Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I just bought a 2004 Yamaha V Star 650 Custom. I actually get it the Saturday before Easter and can’t wait. This bike is like new. Any insight from you experienced riders and Yamaha owners would be appreciated. Thanks.

Ride carefully, have fun, and keep the two rubber thingies on the ground!

i have a 650 classic/06
its actually on sale in the Classified sections.
As long as you do the maintenance ( which is easy) the bike will run fine.
Just make sure your battery terminates are securly tight against your battery.
Mine jiggled loose over time and i was wondering why my bike wouldnt start one time.
Also, depending on the weather, allow the bike to warm up.
Dont leave the choke out for an extended amount of time.
If you push it in and the bike dies, its not warm enough yet...
i usually wait for about 15 seconds in the summer and when its cold in Chicago, i'll wait possibly 30 seconds
great bike!

Social Distortion wrote:i have a 650 classic/06
its actually on sale in the Classified sections.
As long as you do the maintenance ( which is easy) the bike will run fine.
Just make sure your battery terminates are securly tight against your battery.
Mine jiggled loose over time and i was wondering why my bike wouldnt start one time.
Also, depending on the weather, allow the bike to warm up.
Dont leave the choke out for an extended amount of time.
If you push it in and the bike dies, its not warm enough yet...
i usually wait for about 15 seconds in the summer and when its cold in Chicago, i'll wait possibly 30 seconds
great bike!

Well this info is timely. I just killed my battery and I will check the termials before charging it. Also the advice about the choke is much appreciated. I have been having trouble keeping it going and that is probably the reason. Thanks again.

havegunjoe wrote:

Social Distortion wrote:i have a 650 classic/06
its actually on sale in the Classified sections.
As long as you do the maintenance ( which is easy) the bike will run fine.
Just make sure your battery terminates are securly tight against your battery.
Mine jiggled loose over time and i was wondering why my bike wouldnt start one time.
Also, depending on the weather, allow the bike to warm up.
Dont leave the choke out for an extended amount of time.
If you push it in and the bike dies, its not warm enough yet...
i usually wait for about 15 seconds in the summer and when its cold in Chicago, i'll wait possibly 30 seconds
great bike!

Well this info is timely. I just killed my battery and I will check the termials before charging it. Also the advice about the choke is much appreciated. I have been having trouble keeping it going and that is probably the reason. Thanks again.

One more note about batteries.
As you may already notice, our bikes are Buzzy- what i mean is that they are meant to run at a higher rpm.
Based on my knowledge, it takes about 4000 RPMS to charge the battery.
Another words, just because you have your motor running in the garage at idle, doesnt mean it will charge the battery.
Assunming your bike is somewhat new and not older ( to rule out mechanical failure) make sure you allow the bike to get to those RPMs.
I think this is my shift pattern
1st to 2nd (20 mpg)
2nd to 3rd(20-35)
3rd - 4th ( when i whine it out, i'll shift @ 50 mph, but i usually shift around 45ish)
i usually dont shift into last gear until i hit 55

we have a rev limited, which is something in the bike that will not allow our bikes to rev to the red line.
if you had a tachtometer, youd know how high your bike is revving, but stock, we both dont have one.
As mentioned, dont be afraid to let the bike rev high, it'll help charge your battery and it wont hurt your bike. Its mean to be a high revving engine and if you are worried about, just note that your bike wont let you rev into the red zone...
i was scared to let my bike rev higher thinking it would hurt it- one dead battery later....i know what to do...hehee