[Sangria7]

So after riding my Rebel 250 for 700 miles and 6 weeks, I broke down today and got the V-Star 650 Custom 2009 model.

The little old Rebel was just way too small in the Houston Interstates. And I always have its speedo at 65-75mph, which give me a lot of vibration. After my commutes it feels like my hands and feet are asleep. Don’t get me wrong, the Rebel was an awesome learner bike, but I just didn’t think I would outgrow it really quickly. Anyways, its up on Craigslist for sale if anyone in the Houston area is interested: https://post.craigslist.org/manage/902284321/xmu5n

I will post some pics of the Vstar 650, which is so beautiful. It also has a great deep ticking sound.

[Blasphemy4kidz]

I wish I had the money available so whenever I feel like it, I can just hop down to the dealer and buy a 2nd bike

[Sangria7]

Meh I just financed it..out door with everything + free engine guards and trailer tie downs it came to $130/month.
Wasnt too bad. I spend that much on gas for my truck every 2 weeks.

[Munch]

I am jealous.. I am contemplating getting a new one next spring, I love the Vulcan however the only….and I mean only problem I have with it is it isn’t reasonably able to be customized. Not without alot of money being spent. I think I am gonna start looking in the ads somewhere near tax time. I plan on keeping the 500 still though. The woman is gonna need something to ride on. A co worker got the same bike you have only a year or two older….though I can’t for the life of me understand how he hasn’t ridden it to work yet. He knows how to ride just hasn’t gotten off his duff to get minimally his permit. Blows my mind…how can you have a new toy and not want to play on it. Oh well soon as he does though I am gonna see if I can get a test run out of it to compare it to the 500.

side note: Elwood.. I liked your first quote better…. not agreeing on this one atleast from a literal translation. Greek and Rome in the times he refers to are failed societies… Mostly due to over extending their forces from greed of “needing a bigger empire”. I would hope if one could ask he would mention that the “soldier” need be abroad in defense but more close to home for security.
but thats off topic,,,,, sorry .

Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a prediction, but today…… is a Bi**h

[Sangria7]

I took the bike today and some heavily traffic routes as well as twisties. The bike actually felt much better in terms of handling than my Rebel. Seems like the heavier and lower center of gravity helps a lot. I feel really comfortable with it. My 650 miles on my Rebel was 80% interstate in the Houston which is known to be 4th worst traffic to drive in the USA.

Bottomline, I dont feel intimidated by it one bit and actually feel much better riding. I am by no means an expert rider, but I personally felt ready for a bigger bike. The only thing I do not like on the Vstar is that it will not start on 1st gear. It has to be in neutral.

Anyways, I just got a flat after my ride today. My rear tire hit a nail, and my rear was completely flat. Fortunately, I was like within 1/2 mile of an Autozone was able to get a Fix-a-flat to get me back home. Sucks I have to wait till Tuesday, when the dealer opens to get it fixed.

BTW I got flamed on the Rebel 250 forums for getting a biker bike so soon – I just thought it was pretty funny how some people just flame away.

[Sangria7]

And the pictures

]

[Maverick9110E]

looks amazing!!! im still considering this as a first bike, simply because of my size. and its an amazing looking bike! Congrats with your purchase!!!

[Sangria7]

I highly recommend it. It seems to be just as agile as my Rebel 250, and like I said turning seems easier. But then again it could just be me.

[dcJohn]

Beautiful new bike! Well, for a cruiser Don’t take the ribbing too seriously (and it looks like you’re not). I moved up from my Ninja 250 to a Versys after just a little over a month and 1,400 miles. The 250s are fantastic for learning on, but when you’re spending lots of time on an interstate, the extra power starts looking attractive quickly.

[Dagger]

Welcome to the V-Star 650 Custom club! Beautiful bike.. Dunno about the not starting in 1st thing though.. my 2002 will start in first as long as the clutch is in.. May be something new they have added… I love the way the 650 rides though.. Definitely feels solid without being overly intimidating..

Dagger

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Sangria7]

I will ask them, about starting in 1st. I’ll try again and see. I couldnt fire her up. Maybe ill ask the dealer when I take her back to get a new tire.

[Dagger]

Ignore this.. I had a brain fart….

[smokeizfire]

.. on the freeway twice and I didn’t like any more the second time, than I did the first. My bike has about 28hp and weighs a little over 400lbs wet. The weight and lack of power left me feeling very inadequate at any speed over 55mph. I think my next ride will be 900cc or better. If the Yamaha V-star 950 feels right when I sit on it, I’ll be posting it as my new toy……coming soon….maybe.

HE WHO DIES WITH THE MOST TOYS WINS

[Sangria7]

WOOT!!

[Sangria7]

Beautiful bike there Smoke!

By the way, the 2009 Vstar does not want to shift past Neutral when its not fired up. I can only shift when the engine is actually running. Also I cannot start the engine unless it is in neutral, I tried it several times.

So two things:
1. No starts unless in Neutral.
2. No shifting past Neutral unless engine is on.

I will confirm with Dealer though tomorrow.

[Author]

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