Year Coverage:
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Vehicle Type:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Chassis Code Range:
Likely RP02, RP03, RP04, RP05, RP06, RP08 (specific to market and sub-variants)
Segment:
Mid-size cruiser motorcycle segment, known for its classic styling, V-twin character, and user-friendly nature. Competes with models like the Honda Shadow, Kawasaki Vulcan, and Suzuki Boulevard.
Key Strengths:
The V Star 650 Custom is lauded for its comfortable riding position, accessible seat height, reliable shaft drive, and the character of its air-cooled V-twin engine. It appeals to a wide range of riders, from beginners to experienced cruisers.
Features:
Classic styling cues (spear-shaped tank, teardrop fenders), low seat height, V-twin engine, shaft drive, comfortable ergonomics, customizability.
Value:
Provides essential knowledge for owners to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair their Yamaha V Star 650 Custom, saving on dealership service costs and enabling personalized modifications.
Engine:
Detailed inspection, disassembly, assembly, tuning, and troubleshooting of the V-twin engine, including valve adjustment, camshaft timing, piston/cylinder, cooling system (air-cooled), lubrication system.
Fuel System:
Carburetor service and adjustment (likely dual Mikuni CV carburetors), fuel pump operation, fuel tank, fuel lines, and filter.
Transmission:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox inspection, disassembly, assembly, lubrication, and troubleshooting. Includes gear shift mechanism.
Drivetrain:
Final drive (shaft drive system), driveshaft maintenance, universal joint service, final reduction gear inspection and lubrication.
Chassis Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, swingarm and rear shock absorber mounting and service.
Suspension:
Front fork (telescopic) disassembly, assembly, oil change, seal replacement, and adjustment. Rear shock absorber inspection and replacement.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service, including disc brake pad replacement, caliper inspection, brake fluid flush and bleeding, master cylinder and slave cylinder service.
Wheels Tires:
Wheel bearing inspection and replacement, spoke tension adjustment (if applicable), tire pressure recommendations, and wheel removal/installation procedures.
Electrical System:
Ignition system troubleshooting, starter motor, alternator (generator), battery maintenance, lighting system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, fuse box location and identification, instrument cluster service.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler inspection, gasket replacement, and common repair procedures.
Bodywork Trim:
Fender removal/installation, fuel tank removal/installation, seat service, and minor body panel adjustments.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain/belt adjustment (if applicable), spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid checks, tire pressure adjustments.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems across all major vehicle systems. Includes fault finding trees.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly, component inspection, measurement, and reassembly, suitable for full engine overhauls.
Transmission Repair:
Procedures for gearbox overhaul, clutch replacement, and troubleshooting shifting issues.
Suspension Overhaul:
Instructions for fork seal replacement, fork oil changes, and rear shock absorber servicing.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Using multimeter and test equipment to diagnose electrical faults, including wiring checks, component testing, and schematic interpretation.
Carburetor Tuning:
Idle speed adjustment, jetting recommendations, synchronization of carburetors, and troubleshooting fuel delivery issues.
Brake System Service:
Bleeding procedures, pad and caliper service, and troubleshooting brake performance issues.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete, detailed wiring schematics for all electrical components and systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic rider maintenance to full mechanical and electrical component overhauls and diagnostics. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, V-twin
Displacement:
649 cc (39.6 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
74.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, SOHC (single overhead camshaft) with pushrods
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni BSR37 CV carburetors (with specific jetting details in the manual)
Ignition:
Transistor Controlled Ignition (TCI)
Lubrication:
Wet sump, Forced lubrication via trochoid pump
Horsepower:
Approx. 42-45 HP @ 6,500 RPM (varies slightly by year and market)
Torque:
Approx. 50-54 Nm (37-40 lb-ft) @ 3,500 RPM (varies slightly by year and market)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 16 Liters (4.2 US gal)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane or higher recommended.
Crash Safety:
Motorcycle safety relies on rider skill, maintenance, and adherence to road regulations. No formal crash ratings like cars.
Braking System:
Front: Single hydraulic disc with 2-piston caliper. Rear: Single hydraulic disc with 1-piston caliper. (ABS not typically available on these models).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight (depending on specific sub-model year and market), turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel, double-cradle frame for stability.
Rider Position:
Low seat height and forward-mounted footpegs contribute to a stable and confidence-inspiring riding posture.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Service:
Inspect every 3,000 miles, clean/replace as needed. More frequent in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. every 6,000 - 10,000 miles (refer to manual for specific plug type and gap).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 12,000 miles or 24 months.
Valve Adjustment:
Every 12,000 miles or as specified by engine condition. Crucial for SOHC engines.
Engine Oil Type:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent) SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.4 Liters (2.5 US qt) without filter change; 2.6 Liters (2.7 US qt) with filter change.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Fork Oil Type:
Yamalube Fork Oil G10 (or equivalent SAE 10W viscosity)
Fork Oil Capacity:
Approx. 483 ml (16.3 US oz) per fork leg.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, front fork seals, brake pads, steering head bearings, and drive shaft splines (if not properly lubricated).
Potential Faults:
Carburetor synchronization drift, slight oil seepage at crank seals, starter clutch wear (rare).
Heritage:
Yamaha Motor Company, founded in 1955, has a rich history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for innovation, performance, and reliability across various segments including cruisers, sportbikes, and dirt bikes.
V Star Lineage:
The V Star line evolved from earlier Yamaha V-twin cruisers, offering a blend of modern technology with classic styling. The 650 Custom became a staple for its accessible performance and iconic cruiser aesthetic.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
Production Run:
The XVS650 Custom was produced for many years, with the specified manual covering a significant portion of its early to mid-life cycle.