YAMAHA V-Star 650 Custom (2014-Present) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Yamaha V-Star 650 was a cruiser machine manufactured by Yamaha from 1998 as an entry-level version of the V-Star line. The V-Star series comprised motorcycles with various appearances and different engine displacements.

In 2015, Yamaha released the V-Star 650 Custom, a cruiser motorcycle that remained virtually unchanged over its production period. It was powered by a revised version of the Yamaha Virago 535 engine, with a larger bore and stroke.

The bike came equipped with standard features, including a pulled-back handlebar, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a two-piece dual seat with a low riding position, a two-into-two chromed exhaust system with shotgun-style mufflers, a round headlight, and wire-spoke wheels.

In addition, the V-Star 650 was sold in three versions, such as Custom, Classic, and Silverado. The Custom version was the base for long-distance touring and was also offered in a Midnight Custom version in a blacked-out trim.

The suspension system was carried over from previous models, with a 41 mm telescopic fork on the front and a spring preload-adjustable shock absorber on the rear, delivering optimum handling capabilities.

Also, the braking system was shared with previous models, comprising a 298 mm disc mounted on the front wheel with a dual-piston caliper and a 200 mm drum braking unit on the rear wheel, offering optimum stopping power.

Underneath its fuel tank, a 649cc air-cooled V-twin engine delivered an output power of 40 hp with a peak at 6,500 rpm and 51 Nm (38 lb-ft) torque at 3,000 rpm. The 2015 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom featured a five-speed manual transmission and a low-maintenance final shaft drive.