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Posted: **Sat Oct 22, 2005 6:46 pm**

I think i've narrowed it down to these 3 bikes. I like the Yamaha a little better in the looks dept, but the Honda has more power for not that much money. Overall thoughts? Opinions? This is my first bike.

The Honda:

ENGINE
Engine Type 745cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin
Bore and Stroke 79.0mm x 76.0mm
Compression Ratio 9.0:1
Valve Train SOHC; three valves per cylinder
Carburetion Two 34mm diaphragm-type CV
Ignition CD with electronic advance, two spark plugs per cylinder
DRIVE TRAIN
Transmission Wide-ratio five-speed
Final Drive O-ring-sealed chain
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES
Front Suspension 41mm fork; 5.1-inch travel
Rear Suspension Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability; 3.2-inch travel
Front Brake Single 296mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear Brake Drum
Front Tire 110/80-19
Rear Tire 160/80-15
DIMENSIONS
Rake 34-degree
Trail 152mm (6.0 inches)
Wheelbase 64.8 inches
Seat Height 26.6 inches
Dry Weight 496.0 pounds
Fuel Capacity 3.6 gallons, including 1.3-gallon reserve
OTHER
Emissions California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment.
Available Colors Black, Candy Orange, Titanium/Flame, Candy Dark Red/Flame
Model ID VT750DC
FACTORY WARRANTY INFORMATION
1 year Coverage of defects in materials and workmanship

The Yamaha:

Engine
Type 649cc, 40-cubic-inch, air-cooled, SOHC, 70° V-twin
Bore x Stroke 81 x 63mm
Compression Ratio 9.0:1
Carburetion (2) 28mm Mikuni downdraft-type
Ignition Digital TCI
Transmission 5-speed
Final Drive Shaft
Chassis
Suspension/Front Telescopic fork; 5.5" travel
Suspension/Rear Single shock, link-type, w/adjustable preload; 3.4" travel
Brakes/Front 298mm Disc
Brakes/Rear 200mm Drum
Tires/Front 100/90-19
Tires/Rear 170/80-15
Dimensions
Length 90.4"
Width 34.6"
Height 42"
Seat Height 27.4"
Wheelbase 63.4"
Dry Weight 474 Lbs.
Fuel Capacity 4.2 Gallons
Other
Warranty 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)

For the Vulcan:

Engine: Four-stroke, DOHC, 8-valve V-Twin
Displacement: 749cc
Starting: Electric
Bore x stroke: 84.9 x 66.2mm
Compression ratio: 10.3:1
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin CVK34 x 2
Ignition: Electronic
Transmission: Five-speed
Final drive: Shaft
Frame: Double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 32 degrees / 5.0 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: Hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Air-assisted dual shocks with 4-way rebound damping / 3.5 in.
Front tire: 100/90x19 tubeless
Rear tire: 150/90x15 tubeless
Front brakes / rear brake: Dual discs / Drum
Overall length: 90.4 in.
Overall width: 33.5 in.
Overall height: 48.2 in.
Ground clearance: 5.9 in.
Seat height: 28.9 in.
Dry weight: 483 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 3.6 gal.
Wheelbase: 62.2 in.
Colors: Ebony / Candy Persimmon Red

*Specifications are subject to change.

Features
V-twin Engine with Gear-driven Balancer
- Optimum torque from idle to redline
- Smooth, reliable and easy to maintain
- Allows use of single-pin crankshaft without the heavy vibration

Four Valves Per Cylinder
- Better breathing for more power at high rpm
- Compact combustion chamber for increased compression ratio without detonation on today’s gasolines
- Boosts low-end torque
- Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow
- Hydraulic lash adjusters keep valves quiet with no adjustment required

Liquid Cooling
- Consistent operating temperatures, resulting in longer engine life
- Allows closer engine tolerances for more horsepower
- Automatic fan keeps things cool even in traffic
- Includes temperature gauge

Dual-stage Quiet Cam Chain
- Dual-stage design allows more compact cylinder heads
- Runs quietly, reliably

Automatic Cam Chain Tensioner
- Maintains precise timing without maintenance
- Assures greater reliability

Rubber-mounted Engine
- All but eliminates engine vibration

Five-speed Transmission
- Designed to handle the engine’s unique power characteristics
- The engine’s broad torque curve only needs five speeds for great acceleration and relaxed highway cruising

Positive Neutral Finder
- Just lift the shift pedal from first at a stop to easily find neutral
- A Kawasaki exclusive

Dual 34mm CVK Carburetors
- Precise fuel metering facilitates uniform power delivery at all engine speeds
- Quick throttle response

Handlebar-mounted Choke
- Hassle-free starting and warm-up

Air-assisted Rear Shocks with 4-way Rebound Damping
- Adjustable for a wide range of rider and passenger weights
- Provides a smooth and well-controlled ride
- Integral adjusters make it easy to tune the suspension for a particular riding style or road conditions

