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V star classic 650 Vs Honda phantom????

10K views 15 replies 6 participants last post by  bluesjr 
#1 ·
I want a nice bike to learn on, not too heavy or over powering, got it down to these two bikes, well three if I count the shadow aero, both have almost same pros and cons, just have to make the choice and i am stuck at stupid on this one. tried both out both feel good, but the phantom is almost perfect for my hirght or lack there of.
what say you ??????
 
#4 ·
Love my Phantom. Comfortable. Easy to ride. Sounds good...a little tough to keep clean! (Black vehicles are always dusty...)
CaptCrash,

would you come out to calif (sf bay area) and teach me how to handle my big ol' 650? I'll buy you lunch.

Had been practicing figure 8's already and added your right turns after seeing this video a few days ago. I'm not coming close to your radius's. You using the clutch? Rear brake?

thx for the videos!

bluesjr
 
#3 · (Edited)
is almost perfect for my hirght or lack there of.
what say you ??????
What is your height? I'm 5'10" and my V Star 650 Custom is just a tiny bit small for my long legs (short torso), but it's an easy adjustment to make. Reviewers say 5'8" is about it for that bike. Nonetheless, I love the bike. It's about 30 lbs less than the Classic, a little narrower, handles a little better (according to reviews) with that narrower front tire. In one review, 2 of the reviewers preferred the big bike feel of the Classic however, and I certainly like the looks of the Classic.

I was convinced I was going to buy a M50 until I tried one. Then I tried a Shadow and liked it a lot, then the V Star, which won due to low miles - only 2K. Plus I liked the way the V Star felt. I think you'd be happy with either, depending on your height. The Honda's a little bigger. Both are great starter bikes.

I assume you're buying new. The Phantom's a new model, right? If these are close in price, I'd go with the Honda. The V Star is air-cooled and has carbs. Both have shaft drive. Honda has the advantage, imo.
 
#5 ·
I am 5'8" and sometimes my VStar 650 Classic doesn't seem long enough for me to stretch out my legs...going to try highway pegs...I find that if I just get off of it and walk a little I am good to go...I just put 8,000 miles on my bike in 15 mos...just learned how to ride...I love the handling of the Classic, I haven't compared it to the Custom...but I like the wider wheels..especially when going over rough road conditions...handles better than my bf's narrow wheels on his Harley...
 
#6 ·
I am 5'7" 30 inch inseam, from what I read the phantom is tailor made for someone like me. the liquid cooled amd fuel injection is a big plus, cuz I feelif I want a air cooled monster I should go harley. I believe eventually I will buy a hraley down the road, but getting my new miles in I want to take it slow.
 
#8 · (Edited)
You might consider used, if you're interested in upgrading in the future. My V Star cost me $2900, less than half what the dealer wants for a new one.

At 5'7" either bike should fit you fine. In my case, if I want to upgrade (no plans currently), my son gets mine, and he's 5'8", so it's a good match for him.

Clutch is your buddy! Don't be afraid to use it. You have to 'balance' the throttle with the clutch. No shame in using the rear brake to smooth it all out.
Thanks for the tips. I'll experiment. I was trying the rear brake a little yesterday to get a feel for it. The V Star is notorious for a poor friction zone though, so that approach will take some skill. Actually my impression is that the throttle requires the most delicate touch of all three (during slow speed maneuvers). Btw, when I first saw the video I thought "that's cool, but why is it important?" The driveway example was brilliant.

..I love the handling of the Classic, I haven't compared it to the Custom...but I like the wider wheels..especially when going over rough road conditions...handles better than my bf's narrow wheels on his Harley...
Yeah, can't compare yours to the harley - too many variables - but if you drive to california I'll let you compare yours to mine. That would be cool, and a real apples to apples thing, and I'll make you the same lunch offer I made CaptCrash! What I imagine the wider wheels give you is a more solid feel, and someone up in the hills on a fast bimmer (with a narrow front) said you get better braking too, and that's worth a lot. Oh yeah, the dealer told me your wheel (I was comparing classic to custom vulcans) does better in the rain grooves. Do you have rain grooves in Ohio?
 
#11 ·
I'm around 5' 10" with 31" inseam and my V Star Silverado (Classic) is just a tad short for long rides...I have to get off and walk around like Raven does, which gives me an excuse to do some junktique shopping. I too am going to get some pegs to help alleviate that problem.

The Classic's tires make the difference in handling over the Custom. I did not try the Honda, but did the Suzuki and did not like the "top heavy" feel of it.

Used is probably the better option, great deals can be had with all the bells and whistles that would add to the price of a new bike.

Wayne S
 
#15 ·
:thumbsup: All that said, it's usually best to stay with the tire sizes the manufacturer sells the bike with. You can change if you want but there will be handling and clearance issues.

Is tire size a factor in bike selection? Yes. One of the reasons I bought the Phantom is the 17 inch front tire looks reeeeeally cool.

I'd suggest test rides if you can get them so you can feel how the bike handles.
 
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