YAMAHA V-Star OWNERS? 650, 1100

[rider66]

As a new rider and owner of a used 2000 Yamaha 650 V-Star Classic, I just thought it is time to find out how many other similar owners are out there.  Not that there is any thing wrong with other motorcycles, bigger, smaller lighter or faster, I just happen to own one of those.

Bought it used, found it on Cycletrader from a local owner, paid $3,000 for it with 10,900 miles plus a windshield also Yamaha, in great shape.  Love the internet for shopping!  So far I really enjoy riding out on the streets and feel comfortable with it, but it's the only other motorcycle I have experienced other than a Kawasaki 125 in MSF class.  Did not like that thing!  Glad I did not buy a smaller model such as a 250.  I think I would have burned out on that in first 50 miles.  I'm 6'2" 212lb and over 60+.  Never rode until MSF class in November 04.

Getting about 47 miles to the gallon, but only have 200 miles of my own on it, so still have a long way to go to really learn how to ride.  Sure like the idea of shaft drive-no chain to fiddle with.  Plus it just looks like a bigger bike.  One neighbor thought it was a 1300cc at first.

Good get up and go, but it probably runs out of steam over 65-70, I haven't gone much faster than about 55, especially in my driveway.   Longest ride about an 1 1/2 hour and very comfortable so far.  Takes bumps nicely, feels solid even on rough pavement.

That's some thoughts on my Yamaha 650, thanks for reading.
Richard

[KON DEE]

I believe right now is our group, there are 3 V-star owners, you, me and tricia. There might be one more owner in near future if jeff decided to upgrade his ride.

I also found mine through Cycletrader. I bought mine around December when the bike have 466 miles on it. Now it read 1,500 miles. I really love the bike, not too big, not too small. It just fit me perfectly.

Don't worry about speed of this V-Star, it might not be able to compare with other sport bike, but it can go up to 85-90 without too much effort. I ride on freeway at around 80mph and still a lot of juice left to play with.

I'm also a newbie and just started riding like you. I have riden with the group a couple time. It is really fun ride and also I learn a lot. Don't worry about how many miles you have under your belt. This group is just made for newbie like us. They concern about you as a beginner, they will ride at speed you comfortable with. they will make sure that you're happy to ride in a group.

We should get together sometime for a short ride or local ride (if you don't wanna get on FWY and/or if you don't feel like joining a big group). I am also think that Tricia (Depot dog) cloud join us as well since she also new (I assumed).

Drop me a PM if you need a company to ride with.

Final thought, I am not going to give up my V-star soon, but If I decide to, I will either go with V-Star 1100 or Road Star.

[depotdog]

Hi guys! Yup I think it's the three of us with the V*'s. I also love mine. I don't think I've ever talked to anyone who had a Star and didn't like it.
Mine is an '03 model that I bought new from Hahm Motorsports in Anahiem. It had 3 miles on it after the prep ride. I bought it Jan 31st last year and now have 4300 miles. I paid $5206 OTD. What a deal!

I work most weekends, but if you guys want to get together on a specific day, I can request a day off. I finally got my saddlebags on and they look great! I got the bags used from Ebay. I really liked the features of the Tourmaster bags, so I watched untill a pair came up and got them for about half price of new.

I also ride on the Fwy sometimes and 80-85 mph on I5 is no problem. It did take a bit to get used to the wind blast at that speed, but you learn to lean into it. Maybe someday I'll get a windshield, but for now I don't have one. Of all the riding I've done, there's only one thing I will NOT repeat. I once got caught at Hell's Kitchen after dark and had to ride Ortega back. That was the most scary ride I've done, and I don't plan on repeating it. All the rest have been good though, and lately I've been riding with my Mom sometimes to help her out. BTW, she is doing great and soon I think she'll be ready to meet up with others and ride. We'll see, that's up to her and her comfort level, but I think she could do it.

Let me know if you want to meet up.
Tricia

[rider66]

Looks like all three of us are here.  I am impressed by Vstar4life, you have nerve!  Getting out on the freeways as a new rider is not in the cards for me right now and who knows when it will.

Depotdog:
my son bought the same deal at Hahm on an '03 Classic, about $5200 OTD.  As I mentioned in earlier posts he's the one to blame for my getting on a Yamaha and  learning to ride in the first place.  Where is "hells Kitchen"?

Nice to know that there is a lot more pep in that motor over 70mph, even tho I may or may not ever use it.  I definitely like the windshield and plan on keeping it that's for sure.  Going to take it in to Lebards in La Habra for service soon.  Seem to be reasonable on cost.

