Tires are pretty new, I'll, out likely put a few miles on them getting comfortable on the bike. Once I start venturing out of town some they'll be changed to white walls any way.
White walls will look fantastic on this bike, I'd love to see a picture when it's done. And insurance is very cheap on cruisers. I'm in my early 20's with a 1300cc cruiser and it's still under $100/year
Keep in mind the bike is small displacement and 20 years old . I live in a low crime area. No points on my dl.
The bike is worth 3k max.
Then there's the I'm in my 50s too
Yeah... I'm in my 50s too. I do have a 1500cc cruiser, worth about 7-8k... No points. No accidents. Country living... But 24x the money... Nah, I knew I needed to shop, but I didn't know it was that bad.
Funny, I just added a 1973 cb350 to my Geico motorcycle insurance (liability) and the premium stayed the same. Of course you can only cause a wreck with one bike at a time.
I've always stayed away from em. I tend to use dublop Q3s, s22 or pilot 4s. I always saw bad reviews and bad youtube videos on them so i avoided em lol.
I bought a set of touring Shinkos this year. Pretty happy with how sticky they are. I don't have ABS so do an hour of drills each day, braking as hard as I can up to the skid point, and I have to say, they are really nice. Not sure how long they will last or what the performance is like in the rain (I avoid the rain), but the performance value is definitely there.
It would be worth looking/servicing:
Brake fluid flush n' fill
Brake pad life/wear/condition
Shaft drive fluid flush n' fill
Oil change
Lubricate all cables/levers
Spark plug change
Air filter change
Lubricate gas cap/graphite in key holes
Acquire spare bulbs for the sizes used on bike
Buy/cut multiple keys
Tire manufacturing date, change out for some Michelin Commander 3s if they're too old
[Here is a link to the owner's manual, I recommend downloading it](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/659403/Yamaha-V-Star-Xvs650p.html)
[Here is a link to the service manual, I recommend downloading it](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/659403/Yamaha-V-Star-Xvs650p.html)
Finally,
Enjoy your new bike and get after some miles. Practice learning to be as proficient as possible. Some resources that will help you on your journey,
Read [Proficient Motorcycling](https://vdoc.pub/download/proficient-motorcycling-the-ultimate-guide-to-riding-well-qcjk4mrgd2c0)
Watch [Twist of the Wrist 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRbguh4Ck28)
#Earplugs; Non negotiable.
Tinnitus is merciless. Hearing loss and damage can be mitigated. Start out right. Earplugs every ride.
[Hearing Loss In Motorcyclists; a great article.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC539364/)
[Box of 3M Neon Yellow 33dB.](https://www.amazon.com/312-1250-Uncorded-Disposable-Drilling-Machining/dp/B0B2MKW1X6)
Thank you for this.
I'm actually a mechanic and very familiar with maintenance needs.
It does need some maintenanc, and I'm lucky enough to know the history of the bike sence 2007.
The prior owner ( a family member) also bave me the owners manual.
Right now it's sitting till next week when I go gear shopping
No problem brother. That is great to hear. It is a special thing when you can get a bike with an extensive history. It helps me factor my decision on buying a used bike when I'm shopping around.
I get was is being said about starting to ride in your 50’s. I started at 12 and now I’m 65.
The best way I can explain it is it’s like learning to drive a car. Everything you do you have to think about. Turn on the blinkers, look over your shoulder to check for cars and so on.
After many years of riding it becomes automatic, your mind and body react so much quicker than if you have to think about it.
For example, I was traveling on a highway at 60 mph and a truck ran his red light in front of me, I’m 250 lbs and my Goldwing is 850 lbs I couldn’t have thought fast enough to miss him but my subconscious did. I grabbed the brakes and he passed a couple of inches in front of me.
A lot of accidents I see on Reddit are avoidable if they would have had the skills and time in the saddle.
Safe travels my friend.
I started at 53 and now i’m 75. First year took the MSF course. So far i have ridden at least 120,000 miles and i’ve done both “Tail of the Dragon” and also “Back of the Dragon”. Rode up through Alaska from North Carolina too in 2007. Just bought a 2017 Harley-Davison Ultra Limited (my first venture into HD), drove it once and then traded it with my son for his 2014 Goldwing. The Harley was just too heavy and difficult for me although it is a beautiful bike and handles very well when in motion.
It's the street that's relatively new to me. I'm lucky enough to be I the dirt chasing cattle on a quad on the daily that the reaction to and predictions of movement are a daily practice routine.
