Yamaha 650 VSTAR Classic

[JC Viper]

I am brand new to riding and I am trying to choose between the V-Star 650 and the Vulcan 500. I like them both, kinda leaning towards the V-Star.

The Vulcan is smoother and quicker than the V-Star but the V-Star has more legroom, is shaft driven = less maintenance and of course the cool V-Twin sound.

The funny thing is that the V-Star Custom and Vulcan 500 share the same tail light configuration and lenses which also share it with the Yamaha YZF 600R.
I know because I bought a new lens for my bike and an LED light board which fits all three.

[jonnythan]

Air cooled is not a problem. Every Harley (except the V-rod) ever manufactured is air cooled, and I think there would be some consternation if Harleys couldn't handle hot weather or stop and go traffic. My Virago is air-cooled. I've never had a problem with it, even on the hottest of the hot days, and neither have the Harley guys I've ridden with.

[drrhythm39]

I have to agree with BugCountry on this. I also own a 650 Custom and love it.

[acritzer]

I have a 99 classic and love it. Granted, it's my first bike, but I have to say that it's been very nice so far. Comfortable ride. Nice pick up in the lower gears. Handles fine on the highway. Easy for a new rider to handle.

Only complaint that comes up from owners is the lack of power once you're around 50 or 60 mph.
There's actually a great online community www.650ccnd.com that offers advice on service, mods, and anything else you can imagine.

[buddhacide]

I have a 99 vtstar and live in Toronto (for sale actually if you're around here). Its a fantastic bike. I have noticed however that it gets REALLY hot in the stop and go of inner city traffic on hot days. Its never been an issue, in terms of getting the job done, but I do become acutely aware of it, which tends to detract from my enjoyment (not that city driving is fun). My next bike will by liquid cooled for this reason. If you dont live in a city, air cooling should be totally acceptable

[NewGuy]

I ride a brand new 2007 650 Custom. My only real complaint is that it could use a higher (lower numerically) gear ratio in 5th to lower cruising rpm's at 55 and up. It sounds great when the engine grunts and it is very comfy. I could have used a larger engined bike but I picked this one because the price is nice.

Same for me except I'm on an '01 V-star Classic. I would have preferred a bike with a little more power, but the price of the V-star, including the low cost of insurance can't be beat. Once you go above 650cc insurance costs skyrocket. It's a great value in the entry level cruiser category.