Yamaha->ke301's full-size V Star->ke2965 family of cruiser bikes has made a name for itself for being one of the most popular lines of Yamaha bikes in the world. The smallest of the lot, the V Star Custom, may not carry the same cache as its more powerful brothers, but for strict monetary value, it's completely second to none.

The bike combines outstanding performance with great overall handling, packing plenty of attitude in a low, long, and lean package. Featuring plenty of chrome, a striking luminous paint, and a bobtail rear fender, the V-Star Custom's design is as striking as its iconic name suggests.

Make no mistake, there's a lot riding in Yamaha's new line of Star bikes. And just as they've done in the company's long and illustrious history, the Japanese motorcycle brand has come out with a model range that's as good as advertised, even for its lofty standards.

Find out more about the Yamaha V Star Custom after the jump.

2011 Yamaha V Star Custom

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Yamaha V Star Custom
  • Engine/Motor: air-cooled, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, 70 degree, V-twin engine
  • Transmission: wide-ratio, five-speed transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Design

The industry-leading Star family from Yamaha offers all the striking design features that has made it an iconic line in the Japanese motorcycle brand's family. It comes with a rich, lustrous paint and extensive chrome accents that create a stunningly timeless machine. A large, 4.2-gallon teardrop fuel tank features not just a class-leading fuel capacity for extra-long-distance cruising range, but also blends seamlessly with the bike's overall design language. A beautiful, tank-mounted speedometer is also included and is designed with a large face for easy reading of displays and turn signals, neutral, high beam, and engine diagnostic indicator lights. Adding to the bike's overall appeal is a chrome, bullet-style 60/55-watt halogen headlight, providing a clean and sleek stylish touch while also maximizing nighttime visibility.

Performance

The Yamaha V Star Custom comes with a beautifully chromed and polished 649cc, air-cooled, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, 70 degree, V-twin engine that cranks out torque at low- and mid-range power for smooth cruising performance. This particular engine has been designed to produce strong torque and horsepower with a maximum torque of 3,000 rpm. The V Star Custom also has twin Mikuni BDS28 carburetors with throttle position sensors (TPS) that provide crisp throttle response. A wide-ratio, five-speed transmission makes for a bike that's both extremely usable while also delivering cruiser-friendly power delivery. A classic, side-mounted air cleaner and automatic cam chain tensioners reduce maintenance and mechanical engine noise. There's also an exposed shaft drive that provides quiet, clean, reliable performance while the 2-into-2 chrome exhaust pipes creates sleek styling while delivering maximum engine power.

Brakes and Suspension

The V Star Custom features a large-diameter, double-cradle, steel frame that has been designed to provide a low seat height with enough ride legroom to make run-arounds very comfortable. A spring preload-adjustable, single-shock rear suspension lowers the bike's center of gravity, allowing for excellent handling and easy maneuverability while a rear shock is tucked out of sight for that classic, "hardtail" look. In the front, the V Star Custom comes with a 298-mm front disc brake with twin piston caliper, delivering a strong, confidence-inspiring stopping power. At the back, there's an easy-to-adjust rear drum brake with wear indicator.

Narrow front tire on spoked chrome wheel completes the Custom design and delivers quick steering for easy handling. Large 16-liter fuel tank for an extra long cruising range. Beautiful, tank-mounted speedometer features 3D speed graduations. Functions include odometer and tripmeter displays.

Pricing

Yamaha has priced the V-Star 650 Custom at a stout $6,890 taking into US specifications.

Specifications

Model

XVS65AB

Engine Type

40-cubic-inch (649cc) air-cooled 70°

V-twin; SOHC, 2 valves/cylinder

Bore x Stroke

81.0 x 63.0mm

Compression Ratio

9.0:1

Fuel Delivery

(2) Mikuni® 28mm CV carburetors

Ignition

TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition

Transmission

5-speed; multiplate wet clutch

Final Drive

Shaft

Frame

Steel; hidden shock

Suspension/Front

Telescopic fork;

5.5-in travel

Suspension/Rear

Single shock; adjustable preload,

3.4-in travel

Brake/Front

Hydraulic disc, 298mm

Brake/Rear

200mm drum

Tire/Front

100/90-19

Tire/Rear

170/80-15

Wheels

Spoke

L x W x H

92.0 x 34.6 x 42.0 in

Seat Height

27.4 in

Ground Clearance

5.5 in.

Wheelbase

63.4 in

Fuel Capacity

4.2 gal

Est. Fuel Economy

48.9 mpg

Wet Weight

513 lb / C: 517 lb

Color

Raven


Quotes

Motorcycle ---- "The 2011 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom features plenty of chrome, luminous paint, a bobtail rear fender, and also the ease of a clean, quiet shaft drive. Expect in case your friends think it is a unique custom machine."

Yamaha Motor Canada ---- "With a long, low, lean-and-mean profile, traditional spoked wheels, and a bobbed tail rear fender, the V-Star 1100 Custom has the look and feel of a classic chopper."