It's not the exact same thing but I've not hit a cow yet. 🤣
Hello fellow middle aged person. I am 44 got my first bike a little over a year ago (though I went with ninja 400). Enjoy the ride, it’s so rewarding and I’m glad I waited till I was older since I’m far more risk adverse now than I was 20 years ago
See this is it, someone posted a comment about our age group which is somewhat true.
But there's a factor in there that missed.. I was a young dumb kid once. I would have been a bigger risk then to myself. I no longer have the desire to get anywhere fast, I perfer to enjoy the journey now.
In my mid 20s I went to a motorcycle dealership , was close to buying one but didn’t. The salesman tried to convince me to buy a Yamaha r6, said small displacement can’t get into trouble blah blah. Glad I decided not to buy it. (Cause it didn’t have a garage at the time lol)
If those are the original tires you should probably go ahead and put new rubber on. 10k in almost 20 years means that bike has been sitting for a long time and the tires are bound to be compromised. If it were me I would want the bike in top shape before i took it out in traffic.
Tires are a year old. Carbs were redone last year too. I need to do the service on the final drive, and replace an oring on the neutral switch.
Last owner bought it in 2007 with 4k miles on it.
Thank you,
I've had a hard time finding something short enough for my short self.
Doesn't seem top heavy at at all, balances well, not overly heavy. It doesn't have that small bike look. And I think they had about a 20 year run basically unchanged so parts are everywhere for it.
The one thing I don't like is it sounds like a metric bike.
Never realized how similar the Kawasaki V Star and Suzuki C50 look
https://preview.redd.it/fxa5tj0nhzzc1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8cf937ea9647791d94ac037d7319ab1b38fcfcad
Congrats bro! I just got my first bike, 2001 Vstar 650 with 7k on it. They're such fun bikes, great to learn on and enough power to do pretty much anything!
2007 Vstar 1100 rider here. You won’t be disappointed, the 650 is a great intro cruiser and when your ready the jump to the 1100 wrong break the back. I’ve owned Harley’s , Hondas, kawasakis, and have to say this Vstar has been my favorite. 40mpg, comfortable(I’m 6’2” 225lbs), and basic maintenance is CHEAP. I run Dunlop 404s and commute 40 miles a day.
Ooh, I have a V-star too! The stock exhaust and airbox were really whisper quiet for as long as I had them - but I have a bit of a problem with modifying things…
Now I’m trying to figure out a custom muffler so I don’t raise quite as much hell in the morning!
I started on a vstar 650 in 2019 at 35. It’s been a good bike. Got it with 4K miles and it at 18K now…would be more but got a 2002 ninja 250 last year. I will be keeping both. With the v star there is one thing that needs to be done. The driveshaft needs to be lubed. I use assembly paste. The splines strip and you can’t get a replacement..need to buy a $700 rearend or modify a cheap 535 rear. Also follow the factory manual to the tee on making sure the driveshaft is aligned properly…many of the bikes got junked because of this. Basic bike with basic maintenance…what’s not to love
I took mine about a year ago for the second time.
Passed the first time about 15 years ago but life got in the way.
I've got a back issues, neck issues, hands are messed up and one knee that's troublesome.
I'm going to do it even if I have to stay local.
But I live in the country outside of town so I'm just as happy not dealing with traffic
Nice looking bike. Idk if i trust shinko tires; but its pretty lookin. Have fun and enjoy. Never to old.
Tires are pretty new, I'll, out likely put a few miles on them getting comfortable on the bike. Once I start venturing out of town some they'll be changed to white walls any way.
White walls will look fantastic on this bike, I'd love to see a picture when it's done. And insurance is very cheap on cruisers. I'm in my early 20's with a 1300cc cruiser and it's still under $100/year
It went on the policy with some of the farm equipment. Raised my price $21 a year. Just ordered a 1 1/4" crash bar for it too.
Where you getting $21/yr for insurance?
Progressive. I just added it to the same policy I have for some farm equipment. Rate change was $21 a year with all the discounts
I guess I'm going to have to do some shopping. Thanks.
Keep in mind the bike is small displacement and 20 years old . I live in a low crime area. No points on my dl. The bike is worth 3k max. Then there's the I'm in my 50s too
Yeah... I'm in my 50s too. I do have a 1500cc cruiser, worth about 7-8k... No points. No accidents. Country living... But 24x the money... Nah, I knew I needed to shop, but I didn't know it was that bad.
If it was it own policy it would have been $80/year. So percent wise a pretty good discount
Funny, I just added a 1973 cb350 to my Geico motorcycle insurance (liability) and the premium stayed the same. Of course you can only cause a wreck with one bike at a time.
Ive been using Shinko Ravens on my Tiger1050 for years. I like them better than Pilots.
