm looking at one of these right now and was wondering what it's like riding with floor boards and how it feels braking and shifting. Thanks.

Pretty looking bike.

ADVICE needed! For a NEW rider, 6'3 tall, what would be the top 3 bikes to look for??

Thanks you for the video. 9:23 "It's hard for me to find a genuinely bad motorcycle," what about the American-made Riley with the automatic transmission? What's your opinion of that machine?

How's the weight of the Yamaha V star

God bless mate, great video!

Summary: nothin wrong with it

Did you put new ape bars on this? just wondering if stock just got a 98 vstar

thanks for the word... its a blessing you'll never know who needs it...

SRK when will you open your motorcycle shop again??

I'm looking at getting one of these for my very first bike, I would love your opinion on how a brand new rider would cope with one of these?

Love your reviews, especially your Bible versus before the review.

I'm thinking this model may be perfect for my 1st bike. I want a Can-Am Spyder due to bad knees and crippling arthritis but am new to cycling again after 30 years of working and raising kids. Not sure I want to dump $7500 down on the CA Spyder so these are super cheap on craigslist in my area, like under $2000 all day. Any 3oo pound older dudes recommend and vouch for this bike for beginner cruiser?