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Yamaha XVS650 Dragstar motorcycle review - Riding

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Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star (1997-current)

Detail	Value
New price	£5,499
Used price range	View Yamaha XVS650 DRAGSTAR bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	649cc
Power	40bhp
Top speed	96mph
Insurance group	8

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

The Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star is a fun and hassle-free way to enjoy your cruising. It’s got a low, comfy seat, big bike looks, ease of use and nice styling on its side. Add that to a low purchase price and the Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star makes a good case for itself as an affordable alternative to Harley’s 883 Sportster or Triumph’s Bonneville.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

With the 40bhp, SOHC, air-cooled V-twin doof-doofing quietly beneath you you’re only ever going to be in for an unhurried ride on the Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star. Which is fine, since there’s more to life than tearing about.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Despite its faux-hardtail looks the Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star rides very well. It’s no featherweight, but the weight is carried low and the steering is neutral right over to the peg, the exhaust and the chassis you’ll be gently chamfering on your favourite corner. The Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star's brakes on the other hand are less than stella performers and you’re well advised to proceed with that in mind.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star is backed up with a veritable Aladdin’s cave of aftermarket booty. You can buy everything from luggage to lights, chrome bars to tassles and everything in-between for your Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star's finish is very good, with high quality chrome and paintwork and thoughtful touches like rust-resisting, resin-coated spokes. It’s shaft-drive, too, reducing mess and promoting longevity. The Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star's motor is very unstressed and should be good for years to come.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star replaced the Virago in the Yamaha line-up and it’s by far the better bike. You can pick up a Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star very cheaply, with older bikes available for about a grand privately. It doesn’t have the feel or the distinctive sound of a Harley but your neighbours won’t know and at that price you won’t care. Find a Yamaha Drag Star for sale

Insurance group: 8

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1997: Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star introduced to replace Virago XV535.
1998: ‘Classic’ version of Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star introduced.

Yamaha XVS650 Drag Star Classic: Comes with fatter mudguards and shrouded forks and was at a £200 premium over the stocker when new.

Specifications

Top speed	96mph
1/4-mile acceleration	15.6 secs
Power	40bhp
Torque	37ftlb
Weight	229kg
Seat height	710mm
Fuel capacity	16 litres
Average fuel consumption	47mpg
Tank range	160 miles
Insurance group	8

Engine size	649cc
Engine specification	4v, V-twin 5 gears
Frame	Tubular steel cradle
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	Single 298mm disc
Rear brake	Drum
Front tyre size	120/60 x 19
Rear tyre size	170/80 x 15

See all Yamaha XVS650 DRAGSTAR motorcycles for sale

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£4,699

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£3,895

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£2,995

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£3,250

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£5,999

Owners' Overall Rating (3 reviews)

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excellent bike

s3lee

Average rating

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ive had a 97 xvs650 for a couple of years and have covered thousands of miles, most 2 up with plenty of luggage, apart from the rectifier having to be replaced there has not been one day when it hasnt started 1st time, and the highway hawk slash cuts give it a brilliant thumping tone...overall a highly recomended bike..

18 April 2009
Dragstar 650 Classic

bobdalby

Average rating

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my birthday treat last year a brand new classic. Hit the big 6 - 0 and thought I needed to minimise the risk as reaction time goes south from now on. The Dragstar classic ticks all the boxes. I can still enjoy a bit of speed, but shouldn't flip it doing wheelies. Then seats 3-4 hour rating (without a break) and all in all very pleased. Oh it looks gorgeous, get lots of comments and its fun to ride. Still living the dream!

22 February 2008
Good old ride!

rushybike

Average rating

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A great ride and very reliable. Not the most exciting ride but it does the job and really looks the part!

20 December 2007

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GOWPETCH says

1999 DRAGSTAR CLASSIC

I have been riding my Dragstar since buying it from a friend in 2004 and found it an excellent ride with comfortable seating even with two up. Rode in convoy following and leading all the Yamaha cruiser bikes to Ireland, Wales and northern England last year proving to be great fun. Reliable, economic and cheap and great looking with great extras. Mine has luggage, screen, engine bars, cissy bar, spot lights, navigator, running boards, on board battery maintainer and the rest. Great reaction from passers by.

A pleasure to ride.

21 July 2009 15:11