Yes, Irmi seems to be doing very well so far from what I read.  I would like to meet up sometime preferably after all this rain clears up.  Week ends are good or even during the week.  Being self employed I don't have to call in to anybody!

It is nice to compare notes on the Yamaha, but there are so many great folks here on this site that have other bikes and I sure appreciate their input about riding and all the feedback we get to read as well.

Thanks for the replies
Look forward to meeting up soon.
Richard

[aprilmaybe]

Hells Kitchen is a bar & grill on Ortega Hwy.
http://www.hellskitchen-ca.com/

Lots of bikes there on the weekend

[KON DEE]

I am also up for weekday, Monday and Tuesday afternoon time, which I mostly ride by myself along the coast. We cloud do PCH and stop for dinner somewhere. The thing is we are going to need some or at least one experience rider to be a tail gunner or leader for us, thou. I am not really up to that job  :-[but if Tricia will, I'm okay with that.

I have not really done much of the night biking but I've riden a bit on CA-22 and local. I am going to ride my bike to Ontario (at night  ) pretty soon due to very heavy traffic on CA-57 and I-10.

[wlk12]

I also have one - a 2005 650 Custom with the sharp blue flame paint scheme. Long time rider (15,000+ miles per year) who also has a Yamaha FZ-1 for longer trips and sport touring, and a Suzuki SV650 for shorter trips and the twisties. Use the V-Star cruiser for ....well..... cruising.

Really like the bike - inexpensive, lightweight, agile, decent brakes, and adequate power for my needs. Also looks sharp! My last cruiser was a '94 Yamaha XV750 Viirago which I loved. Actually liked the Virago riding position better than the V-Star - pegs farther back for a more "standard" riding position. But I guess the feet forward position is one thing that cruisers are all about.

The things I don't like are nits - choke should be up on the handlebar where it belongs, and ignition switch should be up- top also, and the oil site glass is impossible to see easily (solved with an extendable mechanics mirror - can now check oil level while sitting on bike and holding it straight upright).

As I said, I think the V-Star 650 is great - if I rode two up, or if it were my primary bike for long trips, I'd opt for the 1100. But for my needs it's fine. And it should br perfect for you folks who are just beginning - later, after you develop your skills, you can move up if you wish, or maybe you'll just keep the V-Star for many years!

I'm available for rides (always enjoy company during the week), but Alta Loma isn't very close to your locations.

Take care and good luck,

Bill K.

[KON DEE]

Hey, welcome wlk12 to join our group.

I have check dealer for the one with blue flame as well. It is such a beautiful bike. I'd love to have that kind of paint on my bike someday.

I also check Rodie and V-star 1100, humm a little bit too big for me. I am only 5.5' and 160lbs. This is so funny, when I ride V* 650 custom at first, I think also it is too big but lately I feel that my bike getting smaller.  .

I agee that V* is a very great bike and if I have a chance to buy a new bike I might as well just keep my V* for cruising around town.

[rider66]

Wanting a bigger motorcycle/engine seems to be a common ailment that attacks soon after you get comfortable with the one you have.  Nice thing about the V-Star is you really don't have to upgrade.  I'm still learning how to ride mine, but  that 1100 is a sweet looking machine.

I definitely agree with wlk12 it seems near impossible to read the oil and impossible by your self with out the mirror thing.  I'm going to have to get one of those.  

Thanks for the replies and feedback!
Richard

[KON DEE]

Yesterday early morning, I've got a chance to bring V* to the top speed limit. I'm not sure it is just a limit of the bike or just me scaring like hell , but it can go only 95mph . I have to check at C, C & D forum to see if others can go faster than this. This is a little disappointed , I think it would run faster than this. Ho well! what do you expect from 32 houses power engine.

[zerog]

If it's a 32 hp engine, it sounds about right.  Our ninja 250 maxes out at about 100 mph with the rider flat on the tank.  It has about 28 hp I think.  But the 14k redline helps make up for the slightly lower hp.

[rider66]

VSTAR4life:

Yesterday early morning, I've got a chance to bring V* to the top speed limit. I'm not sure it is just a limit of the bike or just me scaring like hell , but it can go only 95mph

Yipes!  I don't go 95mph in a car much less a motorcycle.  Thanks for speed testing the V-Star though, at least now I now it really can go 95mph.  Maybe it will come up on a test somewhere.

Take care!
Richard

[wlk12]

Zerog, regarding comparing Ninja250 and V-Star 650 top speeds, I imagine the smaller frontal area of the Ninja (and sleeker design) also helps get the Ninja up to about 100mph.

By the way, had a Ninja 250 for about three years and about 20,000 miles. Loved that little bike - fun!

Bill K.