Segment:
Mid-size cruiser motorcycle segment.
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a stylish, comfortable, and reliable cruiser for everyday riding, touring, and customization.
Competitors:
Honda Shadow series, Kawasaki Vulcan series, Suzuki Boulevard series, Harley-Davidson Sportster (in terms of market appeal, though differing in price and brand heritage).
Design Philosophy:
Classic American cruiser styling with a Japanese V-twin powertrain, offering a balance of aesthetics, reliability, and performance.
Custom Variant:
Emphasizes customizable elements, often with spoked wheels, wider handlebars, and a more streamlined profile.
Midnight Variant:
Features a distinctive blacked-out aesthetic, including engine components, exhaust, and trim, for a more aggressive, stealthy look.
Dealership Quality:
Provides the same level of detail and accuracy as the official Yamaha dealership service manuals, empowering owners and independent mechanics.
Cost Savings:
Enables DIY maintenance and repairs, significantly reducing labor costs compared to dealership servicing.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of the V-twin engine, including top-end (cylinder heads, valves, camshafts), bottom-end (crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons), timing systems, and lubrication.
Fuel System:
Carburetor(s) disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, and troubleshooting; fuel tank, fuel lines, and fuel pump (if applicable) inspection and service.
Ignition System:
Spark plug specifications, ignition timing procedures, ignition coil testing, CDI unit diagnostics.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch operation, inspection, and replacement; gearbox disassembly, inspection, and repair; final drive (shaft drive) inspection, maintenance, and fluid specifications.
Chassis Suspension:
Front fork disassembly, service, and fluid specifications; rear shock absorber inspection and replacement; frame inspection and repair considerations.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service, including hydraulic lines, master cylinders, calipers, brake pads, and brake fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing (battery, starter, alternator, lights, switches), fuses, relays, and diagnostic procedures.
Bodywork Fittings:
Fender removal and installation, fuel tank mounting, seat removal, handlebar and control adjustments.
Cooling System:
Air-cooled engine; typically includes general guidelines for maintaining airflow and cleaning cooling fins.
Maintenance Tasks:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain/belt adjustment (if applicable, though this is shaft drive), spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid flush, and general inspection checklists.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues related to starting, running, electrical problems, and braking.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembling, repairing, and reassembling all major mechanical and electrical components.
Component Testing:
Methods for testing the functionality and condition of various parts using multimeters, pressure gauges, and visual inspection.
Torque Specifications:
Essential torque values for critical fasteners, ensuring proper assembly and preventing damage.
Special Tools:
Identification of any special tools or equipment recommended or required for specific service procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive; designed for dealership-level technicians, covering everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics.
Format Detail:
If digital (PDF), it would typically be searchable, with high-resolution diagrams and text.
Print Quality Detail:
Official manuals are printed on durable paper with clear, crisp text and diagrams. Replicas aim to match this quality.
Binding Detail:
Professionally bound (e.g., saddle-stitched, perfect bound, or lay-flat spiral binding for workshop use).
Paper Type Detail:
Durable, often semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop environments and repeated use.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, V-twin
Displacement:
649 cc (39.6 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
76.0 mm x 71.0 mm (approximate, verify with manual)
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 (typical for this engine)
Horsepower:
Approximately 41 HP @ 6000 RPM (rated, actual may vary slightly)
Torque:
Approximately 36.9 lb-ft @ 4,500 RPM (rated, actual may vary slightly)
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni BSR34 carburetors
Fuel Tank Capacity:
4.0 gallons (15 Liters)
Oil Type:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent) 10W-40 API SG or higher, JASO MA certified motorcycle oil.
Oil Capacity:
3.2 US qt / 3.0 L (without filter change), 3.4 US qt / 3.2 L (with filter change). Verify with manual.
Overall Length:
Approx. 92.1 inches (2340 mm)
Overall Width:
Approx. 34.4 inches (875 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 43.7 inches (1110 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 64.5 inches (1638 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 410 lbs (186 kg)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 439 lbs (199 kg) (with all fluids)
Load Capacity:
Refer to manual for specific rider and cargo weight limits.
Front Suspension Travel:
5.5 inches (140 mm)
Rear Suspension Travel:
4.5 inches (114 mm)
Safety Standards:
Meets all applicable federal safety standards for motorcycles of its class and era.
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc front brake, drum brake rear (standard for 2006 models).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, incandescent turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel double-cradle frame designed for stability and rider comfort.
Ergonomics:
Low seat height and forward-mounted footpegs contribute to a relaxed riding posture.
Audio System:
No integrated audio system; designed for a pure riding experience. Aftermarket audio solutions are common additions.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, and indicator lights (oil pressure, neutral, high beam, turn signals).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not a standard or widely available option for the 2006 V Star 650.
Smartphone Integration:
No built-in smartphone integration or connectivity features.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Service:
Inspect every 3,000 miles (4,800 km); clean or replace as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for recommended interval, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km), depending on plug type.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 12,000 miles (20,000 km) or 2 years.
Final Drive Oil Change:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-40
Engine Oil Standard:
API SG or higher, JASO MA certified
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (non-petroleum based).
Final Drive Oil Viscosity:
SAE 80W-90
Final Drive Oil Standard:
API GL-4
Carburetor Issues:
Occasional carburetor synchronization needs, especially after extensive use or if maintenance is neglected. Ethanol fuel can also degrade rubber components over time.
Shaft Drive Maintenance:
Regular inspection of the driveshaft boot for cracks and timely replacement of final drive gear oil is crucial for longevity.
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion on electrical connectors can sometimes lead to intermittent issues; the manual details inspection and cleaning procedures.
Common Upgrades Covered In Manual
Exhaust System:
While not a repair procedure, the manual would cover removal/installation of stock exhaust, allowing for aftermarket fitment.
Yamaha Motorcycles:
Yamaha has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for innovation, performance, and reliability across various segments, from sportbikes to cruisers.
V Star Lineage:
The V Star line has been a cornerstone of Yamaha's cruiser offerings, evolving from earlier Virago models, with the 650cc platform proving to be a consistent and popular choice for its blend of performance and accessible styling.
Production Years:
The V Star 650 (XVS650) platform was produced for many years, beginning in the mid-1990s, with the 2006 model representing a mature iteration of the design.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.