Known problems
We're still verifying common problems for this bike. Riders who've owned one can help: ask about this bike.
What to check on a V-Star 650
- Cold start it. Listen for a rough idle or hesitation, which can point to dirty carburetors. Ask how long it sat.
- Check battery voltage with the engine running. Look at the charging wire connectors for melted plastic.
- Look at the fork tubes for oil below the seals.
- Test both brakes. Specs we checked list a single front disc and a rear drum, so expect the rear to feel less sharp than a disc. Check lever travel and feel.
- Check the shaft drive for leaks at the rear drive housing, and listen for clunks when you get on and off the throttle.
- Find out which version it is. The Classic is heavier and wider than the Custom, and a shorter new rider should sit on both.
- The bike has no fuel gauge, according to an owner review, so check the trip meter works. If it has been stored, look for rust inside the tank.
- Look for crash damage on the left and right sides: scraped pegs, bent bars and cracked plastic fenders on a Custom.
Do these on top of the standard walkaround. The free kit has the full list. Want a pro to look it over? Find a local shop.
Safety recalls
Recalls are fixed free by a dealer, but only if someone took the bike in. Ask the seller for proof, or have a dealer check the VIN. You can also check a VIN yourself at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
1998 to 2005 motorcycle #05V067000
NHTSA lists this for: XVS65. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE MOUNTING HARDWARE HOLDING THE PASSENGER SEAT TO THE FENDER COULD LOOSEN DUE TO THE PASSENGER'S WEIGHT SHIFTING ON THE SEAT.
Risk: IF THE MOUNTING HARDWARE BECOMES LOOSE ENOUGH TO FALL OFF, THE PASSENGER SEAT CAN FALL OFF THE REAR FENDER. A PASSENGER ON THE MOTORCYCLE COULD LOSE BALANCE AND FALL, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT'S MOUNTING HARDWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT YAMAHA AT 1-800-227-5963.
1998 to 2005 motorcycle #05V256000
NHTSA lists this for: XVS65. Check the VIN to confirm it applies.
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYLES, THE ORIGINAL REPLACEMENT MOUNTING HARDWARE HOLDING THE PASSENGER SEAT TO THE FENDER COULD BREAK IF THE MOUNTING HARDWARE IS OVER TIGHTENED.
Risk: IF THE HARDWARE BREAKS, THE PASSENGER SEAT CAN FALL OFF THE REAR FENDER. THE PASSENGER COULD LOSE BALANCE AND FALL, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix: OWNERS MAY ALREADY HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM YAMAHA DATED MARCH 3, 2005, ABOUT THIS DEFECT. IN ORDER TO PROVIDE AN IMPROVED REMEDY TO THE REPAIR OF THE PREVIOUS RECALL, YAMAHA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES AGAIN. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HARDWARE HOLDING THE PASSENGER SEAT TO THE FENDER WITH COMPONENTS OF A DIFFERENT TYPE THAT WILL NOT ALLOW THE SEAT TO FALL OFF. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 15, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT YAMAHA AT 1-800-88-YAMAHA.
NHTSA data fetched 2026-11-06.
Is it a good first bike?
The seat is low (about 27 to 28 inches) and owners describe it as easy to ride for new or returning riders. It is still around 500 pounds wet, so practice moving it in a parking lot first.
Generations
Custom (XVS650)
Most of the production run
The lighter version. Plastic fenders and a seat height of about 27.4 inches. Listed at about 511 to 514 pounds wet.
Classic (XVS650A)
Most of the production run
Same frame and engine, with metal fenders, a wider front wheel and a wider seat. Roughly 545 pounds wet and a seat height of about 28 inches.
Silverado
Some years
A Classic-based version with saddlebags and touring parts. We did not confirm which years it was sold in the US.