2005 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom

Summary:

The V-Star 650 is the most bang for the buck, with a gazillion reasonably priced customizing options

Faults:

This bike has been flawless. I haven't ridden a motorcycle in 25 years. The forward controls are a bit to get used to. I'm a shorty. I'll get used to it :)

General Comments:

This bike is smokin'. Get the Barron's torque rings, a Hypercharger and some Hines Shorty's. GET IT JETTED!!! Out of the hole it's insane for a 650. The rest of the motor is stock.

I bought a Saddlemans Stilletto seat with gel pad. The vibration is minimal now. So try a gel pad seat if it is too much. That stock seat is like a rock after baking in this Florida sunshine.

The new seat lowers you 2", making the Yamaha Boulevard 11" windshield just right. Even on the highway.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd January, 2011

2005 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom

Summary:

One great purchase

Faults:

Brakes are bad.

Carb boots are cracked.

General Comments:

This is a reliable bike.

Great gas mileage.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st July, 2010

2005 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom

Summary:

Good looks, good handling, good size, GOOD BIKE!

Faults:

There was a recall on the starter switch.

General Comments:

Bike has a very low feel... which I like.

Handles very well. THe low center of gravity allows you to get a good lean on turns.

Shifting takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it shifts pretty smooth.

Seeing as it is a 650cc, you have to be red lining in 5th gear to get up to highway speeds. Once you are at highway speeds (65-75), acceleration gets difficult.

Not good for long trips (500 miles or more). The seat is hard as a rock, and not very comfortable at high speeds.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st February, 2008

2005 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom

Summary:

Why buy a bigger bike when this will do more than the law will allow!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Cannot find a thing wrong with this bike - I love it!

I have been out of the bike riding business for about 23 years. All of the bikes I have owned before were enduro's from a 50 Suzuki, 90 Suzuki, 125 Yamaha, 250 Yamaha, to a 400 Suzuki. I guess I could throw in a KE 100 Kawasaki that I bought my son. But I wanted something for me to drive.

My wife took me to a dealer last year for my birthday, "48", just to look because I have been wanting to get back in the saddle again. But being a Dad took up all of my time till now. All of my kids are adults now, so I guess she thought that I deserved a bike.

Let me tell you about this bike - I'm a big guy 300# and I didn't plan on taking more than 120 mile jaunts. I have done nothing but add stuff to this bike to make it mine - K & N air filter (which by the way added several horses to the engine), saddle bags, windshield bag, luggage rack, passenger back rest, 19" windsheild, chrome driveshaft cover, chrome horn cover, chrome front fender tip, light bar, back off brake light blinker, engine guards, cruisin' pegs. That's all for now, more I'm sure will come because there are so many aftermarket parts I can't stop.

I love this bike. I have never had anything but great feedback on this bike. It is beautiful it cruises at highway and above speeds. The ride is soft yet firm. It has great take off (I mean it's not a crotch rocket), but it moves from a stop light faster than a car.

I haven't had any stalls or any problem with the clutch, but this isn't the first bike I've ever owned either. I love the feel of the clutch.

I've heard of some folks not liking the speedometer on the tank, because you have to take your eyes off of the road to look at it! I really only look at it if I'm on the open road, and no one is around anyway. When I'm in traffic I just go with the flow and feel of the traffic.

This bike, for no more than I initally spent on it, is perfect! It's big enough to do even a longer trip if I wanted to. But I bought it to just cruise around on, and to drive to the different lakes around the state, and do a little fishing and enjoy the freedom of the open road on a bike.

This bike really looks bigger than it is. Every single person that looks at it, when I'm out in public, always asks if it's a 1100. I'm always proud to be honest and tell them it looks big doesn't it, but no it's just a 650. They go "it really does look bigger".

Will I ever out grow this bike! Maybe, but I don't see when. I guess when I wear it out in about 50,000 or 60,000 miles. I may go and get another 650 Custom, as it does all I need. I can't see getting something bigger just because the status quo says to.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th March, 2006

27th Mar 2006, 13:25

I own a 2002 V-Star 1100. I looked at the 650 too, and liked it, but for me, when test driving them, the extra 200 lbs of the 1100 over the 650 made a big difference in handling on the freeway, where I contend with 18 wheeler drafts. This is less a factor for you, since you probably outweigh me by at least 150lbs, and make up the difference in body mass.