CatalogCategoryCruiser Used range$2,000–$4,500 Open recalls0 Best forBeginner
Yamaha
V-Star 650
Yamaha's V-Star 650 has been a best-selling entry cruiser since 1998 — an air-cooled 649cc V-twin with a 27.9-inch seat, shaft drive, and Yamaha reliability in a 545-lb package that has introduced many riders to V-twin cruising. Used examples at $2,500–$4,500 are the most affordable entry into a genuine V-twin cruiser, though pre-2010 carbureted models require occasional carburetor maintenance.
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649cc V twin
Engine
545 lbs
Weight
27.9 in
Seat
$6,990
MSRP
Used price, ownership cost, and rider-fit estimates are editorial. Verify before purchasing.
Rider fit
Best-use signals
Beginner9/10
Commuting8/10
Touring4/10
Off-road0/10
Two-up4/10
Sport1/10
Buying intel
Known strengths
- Bulletproof air-cooled V-Twin engine is incredibly reliable
- Shaft drive makes it a very low-maintenance beginner bike
- Looks and feels like a much larger displacement motorcycle
Buying intel
Common issues
- Underpowered for highway cruising or two-up touring
- Carbureted engine requires choke on cold mornings and proper winterization
Buying intel
Inspection checklist
No notes are in the MVP data yet.
Buying intel
Maintenance notes
- Easy to work on, but carburetors need regular cleaning if stored improperly
Years to buy
Best years
No best-year signal has been added yet.
Years to inspect
Watch list
- 2016Yamaha's V-Star 650 has been a best-selling entry cruiser since 1998 — an air-cooled 649cc V-twin with a 27.9-inch seat, shaft drive, and Yamaha reliability in a 545-lb package that has introduced many riders to V-twin cruising. Used examples at $2,500–$4,500 are the most affordable entry into a genuine V-twin cruiser, though pre-2010 carbureted models require occasional carburetor maintenance.Watch
Recall snapshot
0 open campaigns
Last checked May 24, 2026 through MANUAL.
Configuration
2016 Classic
cruiser motorcycle with 649cc V twin.