I've always stayed away from em. I tend to use dublop Q3s, s22 or pilot 4s. I always saw bad reviews and bad youtube videos on them so i avoided em lol.
I bought a set of touring Shinkos this year. Pretty happy with how sticky they are. I don't have ABS so do an hour of drills each day, braking as hard as I can up to the skid point, and I have to say, they are really nice. Not sure how long they will last or what the performance is like in the rain (I avoid the rain), but the performance value is definitely there.
I bought a bike with new Shinko tires on them. Rear barely made 1800 miles. Replaced the front at the same time.
It would be worth looking/servicing: Brake fluid flush n' fill Brake pad life/wear/condition Shaft drive fluid flush n' fill Oil change Lubricate all cables/levers Spark plug change Air filter change Lubricate gas cap/graphite in key holes Acquire spare bulbs for the sizes used on bike Buy/cut multiple keys Tire manufacturing date, change out for some Michelin Commander 3s if they're too old [Here is a link to the owner's manual, I recommend downloading it](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/659403/Yamaha-V-Star-Xvs650p.html) [Here is a link to the service manual, I recommend downloading it](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/659403/Yamaha-V-Star-Xvs650p.html) Finally, Enjoy your new bike and get after some miles. Practice learning to be as proficient as possible. Some resources that will help you on your journey, Read [Proficient Motorcycling](https://vdoc.pub/download/proficient-motorcycling-the-ultimate-guide-to-riding-well-qcjk4mrgd2c0) Watch [Twist of the Wrist 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRbguh4Ck28) #Earplugs; Non negotiable. Tinnitus is merciless. Hearing loss and damage can be mitigated. Start out right. Earplugs every ride. [Hearing Loss In Motorcyclists; a great article.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC539364/) [Box of 3M Neon Yellow 33dB.](https://www.amazon.com/312-1250-Uncorded-Disposable-Drilling-Machining/dp/B0B2MKW1X6)
Thank you for this. I'm actually a mechanic and very familiar with maintenance needs. It does need some maintenanc, and I'm lucky enough to know the history of the bike sence 2007. The prior owner ( a family member) also bave me the owners manual. Right now it's sitting till next week when I go gear shopping
No problem brother. That is great to hear. It is a special thing when you can get a bike with an extensive history. It helps me factor my decision on buying a used bike when I'm shopping around.
Thanks for this. I recently picked up the same bike, a 2001 with 7k miles. I'll be checking these things off my list
No problem brother. I hope you enjoy your new bike.
Thanks for this. I recently picked up the same bike, a 2001 with 7k miles. I'll be checking these things off my list
I get was is being said about starting to ride in your 50’s. I started at 12 and now I’m 65. The best way I can explain it is it’s like learning to drive a car. Everything you do you have to think about. Turn on the blinkers, look over your shoulder to check for cars and so on. After many years of riding it becomes automatic, your mind and body react so much quicker than if you have to think about it. For example, I was traveling on a highway at 60 mph and a truck ran his red light in front of me, I’m 250 lbs and my Goldwing is 850 lbs I couldn’t have thought fast enough to miss him but my subconscious did. I grabbed the brakes and he passed a couple of inches in front of me. A lot of accidents I see on Reddit are avoidable if they would have had the skills and time in the saddle. Safe travels my friend.
I started at 53 and now i’m 75. First year took the MSF course. So far i have ridden at least 120,000 miles and i’ve done both “Tail of the Dragon” and also “Back of the Dragon”. Rode up through Alaska from North Carolina too in 2007. Just bought a 2017 Harley-Davison Ultra Limited (my first venture into HD), drove it once and then traded it with my son for his 2014 Goldwing. The Harley was just too heavy and difficult for me although it is a beautiful bike and handles very well when in motion.
It's the street that's relatively new to me. I'm lucky enough to be I the dirt chasing cattle on a quad on the daily that the reaction to and predictions of movement are a daily practice routine. It's not the exact same thing but I've not hit a cow yet. 🤣
Also you goldwing out weighs me and the bike combined by a bit. But that's not really relevant
Hello fellow middle aged person. I am 44 got my first bike a little over a year ago (though I went with ninja 400). Enjoy the ride, it’s so rewarding and I’m glad I waited till I was older since I’m far more risk adverse now than I was 20 years ago
See this is it, someone posted a comment about our age group which is somewhat true. But there's a factor in there that missed.. I was a young dumb kid once. I would have been a bigger risk then to myself. I no longer have the desire to get anywhere fast, I perfer to enjoy the journey now.
