Video Review: Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom

Yamaha’s V-Star 650 Custom (XVS650) may be looking a little long in the tooth, but it’s actually still an exceptional beginner cruiser that has remained unchanged for a lengthy period because there’s simply not much that could be improved.

Read the full review here: 2019 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (XVS650) 

2019 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (XVS650)

Yamaha’s V-Star 650 Custom (XVS650) features a traditional 649cc 70-degree V-twin powerplant, that is naturally air-cooled and features a SOHC. Maximum torque of 37.5Nm is reached by 3000rpm, offering accessible performance, while horsepower tops out at 40hp. The four-stroke, two-valve powerplant features a bore x stroke of 81 x 63mm, with compression 9.0:1. 28mm Mikuni downdraft-type carburation is also featured. A five-speed gearbox does at times leave the rider looking for another gear.

A shaft final drive offers smooth power delivery, without the hassle of chain maintenance, while the rear wheel features a powerful 200mm drum brake, in comparison to the single-front rotor and dual piston caliper combo. Combined the braking system offers strong braking performance, while lacking ABS.

2019 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (XVS650)

Suspension is basic 41mm forks, with a Link-Type rear system with preload adjustability, and a 19in front wheel takes a 100/90 – 19in tube-type tyre, with a 170/80 – 15in on the rear.

The frame is a steel double-cradle item, with Yamaha claiming a 233kg wet weight. Seat height is a low 695mm, with a wheelbase of 1610mm. Ground clearance is 140mm, with a total length of 2340mm, and width of 880mm.

A cable clutch is slightly heavy but not uncomfortably so, with the simple dash in the tank and no tachometer. The exhaust is a two-into-two chrome system, with separate rider and pillion seats, while fuel capacity is 16L. Forward foot controls are also featured.

2019 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (XVS650)

2019 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (XVS650) Specifications

Price: $8,799 RRP + ORC
Warranty: Five-year warranty
Colours: Raven

Claimed power: 40hp[29.2kW]@6500rpm
Claimed torque: 50.9Nm[36.5lbs-ft]@3000rpm
Wet weight: 233kg (claimed)
Fuel capacity: 16L

Engine: Air-cooled 649cc four-stroke, four-valve, SOHC, 70-deg V-Twin, 81mm x 63mm bore x stroke, 9.0:1 compression ratio, Mikuni 28mm downdraft carb
Gearbox: Five-speed constant mesh, shaft final drive
Clutch: Wet multi-disc

Chassis: Steel double-cradle frame

Suspension: 41mm aluminium telescopic forks, 140mm travel, Link-type rear shock, preload adjustable, 86mm travel

Brakes: 298mm rotor, two-piston caliper, 200mm rear drum brake

Wheels & Tyres: Lace-spoked wheels, black rims, 19in front, 15in rear, 100/90-19M/C 57S, 170/80-15 M/C 77S (tube-type tyres)

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1610mm
Seat height: 695mm
Overall height: 1075mm
Overall width: 880mm
Overall length: 2340
Ground clearance: 140mm

Instruments: Tank mounted single analogue dash, speedo, trip meter, indicator, engine, neutral, highbeam lights