2007 Yamaha V-Star Classic 650 review from United States of America

None, the bike has been flawless!

This is my sixth street bike, first cruiser style. The feel is different, more laid back and for passengers is a great bike. I added the passenger floor boards and the sissy bar for wife and 9 year-old son to have more comfort when they come along for a cruise.

Color and styling - I get lots of people walking up to me and saying that the bike is very pretty and shiny. The candy apple red with all the chrome makes the bike stand out. Since this is a V-Twin you get the normal rumble and slight vibration that smooths out (certain rpm's you get resonance with any engine, but more noticeable on v-twin's).

Size - Almost everyone that sees the bike does not believe it is only a 650cc. Like others many think that it is 1100+cc.

The larger look and 4.2 gallon tank helps add to the weight and lower center of gravity, so the bike handles very well. I am 180# and wife is 115#, and when riding two-up the bike seems fine even at 70 mph, though like others say the bike is slower passing once you get over 60 mph.

Air cooled - Since the bike is air cooled rather than liquid, the bike is a little cold blooded in the lower temps. I notice that the bike takes longer to "act" like it is warmed up, even if the engine is hot on cool mornings. When riding below 45 deg at stop lights, a "pop" of the throttle before taking off allows for a smoother take off until the bike is fully warm (not just the cylinders/exhaust).

Wanted Items - Since I rode other cycles than cruiser style, I am not use to the lack of tachometer, I really wish they would have had a small tach and fuel gauge along with the Speedo on the tank. Another item I miss is a clock, I added a clock between the handle-bar mounts. Maybe Yamaha will make a better instrument cluster in future models.