Yamaha XVS650 Dragstar Review
Yamaha XVS650 Cruiser Motorcycle Review
Even at ten years old, a Yamaha XVS650 Dragstar can still be an outstanding motorcycle. This article looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the Dragstar, as well as those little attentions to detail that have made it a unique piece of Yamaha engineering.
Good Things About the XVS650
The Yamaha XVS650 Dragstar has many fine qualities. It’s very pretty to look at. It’s a bike that any rider can use all day, everyday. The bike will hardly ever break down. And it’s a hoot to ride. Perfect - almost.
- Looks
- Practicality
- Reliability
- Fun
Bad Things About the XVS650
Sadly, there are some minor criticisms to be made of the XVS650. The brakes are below average. The suspension is unreasonably soft. The handling can be somewhat vague. And the performance is meager.
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Handling
- Performance
Still One of the Best Cruiser Motorcycles
Interested in the Yamaha XVS650 Dragstar? The Dragstar is still one of the best motorcycles currently on the market. It’s obviously not the fastest bike out there. It’s certainly not the biggest machine either. It’s probably not even the coolest bike money can buy. But none of that matters. This bike is good. Very good. Not only this, the Dragstar was spawned from the late great linage of Yamaha’s middleweight cruisers; the ever popular Virago series. So the bike comes from proven stock.
Dragstar Basics
The somewhat comically named Dragstar (or V-Star in America) is not really that funny a bike. The Dragstar’s a proper road going motorcycle. Those who ride them swear by them. Even for bikers who are not of the cruiser persuasion, this motorcycle makes so much sense that even the most ardent knee down rocket jockey could be tempted into riding one. So, what’s so good about the Dragstar?
Well, everything really. The riding position is all day comfortable. The fuel consumption is astounding. The handling is smooth. The gearbox is slick and sure. The engine has plenty of low down torque and just enough power higher up in the revs. The Dragstar soothes the new rider into the saddle with a huge amount of confidence inspiring all-round ability. For the tough veteran - the bike has such a truly unique character that the rider will be left wanting every journey to last just a little bit longer.
It gets better though. The Dragstar has a huge amount of road presence for its actual size. Other road users are almost cowed into getting out of the way or giving the oncoming bike more room, such is the bark from the double exhausts. This isn’t to say that the bike is deafening to anyone nearby - far from it - but there’s definitely a throaty grumble to the bike that leaves a big fat stupid grin on the rider’s face with every gear change.
Good Looking Reliable Custom
The Dragstar is a looker too - with sweeping lines and curvaceous lashings of chrome. There’s a certain amount of balance to the bike’s looks; one that draws just the right amount of attention. Clearly, a lot of work went into the design and layout of the bike. All the controls are right where they should be and nothing on the bike feels needless or out of reach. Added together, this all makes for a bike that’s both a real joy to ride and a pleasure to own.
Reliability is typically Japanese - almost perfect. If the bike is looked after properly , there’s no limit to how far and how long one will keep running without major surgery. Overall, build quality is top notch, equal to or better than anything the competition has to offer. For those who would rather be riding than tinkering, this is hugely important. And the bike has a shaft drive instead of a chain. So that means no more time wasted mucking about with chain lube and tools.
The aftermarket extras for the Dragstar are mountainous; anything you can think of to change, add on or clip to the bike is available. This means that coming across two Dragstars that are the same is nearly impossible. Which is great. As with other such well rounded bikes, there’s always a danger that the Dragstar could be called uninspiring for being just a little too good at what it does.
Niggles to Consider
Happily, the Dragstar could never be called boring, bland or beige. The bike has way too much character for that. And besides, this machine is not perfect by any means. It’s a flawed creature. For starters, the suspension is very soft. Bumps or cracks in the road can cause the bike to pitch up and down wildly. This sensation isn’t dangerous or uncomfortable but it does take some getting used to.
Then there are the brakes to consider. The stoppers just about do the job but the rear drum brake lacks bite and the solo disk upfront could have used a twin to help stop the bike’s considerable weight. Braking zones have to be thought out ahead of time; there’s no room for leaving stopping to the last minute on a bike like this.
Riding wise, the bike’s ground clearance is acceptable, if not respectable. However, as with most cruisers, the Dragstar will send sparks flying if leant over too much, too soon. Added to the bike’s long length, this makes cornering interestingly lazy. Not only this, the Dragstar’s top speed leaves some room for improvement, with just 90mph on offer. This bike is not a performer. It’s not about mastering twisty roads or flat out speed. The bike’s about real world all day cool cruising. Ridden as intended, the Dragstar is hard to beat.
The Last Word
For all the bike’s niggles, they are not enough to stop the Dragstar from being effortlessly amazing. No motorcycle is perfect. But this motorcycle comes mightily close. If you are looking for a bike that will go from A to B, keep the rider smiling the entire ride and leave the proud owner with plenty of cash in the bank for fuel and road trips - the Dragstar could be the answer.
Yamaha XVS650
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