The Yamaha DragStar 650 is a middleweight cruiser that Yamaha built from 1997 to 2017. In the United States it was sold as the V Star 650, and its model code was XVS650.
Yamaha DragStar at a glance
| Maker | Yamaha Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Also called | V Star 650, XVS650, XVS650A |
| Production | 1997–2017 |
| Class | Cruiser motorcycle |
| Engine | 649 cc air-cooled V-twin |
| Engine basis | Virago 535, bored to 81 mm and stroked to 63 mm |
| Custom seat height | 695 mm |
| Custom weight | about 232 kg |
| Classic seat height | 708 mm |
| Classic weight | about 247 kg |
| US V Star line | 1998–2008 |
| Touring version | V Star Silverado with saddlebags |
Based on one source (English Wikipedia). The article covers the 650 cc DragStar; other capacities of the series are not described in the source.
History of the Yamaha DragStar
The XVS650 engine began as the Yamaha Virago 535 unit. Yamaha bored the cylinders by an extra 5 mm to 81 mm and lengthened the stroke by 4 mm to 63 mm, which raised displacement to 649 cc. The result was a simple air-cooled V-twin in the cruiser tradition, with enough torque for relaxed riding rather than outright performance.
Two main versions were offered. The Custom had a lower seat at 695 mm and weighed about 232 kg, with plastic mudguards and a recessed tail light under a flared rear fender. The Classic used the same frame but brought a wider front wheel, metal mudguards, longer bodywork, drag-style handlebars, a wider seat and a higher 708 mm seat height, and it was about 15 kg heavier. A Midnight Custom version added blacked-out trim, black wheel rims and satin black finishes.
In the United States the model was the entry-level machine of the V Star line, sold from 1998 to 2008. A V Star Silverado version added saddlebags and other touring equipment. The DragStar remained in production until 2017, making it one of Yamaha’s longest-running middleweight cruisers.
Design and features
- 649 cc V-twin: a bored and stroked Virago 535 engine with cruiser gearing.
- Two characters: the low Custom and the heavier, more traditional Classic.
- Midnight Custom: black paint, black rims and satin trim instead of chrome.
- Touring option: the Silverado added saddlebags and touring extras.
Yamaha DragStar versions
- DragStar / V Star Custom (XVS650): lower seat, plastic mudguards, 232 kg.
- DragStar / V Star Classic (XVS650A): metal mudguards, wider front wheel, 247 kg.
- Midnight Custom: blacked-out trim and wheels.
- V Star Silverado: Classic with saddlebags and touring equipment.
The DragStar engine came from the Virago, and the larger Yamaha cruisers include the XV1900A. More models are in the Yamaha collection.
Sources
- Yamaha DragStar 650, English Wikipedia: production, engine, versions, weights and seat heights
