YAMAHA V-Star 650 Custom (2008-2009) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2009, the Japanese maker released the Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom, an entry-level middleweight cruiser with plenty of attitude in a long and lean package. Its styling was enhanced by many chromed elements, a bobtail rear fender, and luminous paint.

When it was first released, the Yamaha V-Star 650, also known as the DragStar 650 and XVS650 was powered by a Yamaha Virago 535 engine. The engine was revised with a larger bore and stroke to a 649cc displacement.

The 2009 machine featured front and rear plastic fenders, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a pulled-back handlebar, custom-style turn signals, a dual chromed exhaust system, a dual seat with a low profile, and wire-spoke wheels.

The front wheel was mounted on a 41 mm telescopic fork handling the bike's front suspension, while the rear wheel featured a hidden adjustable shock absorber for a hardtail look, offering a smooth and comfortable ride.

The bike's braking performance was achieved by a hydraulic caliper with a 298 mm disc mounted on the front wheel and a 220 mm drum braking unit mounted on the rear wheel, providing robust and reliable stopping power.

In the performance department, the 2009 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom packed underneath its fuel tank a 649cc air-cooled V-twin engine fed by two Mikuni carburetors, delivering 40 hp at 6,500 rpm and 51 Nm (38 lb-ft) torque at 3,000 rpm. The power was given to the rear wheel through a five-speed transmission and a low-maintenance shaft drive.