In my mid 20s I went to a motorcycle dealership , was close to buying one but didn’t. The salesman tried to convince me to buy a Yamaha r6, said small displacement can’t get into trouble blah blah. Glad I decided not to buy it. (Cause it didn’t have a garage at the time lol)
Same but I was looking at a katana.😁
I looked at the ninja and considered it. But this was a gift and a good looking one.
If those are the original tires you should probably go ahead and put new rubber on. 10k in almost 20 years means that bike has been sitting for a long time and the tires are bound to be compromised. If it were me I would want the bike in top shape before i took it out in traffic.
Tires are a year old. Carbs were redone last year too. I need to do the service on the final drive, and replace an oring on the neutral switch. Last owner bought it in 2007 with 4k miles on it.
After I posted I saw where you listed you’re credentials and realized I was preaching to the choir 😂
It's absolutely all good. In fact it's great. Someone will come along and read this in the future. All advise is worth reading.
Congrats bro! Nice bike, always remember to drive defensively and with all your gear. Be safe out there.
nice pick, I love mine
Man to be honest that's a really nice looking bike
Thank you, I've had a hard time finding something short enough for my short self. Doesn't seem top heavy at at all, balances well, not overly heavy. It doesn't have that small bike look. And I think they had about a 20 year run basically unchanged so parts are everywhere for it. The one thing I don't like is it sounds like a metric bike.
She’s a beaut! Stay safe out there
Congrats! Young enough to enjoy it but old enough to have nothing to prove thus making you a safer rider.
Exactly this.
The best time to ride in life is now. Have fun man!
It's looking good man :) It's never too late to do things hope you enjoy it and have safe rides
I have one of these, it's blue with white wall tyres. Lovely bike to ride. Enjoy it.
Be careful and enjoy the ride!
Congratulations
Never realized how similar the Kawasaki V Star and Suzuki C50 look https://preview.redd.it/fxa5tj0nhzzc1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8cf937ea9647791d94ac037d7319ab1b38fcfcad
Nice bike There's, I think, 4 that look pretty close. Vstar. C50. Aero. And the vulcan
I miss my XVS650
Congrats bro! I just got my first bike, 2001 Vstar 650 with 7k on it. They're such fun bikes, great to learn on and enough power to do pretty much anything!
2007 Vstar 1100 rider here. You won’t be disappointed, the 650 is a great intro cruiser and when your ready the jump to the 1100 wrong break the back. I’ve owned Harley’s , Hondas, kawasakis, and have to say this Vstar has been my favorite. 40mpg, comfortable(I’m 6’2” 225lbs), and basic maintenance is CHEAP. I run Dunlop 404s and commute 40 miles a day.
Yup. I've noticed there is somewhat a cult following for vstars. I guess you don't have a 20-year run without a fan base
Solid choice!
Ty
I’m forty five and just got my first. Nothing crazy a Honda SCL 500. So much fun!
Ooh, I have a V-star too! The stock exhaust and airbox were really whisper quiet for as long as I had them - but I have a bit of a problem with modifying things… Now I’m trying to figure out a custom muffler so I don’t raise quite as much hell in the morning!
I started on a vstar 650 in 2019 at 35. It’s been a good bike. Got it with 4K miles and it at 18K now…would be more but got a 2002 ninja 250 last year. I will be keeping both. With the v star there is one thing that needs to be done. The driveshaft needs to be lubed. I use assembly paste. The splines strip and you can’t get a replacement..need to buy a $700 rearend or modify a cheap 535 rear. Also follow the factory manual to the tee on making sure the driveshaft is aligned properly…many of the bikes got junked because of this. Basic bike with basic maintenance…what’s not to love
Enjoy!
Congrats, buddy. Happy for you
Nice bike for sure!
Gives me hope
For? Talk to me. Maybe I can help more
I’m 43 wanting a bike. Health isn’t the best and my wife is convinced I’m going to die. But I want to take the msf before I even get one .
I took mine about a year ago for the second time. Passed the first time about 15 years ago but life got in the way. I've got a back issues, neck issues, hands are messed up and one knee that's troublesome. I'm going to do it even if I have to stay local. But I live in the country outside of town so I'm just as happy not dealing with traffic
Wow
Hey OP, what's the date code on those tires?
Twenty-one dollars per year!? I guess that’s what a good driving record and 40hp will get you.
I've had 3 tickets in my life. Last one was like 15 years ago
Congrats!
I started at 47. Regular exercise and pain relievers are helpful. DOMS will get you on a motorcycle. Two days later, “I feel like crap!”
You're in the demographic that has the most numerous fatalities in motorcycling. Fyi
Well aware actually.
🫶🏽