Vstar 650

Dallas852 · 05-24-2012, 12:14 PM

Newbie to bikes, just took my MSF last week, going to get my license Tuesday. 6'3"/240. (just wanted to get that all out there before I start this thread)

Looking into a Vstar 650 on my local craigslist, here are the details so far:

2001 Yamaha V Star 650 - Leather saddle bags, passing lights/chrome visors, running boards, crash bars, custom pipes with nice sounds only 2500 miles! Clean title!

I'm in talks with them to go take a look at it and give it a once over. If I can find a friend to go with me who owns bikes, I would feel a lot better about it too.

Being my size, my novice skills and the fact that it is less than 3k, would you determine this would be a good starter bike for someone like me?

Dodsfall · 05-24-2012, 12:56 PM

Those make good motorcycles to learn on.

Being over 6 feet, my concern would be leg room. You would have to see how comfortable it felt to you by sitting on it and getting a feel for the controls.

There are ways to get a little more room, such as adjusting the handlebars and installing a more forward foot controls. If the motorcycle feels a little cramped, check into adjustments and aftermarket solutions like control extensions before buying.

Goliath616 · 05-24-2012, 01:17 PM

the 650 is a great bike to learn on, and there is a cheap solution to moving the floorboards forward (not the $600+ forward control things they sell lol) so by all means, go look at it, sit on it, and if you buy it...enjoy.

Dodsfall · 05-24-2012, 01:23 PM

Heck, it may turn out to fit just fine as-is.

Dallas852 · 05-24-2012, 02:19 PM

Anything to look for that might cause me trouble, specific to a Vstar 650? Just so I can do an initial walk through, but also look for some tings specific to this model.

4Raven · 05-24-2012, 10:11 PM

Any oil leakage around the kickstand/frame area....I had to replace a part in there that was broken, easily fixed and not expensive though. I also had to replace the stator and pickup coil at about 27K miles...if that model is made like mine they glued the screws for the stator into the cap with permant glue...cost me an extra $100 to get them out at a shop. Open the gastank and check with a flashlight for rust or contaminents. Open the air filter and check it too....That's all I can think of...

crankbait · 07-11-2012, 09:34 AM

So what was the outcome, did you wind up with this bike. From my personal experience the bike as-is will probly fit just fine, handle bars will most likely be in a comfortable position for you, I need to add risers and pull mine back a little, they still too far forward for me, I plan on adding highway pegs to mine so I can stretch out a bit more, don't really want the forward controls I like having them right where they are for my city driving.

Dallas852 · 07-15-2012, 02:22 PM

I missed out on it! Guy came in and swiped it out from under me. Seller said he had cash and just came and bought it. I guess he was more confident than me. I was apprehensive, seeing as this is my first bike. I'm on to a new one though. I did kick myself for a while afterwards though.

Anyone have thoughts on a Suzuki Boulevard c50? There is one on craigslist near me that looks really nice and clean, might call on it today. Thoughts?

crankbait · 07-19-2012, 10:05 AM

Those are swell bikes too, sounds like you're going through what I went through. I did a lot f research and looked at a lot of bikes. You're looking in the proper size range so long as the bike has been maintained runs and rides fine you'll do just fine, If there are any accessories attached thats a plus but doesn't make or break a good bike in my book. To me a good bike is one that is 2000 or newer (model year) has good rubber when you purchase it, has been maintained properly, the mileage is not over excessive, everything works as it should and still has all the parts it's supposed to. All of these added up will give you a point A to point B worry free confortable ride. This is what beginners need to be more concerned about than how it looks and sounds and what kind of image they are portraying for others.

Dallas852 · 07-29-2012, 05:01 PM

Just test drove a 650 and thought it went well. It is used. 2004 1400 original miles on it. Owners said they hardly rode it but recently had the oil changed. I did notice some squeaking in the front break, and a little bit of backfire when revved up pretty far. Guy said it might need the carbs cleaned. I'm calling a local Yamaha dealership to see if they can do a "once over" on it and let me know if there is anything majorly wrong.

How hard is it to clean the carbs/how much would it cost to take it to someone. What else should I look for on a bike that has been sitting for a little bit? It was this guy's wife's bike, she hardly rode it. He has driven it more than her and seems to be pretty upfront about everything.

4Raven · 07-30-2012, 10:24 PM

You are pretty tall....I have problems sometimes on the vstar 650 and I am 5'8"....but the bike is fairly easy to work on ...just from the manual...tires may have dry rot....from sitting so long....

Dodsfall · 08-01-2012, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dallas852

How hard is it to clean the carbs/how much would it cost to take it to someone. What else should I look for on a bike that has been sitting for a little bit?

A rough guess is 2-3 hours at about $100/hour. Shop rates vary and book time is different by model.

Check the brake fluid as well. Anything over a year or two old should be flushed. If it's turning brown, it's time.

Dallas852 · 08-24-2012, 12:20 AM

Just got my Vstar 650! Haven't even had a chance to ride it yet, so when I get back to my house next week I will finally be able to get out on the road!

Squally · 08-24-2012, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dallas852

Just got my Vstar 650! Haven't even had a chance to ride it yet, so when I get back to my house next week I will finally be able to get out on the road!

Congrats, Dallas.

Welcome to the VStar club

Dallas852 · 09-03-2012, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squally

Congrats, Dallas.

Welcome to the VStar club

Thanks! It was on your advice a while back that I knew a Vstar would fit me just fine and that I'd love it. Are you part of any other forums? I'm part of one specifically dedicated to Vstar 650's as well as this one.

