2007 V Star 650 - Any insight?

[salty_monk]

Friend of mine wants to buy one... asked if I could make the ride with her to give a grease monkey opinion.

Anyone here know of any model specific "gotcha's" with that bike?

Appears to be shaft driven - kind of a "harley wannabe"....

[Jedz123]

I've ridden one a few time, a good friend had one for 5 years then finally upgraded to a Roadstar. It's fantastic bike. Not fast by any stretch but was problem free the whole time he had it changed the gear and engine oil when he needed to and I think he had to replace the pads and shoes once. Stone cold reliable and got 60 mpg whenever he rode. Comfy for a small bike and he took it out to Niagara one weekend. 1000 miles in a weekend and it ran great.

All I can report.

[bwringer]

Frustratingly slow if you're used to more power, but as mentioned, pretty much trouble-free. As with any bike, beware of dubious "performance" parts -- they don't actually make any difference other than making the bike louder.

[Scout]

My good friend's wife has one. Easy maintenance. Check final drive unit for leaks, she has had a bad seal that needed replacement. As Bwinger said they are not a powerhouse but get good mileage. They are very popular with the ladies as they sit low

[wymple]

They also have an unusual whine in high gear. Not bad, and it's normal, just something you get used to. Great bike, not a hot rod.

[trippivot]

right foot peg has to be removed to change oil filter. and it is a Yamaha trick you got to learn-- it has a very low seat height -only shorter riders can be comfortable pegs-bars - good machine for what it is -a jazzed up virago. I'm glad they fixed the starter clutch thing. windshield is easy to install

[salty_monk]

Thanks for the info.... Going to look at one today. The lady in question is about 5 foot and rides a 90's Honda Shadow 650 in the UK so I should think it will be ideal.

[salty_monk]

Well she bought it.... I rode it back for here about 40 miles. Went fine, she's well suited to it. Not my thing, scraped something on the first corner and had a numb bum by the time I got home!


quick question... The petcock has an "off" position as well as on and reserve. Like this one. It's stock.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/like/111332798648?lpid=82

It only has one pipe - no vacuum pipe. Do you have to switch if off when it's parked? It would seem like you do but I'm not sure I believe things could be so backward in 2007!

[chuck hahn]

Dan..this may be the right manual. If not go to their homepage at technohillbilly.net and they have others available.

http://www.technohillbilly.net/vstar.650.manuals/vstar_650_main_man.pdf

[salty_monk]

Thanks Chuck... If that is the right manual it would seem that it combines a fuel pump & a TPS with a petcock with a reserve on it.. strange combination for sure!

I couldn't find a way into their home page.

[chuck hahn]

Just type in technohillbilly.net in the google search box and go to them via that way.