Yamaha DragStar 650

Manufacturer	Yamaha Motor Company
Also called	Yamaha V Star 650 - XVS650/XVS650A
Production	since 1997
Predecessor	Yamaha Virago 535
Class	Cruiser
Engine	40 cu in (660 cc) air-cooled 70° V-twin; SOHC, 2 valves/cylinder
Power	40 hp (30 kW) @ 6500 rpm
Torque	50.1 N·m (37.0 ft·lbf) @ 3000 rpm
Transmission	5-speed; multiplate wet clutch
Suspension	Front: Telescopic fork; 139 mm (5.5 in) travel Rear: Single shock, link-type; w/adjustable preload;
Brakes	Front: 298 mm disc Rear: 200 mm drum
Wheelbase	1,610 mm (63 in) XVS650 / 1,625 mm (64.0 in) XVS650A
Dimensions	L 2,339 mm (92.1 in) XVS650 / 2,451 mm (96.5 in) XVS650A W 878 mm (34.6 in) XVS650 / 929 mm (36.6 in) XVS650A H 1,069 mm (42.1 in) XVS650 / 1,104 mm (43.5 in) XVS650A
Seat height	695 mm (27.4 in) XVS650 / 711 mm (28.0 in) XVS650A
Weight	215 kg (470 lb) XVS650 / 229 kg (500 lb) XVS650A (dry), 227 kg (500 lb) XVS650 / 242 kg (530 lb) XVS650A (wet)
Fuel capacity	16 L (3.5 imp gal; 4.2 US gal) / 3 L (0.66 imp gal; 0.79 US gal) Reserve
Related	Yamaha DragStar 1100 XVS1100/XVS1100A

The Yamaha DragStar 650 (also known as the V Star 650 and the XVS650/XVS650A) is a motorcycle produced by Yamaha Motor Company.

Background

Based on the Yamaha Virago 535 engine, the Dragstar (named V Star in USA) cylinders were bored an additional 5 mm to 81 mm and stroked 4 mm more to 63 mm, to net a displacement of 649 cc. The Dragstar comes in two models. The custom with a lower seat height 695.96 mm (27.400 in) and slightly less weight, and the classic with a higher seat height of 708.66 mm (27.900 in). The custom is approximately 227 kg (500 lb) and the classic approximately 2 kg heavier 229 kg (500 lb).

The Yamaha DragStar 650 is sold in the U.S. as the entry-level versions of the V-Star line. That line was offered from 1998 - 2008 in two different versions: the Classic and the Silverado. Both versions are built around the same 649 cc v-twin engine. The V-Star line offers the visual appeal of larger v-twin motorcycles paired with the fuel efficiency, reliability, and nimble handling of a mid-size cruiser.

V-Star 650 motorcycles are sufficiently powered to cruise at 70 to 75 mph (110 to 120 km/h) on the open road and can easily carry a rider and passenger at highway speeds. However, steep hills and heavier loads will need to be used with a wide-open throttle and aggressive riding style to avoid slower speeds. Yamaha V-Star 650 riders will always be able to out-accelerate and out-maneuver car-bound drivers, but may not be able to out-accelerate other sport bike riders.

Both V-Star versions also offer extensive opportunities for customization. As with other cruisers, a number of after-market manufacturers and distributors offer chrome, power-enhancement, lighting, and other rider enhancements designed to enhance rider enjoyment of V-Star 650 motorcycles.

As of 2005, the Dragstar Classic was selling retail at £5,499 and the basic dragstar (Custom) at £5,299.

V-star

The V-Star 650 (and even the 1100) bikes come in 3 trims:

• V-Star Custom (650) XVS650 - Base version for Interstate cruising
• V-Star Classic (650) XVS650A - Is pretty much the V-star Custom except for wider front wheels, floorboards and a few other chrome changes
• V-Star Silverado (650) - Much as the V-Star Classic with saddlebags and a few other "touring" additions

All these are the base versions of the RoadStar. The "RoadStar" and "RoyalStar" generally refers to the class of bikes which are made and fine-tuned for touring performance (and hence a bit more expensive).

2009

There were no spec changes between 2008 and 2009 models.

• V-Star Classic ranges from $6,490USD (Pearl White) Available from June 2008, to US$6,690 (Cerulean Silver/Liquid Silver) Available from June 2008
• V-Star Custom ranges from $6,390USD (Tommy Blue w/Flames) Available from July 2008; CA model from August 2008, to US$6,290 (Raven - Midnight Custom) Available from June 2008; CA model from August 2008
• V-Star Silverado ranges from US$7,490 (Raven) Available from June 2008, to US$7,490 (Candy Red) Available from June 2008

2008

• V-Star Classic ranges from US$6,199 (Galaxy Blue) Available from March 2008, to US$6,299 (Raven w/Flames) Available from September 2007
• V-Star Custom ranges from US$6,099 (Candy Red w/Flames) Available from September 2007, to US$6,099 Midnight (Raven w/Flames) Available from September 2007
• V-Star Silverado ranges from US$7,199 (Liquid Silver) Available from March 2008, to US$7,299 (Raven) Available from September 2007