I took my baby out for the first time today, rode about 50 miles all over the place. Crazy how addicting it is.

buddhaflow · 09-25-2012, 04:07 PM

VStars are great bikes, you will have fun on it

the8thst · 09-25-2012, 10:16 PM

Nice choice. A VStar 650 is on my short list as well.

Have any pics of it?

05-24-2012, 12:14 PM	#1
Dallas852 Verified Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 41	Vstar 650 Newbie to bikes, just took my MSF last week, going to get my license Tuesday. 6'3"/240. (just wanted to get that all out there before I start this thread) Looking into a Vstar 650 on my local craigslist, here are the details so far: 2001 Yamaha V Star 650 - Leather saddle bags, passing lights/chrome visors, running boards, crash bars, custom pipes with nice sounds only 2500 miles! Clean title! I'm in talks with them to go take a look at it and give it a once over. If I can find a friend to go with me who owns bikes, I would feel a lot better about it too. Being my size, my novice skills and the fact that it is less than 3k, would you determine this would be a good starter bike for someone like me?

05-24-2012, 12:56 PM	#2
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,834	Those make good motorcycles to learn on. Being over 6 feet, my concern would be leg room. You would have to see how comfortable it felt to you by sitting on it and getting a feel for the controls. There are ways to get a little more room, such as adjusting the handlebars and installing a more forward foot controls. If the motorcycle feels a little cramped, check into adjustments and aftermarket solutions like control extensions before buying. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-24-2012, 01:17 PM	#3
Goliath616 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Over here Posts: 4,197	the 650 is a great bike to learn on, and there is a cheap solution to moving the floorboards forward (not the $600+ forward control things they sell lol) so by all means, go look at it, sit on it, and if you buy it...enjoy. __________________ '08 Yamaha Road Star To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-24-2012, 01:23 PM	#4
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,834	Heck, it may turn out to fit just fine as-is. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-24-2012, 10:11 PM	#6
4Raven Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,080	Any oil leakage around the kickstand/frame area....I had to replace a part in there that was broken, easily fixed and not expensive though. I also had to replace the stator and pickup coil at about 27K miles...if that model is made like mine they glued the screws for the stator into the cap with permant glue...cost me an extra $100 to get them out at a shop. Open the gastank and check with a flashlight for rust or contaminents. Open the air filter and check it too....That's all I can think of... __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is liable to go to places no one has ever been before. - Albert Einstein

05-24-2012, 02:19 PM	#5
Dallas852 Verified Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 41	Anything to look for that might cause me trouble, specific to a Vstar 650? Just so I can do an initial walk through, but also look for some tings specific to this model.

07-11-2012, 09:34 AM	#7
crankbait Verified Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South Central Ohio Posts: 52	So what was the outcome, did you wind up with this bike. From my personal experience the bike as-is will probly fit just fine, handle bars will most likely be in a comfortable position for you, I need to add risers and pull mine back a little, they still too far forward for me, I plan on adding highway pegs to mine so I can stretch out a bit more, don't really want the forward controls I like having them right where they are for my city driving.

07-15-2012, 02:22 PM	#8
Dallas852 Verified Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 41	I missed out on it! Guy came in and swiped it out from under me. Seller said he had cash and just came and bought it. I guess he was more confident than me. I was apprehensive, seeing as this is my first bike. I'm on to a new one though. I did kick myself for a while afterwards though. Anyone have thoughts on a Suzuki Boulevard c50? There is one on craigslist near me that looks really nice and clean, might call on it today. Thoughts?

07-19-2012, 10:05 AM	#9
crankbait Verified Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South Central Ohio Posts: 52	Those are swell bikes too, sounds like you're going through what I went through. I did a lot f research and looked at a lot of bikes. You're looking in the proper size range so long as the bike has been maintained runs and rides fine you'll do just fine, If there are any accessories attached thats a plus but doesn't make or break a good bike in my book. To me a good bike is one that is 2000 or newer (model year) has good rubber when you purchase it, has been maintained properly, the mileage is not over excessive, everything works as it should and still has all the parts it's supposed to. All of these added up will give you a point A to point B worry free confortable ride. This is what beginners need to be more concerned about than how it looks and sounds and what kind of image they are portraying for others.

07-29-2012, 05:01 PM	#10
Dallas852 Verified Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 41	Just test drove a 650 and thought it went well. It is used. 2004 1400 original miles on it. Owners said they hardly rode it but recently had the oil changed. I did notice some squeaking in the front break, and a little bit of backfire when revved up pretty far. Guy said it might need the carbs cleaned. I'm calling a local Yamaha dealership to see if they can do a "once over" on it and let me know if there is anything majorly wrong. How hard is it to clean the carbs/how much would it cost to take it to someone. What else should I look for on a bike that has been sitting for a little bit? It was this guy's wife's bike, she hardly rode it. He has driven it more than her and seems to be pretty upfront about everything.

07-30-2012, 10:24 PM	#11
4Raven Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,080	You are pretty tall....I have problems sometimes on the vstar 650 and I am 5'8"....but the bike is fairly easy to work on ...just from the manual...tires may have dry rot....from sitting so long.... __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is liable to go to places no one has ever been before. - Albert Einstein

08-24-2012, 12:20 AM	#13
Dallas852 Verified Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 41	Just got my Vstar 650! Haven't even had a chance to ride it yet, so when I get back to my house next week I will finally be able to get out on the road!

09-25-2012, 04:07 PM	#16
buddhaflow Newbie Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 6	VStars are great bikes, you will have fun on it

09-25-2012, 10:16 PM	#17
the8thst Verified Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 75	Nice choice. A VStar 650 is on my short list as well. Have any pics of it?

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