Shaft Drive
- Reliable and quiet, low-maintenance system

Dual Front Disc Brakes
- Reliable stopping power under demanding conditions

Speedometer and Instrument Cluster with Turn Signal Indicators and Caution Lamps
- Provides important information at a glance
- Compact design complements the bike’s clean look

Transistor Controlled Breakerless Ignition (TCBI) with Electronic Timing Advance
- A hot spark at all engine speeds for easy starting, smooth running and good fuel economy

Posted: **Sat Oct 22, 2005 7:39 pm**

Personally I would opt for the V-Star . I really don't think that the difference in displacement will be that noticeable .
Regards, Wizzard

Posted: **Sat Oct 22, 2005 7:40 pm**

can you give me a reason why you picked the v-star? trying to make an informed decsion

Posted: **Sat Oct 22, 2005 8:03 pm**

It seems to have a lower center of gravity . I also like it better in the looks department . I have two friends with V-Star 650s , one of them is a short guy like me and has done some extensive customization on his bike even lowering it some more . The other bro is a lot larger and the 650 flat gets him down the road without any problems .
For their weight difference there doesn't seem to be much difference when we are all riding together . Hope that makes some kind of sense . I am really still half asleep .
Regards, Wizzard

Posted: **Sat Oct 22, 2005 10:00 pm**

it does make sense. I'm not a big guy myself, 5'8" about 130 pounds if that. I'm going into boot camp soon so i'm sure i'll pack on some weight then, but even still i'm just not a big guy. The lower center of gravity would help me control it. I had already decided on the V-Star until I talked to a friend of mine I trust, who sells bikes. He is the one who told me to take a second look at the honda and kawasaki bikes. There is no "consumer reports" for motorcycles, so i'm stuck as a newbie to biking just feeling it out and hoping I get the best bike for me. Once I get through the MSF course i'll see about taking a few of them for some test drives.

Posted: **Sun Oct 23, 2005 1:43 am**

I would also take the V-Star 650 Custom.

First, they are all good bikes, as you probably know. The main thing that sways me is that given the choice I would go with the air cooled engine. They are simple and lighter and they work just fine. If you are worried about running in hot weather just install Mobil 1 15W50 synthetic oil and enjoy. Been doing it for years in my air cooled bikes.

Second, I like the the looks. There is no doubt that the 650 Custom is a looker. It has that slammed stance and the materials and finish are top drawer.

I'm not as sold on the "Classic" but the 650 Custom is a nice machine that isn't overdone. Plus, its a ball to ride, amazingly nimble in traffic.

Posted: **Sun Oct 23, 2005 3:39 am**

That's a real apples and oranges choice. The mid 80's design Vulcan 750 has so many features the other two don't and also has considerably better performance figures. You don't include the best performer of all the mid size cruisers, the Intruder 800 now called the Boulevard S50 which is also a mid 80's design.

I personally wouldn't buy a bike without a centerstand and cast wheels with tubeless tires and the Vulcan has these. Also it is the only mid size cruiser with hydraulic valve lash adjusters, a great convenience. It has all the desirable features like water cooled, shaft drive, tachometer, temp guage, fuel guage, gear position indicator, and dual disc brakes.

But the Vulcan really looks dated compared to the 650 Star or the Spirit 750 and most cruisers are bought more for appearance than for performance. And buying a motorcycle is as much feeling as it is thinking. All depends which one turns you on.

Have you looked at the S50? Still looks more updated than the Vulcan and is the best performer of all the mid size cruisers and has a better top gear roll on figure than most all cruisers regardless of size except a couple of the latest power cruisers.

Posted: **Sun Oct 23, 2005 4:53 am**

hi there I have the v-star 650, and my buddy has the spirit, first thing theres not much difference at all in displacement my bike goes just as fast, now the big difference and my friend agrees is comfort ,my classic is much more comfortable, shifting is smoother because of the shaft driven, and I personally like the looks better than the spirit,

Posted: **Sun Oct 23, 2005 5:19 am**

05 V Star Custom here. I don't think you would be disappointed with the bike. It had more then enough power for highway cruising and will run at 75 all day without complaining. I get a lot of compliments on it and am happy with my choice. It is a very well made bike with a lot of features for the price.

Posted: **Sun Oct 23, 2005 6:06 am**

First of all I am not tring to sell you on any bike. I have a 750 vulcan it has very good power in all ranges, handles good. It easily runs 80 mph. Just under 5 th.rpms at 70 mph. About 40 mpg. The only problem I have had is lifter noise. I am 5'3" and I have no problem handling it. When it comes down to it, it will be the looks that will make the difference. They are all good bikes.

Total Motorcycle Community Forums

2006. Honda Spirit 750 VS V-Star 650 Custom VS Vulcan 750

2006. Honda Spirit 750 VS V-Star 650 Custom VS Vulcan 750