Vstar 650
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 7
From: Jacksonville FL
Vstar 650
So we got any bike riders on the forums? Im interested in getting a 2002 Yamaha Vstar 650 with 20k miles on it for $2500. Its been a while since I road and all I have ridden on is a Kawasaki Enduro lol. Its a pretty good deal and the bike is in great condition from the pictures. Hopefully I'll get to take a look at it tonight. It might not be as loud or as sexy as my 80' but hey loud pipes save lives right? My 409hp crate motor might not be as nice :p
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 6
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
I think that's a bit over priced.
Unless you're built like a jockey, you will want more bike than a 650 very quickly.
Looks like you're shopping for a cruizer, consider staying in the 12-1800 cc range. A bike of this size that is well mannered will keep you happy for a long time.
Unless you're built like a jockey, you will want more bike than a 650 very quickly.
Looks like you're shopping for a cruizer, consider staying in the 12-1800 cc range. A bike of this size that is well mannered will keep you happy for a long time.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 7
From: Jacksonville FL
I've heard a 650 is a good starter bike and I dont really want to pay much more than $3000 for any bike... I still need some accessories for my crate motor and a new DeWitts rad. Im not a big guy by any means (although I eat like one) and I do think a 650 is pretty small considering most rice rockets have 600s to 1000s but it would be ok to start off on. I blue booked the value at $3100 in excellent condition which it looks like it is but im here for an honest opinion.
It was a toss up between a decent 650 bike and a 72 Harley which needed some work.... my roommates decided my car was enough work. Plus Corvette AND Harley parts... I do need money to eat...
It was a toss up between a decent 650 bike and a 72 Harley which needed some work.... my roommates decided my car was enough work. Plus Corvette AND Harley parts... I do need money to eat...
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 1
From: grand prairie texas
The V-Star has been a good line for Yamaha but I agree you should get something a little larger in CC's. The 650 would be a nice local bike but you will find it lacking power on hills and in the wind. You will find yourself wanting a bigger bike real soon so bite the bullet and spend the money now for a bigger bike. You will thank your self and the cost is minimul for the larger bike
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 6
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
Don't get a sporty unless it has at least a 1200 in it. Buy that one for your girlfriend - and then only if you don't mind working on it all the time.
Harleys are very territorial, they mark their spot wherever you park them.
I would stick with a metric bike in the price range you're shopping. a $2500 sporty is a likely a step better than a basket.
Harleys are very territorial, they mark their spot wherever you park them.
I would stick with a metric bike in the price range you're shopping. a $2500 sporty is a likely a step better than a basket.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Crystal Lake IL
As a former owner of a Honda Shadow 750 and a less than a year later a VTX 1800, I'll echo that you're going to want a few more cubes between your legs...if not right away, very soon. My 750 was fun for the first month, but these cruisers are pretty heavy and have low RPM engines that just don't give you the performance vs. something like a 750 sport bike.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 7
From: Jacksonville FL
I'm 22 years old and I own a 80' Vette with about $10k invested into it... I'm single and will be for a long time... my Vette is enough woman for me right now. Im going to check the sporty out and see what I think. It can be another project since it runs I can at least take it for a ride for fun.
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Peace,,,Moosie
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 6
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
I'm 22 years old and I own a 80' Vette with about $10k invested into it... I'm single and will be for a long time... my Vette is enough woman for me right now. Im going to check the sporty out and see what I think. It can be another project since it runs I can at least take it for a ride for fun.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 7
From: Jacksonville FL
Yeah I got that part lol. My dad has a Harley and used to own a Kawasaki Vulcan a few years ago. I'm split between another project or a nice little hog to ride around on just for fun. Probably do weekend duty when I dont need the truck for anything and its too hot for the car lol. I think I might check it out in an hour or so and get the VIN. Maybe take some pictures of it too we'll see. The gentleman selling it.. (ironically named Bubba giving me Vette forum flashbacks) is in his 60's and just needs the room to fix it up. Looks nice and has a lot of original parts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 123
From: CA.
if you buy an old harley plan on working on it more than you ride it. as far as harleys marking there spot the old ones did but the newer ones dont leak at all. if your an inexperienced rider get the 650. it will be much safer and easier to handle.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 7
From: Jacksonville FL
The work on it more than you drive it remark makes me want it more lol... sounds exactally like my Corvette and damn do I love my car. Im getting ready to head over and check it out if the guy is still up. We'll see... maybe I'll take some photos of it and put them up on here and see what you all think. I hate the fact that im stuck between getting a girly/safe bike and a girly/unsafe bike :P Regardless its a Harley right?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
I had only ridden a couple of very small (under 100cc) bikes briefly & my first motorcycle was a Suzuki 550 DOHC 4 Cyl. "rice rocket".
Shortly thereafter I was ready for a larger one. It wasn't a mistake to buy it. Remember that's over 10x the size many started with.
Ride the Vstar 650 & see what you think.
Shortly thereafter I was ready for a larger one. It wasn't a mistake to buy it. Remember that's over 10x the size many started with.
Ride the Vstar 650 & see what you think.
Last edited by Ganey; Aug 16, 2009 at 06:17 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 7
From: Jacksonville FL
Very nice bike. Im going to check out the 650 hopefully tomorrow. The Sporty was rusty as to be expected and the parts he had where nice and shiny. It sounded nice but it was going to be a lot of work. If I dont see the 650 or dont like it I might offer $2000 for the Harley.
