2007 Yamaha V Star 650 Classic User Ratings

I bought my '07 650 Classic in the spring of 2010.
It was my first bike and being a beginner, it was a bit intimidating at first. It seemed big and heavy and unwieldy and I was worried I was going to dump it if I let lean at a stop sign etc. It seemed like quite a "beast" to me. (Until this time I had only ridden the 250's that were provided in my safety course.)

But then I got acquianted it with it and all that changed.
I've put 2000 miles on it so far and I have to say that I absolutely LOVE this bike! It rides smoothly and accelerates responsively and handles great. Now I'm loving zipping all over the place with a feeling of practically "being at one" with the bike...as though it is an extension of my self.

I like that it has a "big bike" look at about eight feet long and I've had people guess that it's an 1800. Yet it only weighs barely over 500 lbs.

I'm 6' 3" tall and have considered installing a control extension kit but the riding position is actually quite comfortable (I enjoy the floor boards) and if I feel any need to stretch out more, I do have highway pegs on my bars that allow for full leg extension. And for the record, I seldom feel any real need to use them and only use them once in a while simply for a change, not for any need.

It's maneuverable and the acceleration is great up to about 70.

If I had one criticism about this bike, it would be that at highway speeds above 70 mph I get the sensation that it is "winding out" or getting close to the "red line." I'm told that this is just the way the 650s are. So, I guess I would not feel totally comfortable about planning a long highway cruise on this bike even if the dealer tells me it would be fine. It just sounds like you're making it work too hard.

I could easily keep this bike the rest of my life with no need for any other..it's that good and that fun. On the other hand, when I start thinking about potential long highway runs, it makes me think of trading it in on something a bit bigger.

Since I'm still essentially a beginner, I think this bike still offers me a lot of room to grow but even if it didn't it provides a very enjoyable and reliable riding experience.
I love it and give it two thumbs up.

This was my "starter" bike. At first it seemed kind of big, scary and intimidating...but it didn't take long until I was zipping all over the place and having a blast with it.

This bike was perfect for my first one because, as it turns out, it was NOT all that heavy and was pretty maneuverable. It was comfortable too with a nice seat and good hand and foot positions. I am 6' 3" tall so I was thinking that I might invest in a conversion kit to move the foot controls a little farther ahead but it never really was much of an issue and I never did this. If you are taller, you might consider that.

The only thing that became any kind of "issue" for me was that once I got really comfortable with it, I felt like I was outgrowing its capabilities. For example, once you hit about 70mph or so, it feels like you are at the top end of the range for 5th gear and need a 6th. And there is little acceleration left after 70 so the climb to 80 is slow. That said, if you want to do a lot of expressway and interstate riding, you will probably want a bigger bike.

But all in all, this is a fun bike that is easy and comfortable to ride and looks great. (Mine is kind of pimped out with windshield, saddle bags, sissy bar, luggage rack, highway bars with BIG pegs, custom grips with throttle boss and a handlebar clock.)

One thing I especially like about this is that it is built on the same frame as the 1100 and has the look of a much bigger bike than a 650. Many people who look at it find it hard to believe it's a 650. You'll never need to feel like you are riding a small bike with this one.

Another thing is that being air cooled you never need to worry about coolant levels, hoses, pumps or any such issues. And being shaft driven, you never have to be concerned about chain adjustments, grease splatter etc.

If you really like speed and power, you might want to consider a bike with a bigger engine but for a 650 this one has got to be one of the best in existence.

For a first time rider, the Yamaha V-star really helped me get a good feel for what a motorcycle is supposed to feel like. Very comfortable and handles very well.