Trisha Shetty (Editor)

Yamaha DragStar 650

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Manufacturer
  
Yamaha Motor Company

Predecessor
  
Yamaha Virago 535

Production
  
since 1997

Class
  
Cruiser

Yamaha DragStar 650

Also called
  
Yamaha V Star 650 - XVS650/XVS650A

Engine
  
649 cc (39.6 cu in) air-cooled 70° V-twin; SOHC, 2 valves/cylinder

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

Contents

Background

Based on the Yamaha Virago 535 engine, the XVS650 (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 XVS650 comes in two models: the Custom with a lower seat height 695 mm (27.4 in) and slightly less weight, and the Classic with a higher seat height of 708 mm (27.9 in). The Custom is approximately 232 kg (511 lb) and the Classic approximately 15 kg heavier 247 kg (545 lb).

The Yamaha XVS650 is sold in the U.S. as the entry-level versions of the V-Star line. That line was offered from 1998 to 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

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

  • V-Star Custom (650) XVS650 - Base version for long-distance cruising.
  • V-Star Classic (650) XVS650A - The same frame as the V-star Custom but with wider front wheel, metal fenders, longer bodywork, less chromed styling, dragged handlebars, wider seat and numerous styling differences.
  • V-Star Silverado (650) - Much as the V-Star Classic with saddlebags and a few other "touring" additions
  • Some V-Star motorcycles come in what others may know as deepish purple (Raven) with flames. There were 2 editions made of this. The XVS65T-F and the XVS65TC-F (CA edition). CA edition is for California Only and is equipped with a canister to prevent the discharging of fuel vapor into the atmosphere. There are 3 lines to this canister. One to the fuel tank, one to the carburetor and a vent hose. Both of these models when the VIN is decoded will show up either XVS650 and XVS650A mostly because their parts are identical to these 2 models with very few exceptions if any.

    • 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

    2009

    There were no spec changes between 2008 and 2009 models.

  • V-Star Classic available from June 2008
  • V-Star Custom available from June 2008; CA model from August 2008
  • V-Star Silverado available from June 2008

    • 2008

  • V-Star Classic available from September 2007
  • V-Star Custom available from September 2007
  • V-Star Silverado available from March 2008

    • References

    Yamaha DragStar 650 Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA