SPECS · PICS · REVIEWS · RATING
SPECS · PICS · RATING
|
Review of the 2005 Yamaha V Star Custom 650:Just about 320 miles and loving it so far... |
|
Author: John Delfino, 2006-12-14, viewed 191 times. | ||||||
| ||||||
|
Just recently traded in my Honda 583cc VLX deluxe for a lateral, if not an upgrade to the V star custom 650 (649cc). The Yamaha dealer gave me top book value for the Honda and took Dollars 300 off the 2006 left over but new V star. | ||||||
|
Being only 5´4´ tall, 165lb and a newbie with just 5 and half weeks of riding under my belt I found myself growing bored with the vlx. At first the vlx seemed enormous compared to the bikes at MSF course. However, it shrank very quickly. The vlx was not to blame, it is a top notch, high quality, reliable machine (Hondas are great!!). Honda doesn´t seem to feel they need to change the bike after all these years due its marketing appeal to many newbies and smaller riders. The more I rode (typically 4 to 5 times a week) the more my confidence soared. I was ready for an affordable but manageable change. After putting less than 500 miles on the vlx, I made the switch to the V star custom 650. I have had the v star for just over 2 weeks now with about 320 miles on it. The V star seems to handle better than the older Honda vlx style. The star has a 5 speed compared the vlx´s 4 speed, the star is shaft driven not like the o ring chain on the vlx, and the v star has demonstrated a greater amount of performance. The fourth reason I made the switch was the appearance. The vlx is a nice looking bike, but the V star custom 650 is beautiful. Also, the vlx has a lower seat than the star and inspite of my stature, I found the star´s 27.4´ seat height more comforable to ride from than the vlx´s 25.6´ seat height. It sounds corny but it seems like the V star custom was designed to fit someone of my physical dimensions. I am aware Honda´s designed the vlx for the ´low rider´ laid back look (inspired by the over priced Harly I guess). My first ride on the v star felt awkward in Yamaha´s parking lot. The star felt much more futuristic and sportier compared to the laid back feel of the Honda vlx. about 90 seconds into the ride I felt very comfortable with the more nimble turns and cornering of the star and was happy about the purchase. I rode for about another 90 minutes, the weather was nice for the end of November and the wind was not existant, but it was then time to go to work. The more I rode the star, the more impressed I was with the comfort and nimble handling it offered. I also enjoy the enormous gas tank. 4.2 gallons as opposed to Honda vlx´s 2.9!! I did have a concern on the second day of ownership. It took me several attempts to turn over the engine. My Honda always started flawlessly the second I hit the starter, the star did not. Of course I used the choke as I did on the Honda and began to think there was a problem. I checked the manual and did as directed, which helped but the turn over was still not as smooth as the Honda. Then I began to pull the choke out 100% then place it all the way back in then take it out all the way again and that seems to be what the starter likes. Now the bike engine turns over each time without issue. I just had find out what made the starter tick. I guess I was used to the starter on the Honda. In conclusion, I am very happy with the V star custom 650, I no longer have to lube or worry about adjusting a chain. I now have 5 speeds instead of 4, I have a slightly, but noticably more powerful engine in conjuction with a better handling, more nimble bike. I always look forward with great anticicpation to ride the star, more so than the Honda due to its feel and handling. I highly recommend the bike to new riders or experienced riders looking for a fun, nimble around the town bike. |
This review of the 2005 Yamaha V Star Custom 650 was posted by a visitor on Bikez.com and does not necessarily reflect facts, truth or Bikez.com's opinions.
Write a motorcycle review yourself?You are welcome to write motorcycle articles on Bikez.com. Write about anything your fellow riders might find interesting to know about a bike. Use our standard picture or upload your own. All reviews will be checked manually before they turn up online, usually within 24 hours. To write a quick comment or discuss a bike, use our discussion forums.Click here to write a review. |