V-star 650 highway performance?

[Ian522]

Im planning on a new bike next season and doing tons of research. Its looking like it will be a Yamaha since there is a great yammy dealer just a couple miles from my house which will make servicing convenient.

Money restrictions limit me to about $6k. Im thinking about the v-star 650 custom. I cant shell out the $9k for the 1100, the only other option is the FZ6 which is a sweet bike but id have no money left for accessories and insurance would probably be pretty expensive on one of those.

I plan on doing some touring in the future, like maybe a few 1500 mile round trips like up to New England/Canada, down to the Blue Ridge Parkway, etc. I know the v-star 650 isnt the best choice for this kind of riding, but can it handle it in relative comfort? I would add some comfort add-ons like an aftermarket seat, windshield, etc. and probably not need to cruise at more than 65-70mph at any point. Im a a smaller framed guy, 5'10 150 pounds if it makes a difference.

[storysunfolding]

buy used?

[Ian522]

I thought about doing the used bike crap shoot, but id rather have a brand new bike that I know was broken-in properly and meticulously maintained before setting off halfway across the country on it.

[Rule62]

I've got an '05, and it'll run 75-80 on the highway all day long.

[Ian522]

I've got an '05, and it'll run 75-80 on the highway all day long.

Good to know. I rarely need to do more than 75, even on the interstate. How bad are the vibes in the handlebars at these speeds?

[paul246]

My wife had the 650 Custom. It was a good bike on the highway as others have indicated.

However, I have to agree with a previous poster. If funds are limited consider a used bike that is more suited for touring. There are lots of used bikes available with low mileage that will serve you well. Spend a few bucks having it checked out and if necessary brought right up to snuff.

As far as running on the interstate highway system, that is just a waste of a good motorcycle ride IMHO. Better to take the secondary roads and actually "see" something while you relax.

Good luck on your hunt.

[xsyamahadg]

I had an 03 V-Star Classic which I bought new and rode for 4 years, the bike is bullet proof, I had no problems in the 4 years I owned it. I will say that the bike is not a bullet when it comes to speed, but it will cruise all day long at expressway speeds. I liked it because it was heavy, it was not affected by cross winds or rain groves on the expressway, and at speed it took very little effort to keep it from wondering around in the lane. It will cruise as straight as an arrow, which allows the rider to enjoy the scenery. I spent many 300 mile day trips on the bike and enjoyed every minute of them. I take exception to the term "entry level" because the 650 Star is much more than that.
XS

Here is the old horse...it served me well:

[Rule62]

I've got an '05, and it'll run 75-80 on the highway all day long.

Good to know. I rarely need to do more than 75, even on the interstate. How bad are the vibes in the handlebars at these speeds?

Sorry--been caught up in work.

My commute is about an hour 1-way, 40 minutes or so on the interstate. I can feel my palms and fingers (and all the other important parts of my body) just fine when I get to work.

[Social Distortion]

look @ a previous year of a V Star
in 2006, i got the remaining V Star 650 classic for $4899...about $1000 off the MSRP.
I'd check to see when the best time, but many people say that Dec is the best to get a deal on most bikes.....
Hell, is aved $1000!