Sjthjs

Hi, Ive found myself in the situation where I need to replace the rear exhaust manifold (the part between the engine and exhaust pipe), but cannot for love nor money find anywhere online that sells them (so I can get an idea of how much they are). Does anyone on these forums know what sort of price I'll be looking at for the rear manifold? The bike is a Yamaha Dragstar 650 Classic 2001. PS The reason I need a new on is that I was replacing the pipes on it, but the nuts holding the old one on were so corroded that we had to cut into the top of the manifold to get it out. It still holds the pipes firmly as the bottom nut came out without a fight (no movement or give when wobbled), but I could do with replacing it sometime soon. Bugger is, the bolts holding the manifold on are just as bad lol Any help is much appreciated, thanks

Simple enough question- where in the UK can I get a pair? I can only find us sites that stock them. Cheers

Hi, I recently noticed that when I rest my xvs 650 on its stand, the bracket flexed slightly as it takes the weight. Dunno if its something I've just not noticed before or if its something I need to worry about. It only flexes slightly, not like its bending

I had a tool roll sitting under the headlight. My advice? Unless you are going to keep it on there permanantly, don't put one on. It will rub constantly on the fork shrouds, leaving a patch of highly polished metal. They do the same to paintwork too, but will take the top layer of paint off. If you really really want it though, I would suggest the sticky carbon fibre patches at any points of contact, although I'm not sure of the effect the adhesive would have on a brushed chrome finish (Dragstar Classic fork shrouds)

Well the sort I'm looking at are attached direct to the fork strut-for want of a better word, the "risers" are part of the bar. Wishbone bars I think.

When you routed the cables through the bars, I take it you drilled a hole in the bar? Would that not affect strength? And do you suffer from corrosion if you had to drill?

Want to change the look of the front end, and am considering a straight handlebar. To those who have then on the dragstar, how are they for riding with, and what do I need to consider when fitting them?

I'm looking at a set of Vance and Hines short shots, and they are reccommended for 04-onwards 650 Dragstars. Mine is a 01 Dragstar. What's the difference, and are they workable onto a 01? Got my heart set on these babies.

Dude, sweet. How much did that set you back. I've just posted a topic about the price of a spray.

[Chokes on his sick] jeez, that is one ugly tail light. Which designer came into work drunk that day?. I'd get a nice one that hugs the rear guard as much as possible, http://www.metriccruisers.co.uk/acatalog/tail_lights.html

Because my bike is 10 years old, the paint is starting to show it a little (scuffs, chips, what looks like running in the paintwork. I was contemplating a respray job in matte black. I have no experience of the sort of costs involved, and am after a ballpark figure for a dragstar in staffs and cheshire (a proper job). Thanks if anyone can help me.

Probably wont be doing anything mechanical to it yet then, just mostly aesthetic. Although when I eventually do, I've got my eye on the V+H short shot staggered pipe system. Are they relatively simple to install? Just thinking of how many hours I'd have to pay a mech to install them. Won't be for 6 months or so yet http://www.customwizard.com/product_desc.php?id=4173

Cheers for that, I know what you mean about Yam dealers. And they take forever. I had a faulty indicator crop up about 2 weeks ago, and the guy told me he wouldn't be able to do it till 10th May. So I tried the dealer who sold me my first motorbike, and half an hour and £10 later, it was done. I've heard about Harley specialists too, aparrently can be a little snobby about japanese customs,think the only customs should be american. I'll have a ride about and see if I can find any good indy mechs in the area. Gonna try and sign up with a small MCC, so maybe they can help. PS, I've only had the thing a month and already put 1300 on it!

Also, would anyone be able to tell me how much it costs to have major work done to a bike such as mine (exhausts, engine tuning etc)? I would try doing it myself, but I am the worst DIYer I know, and this carries accross to anything I do with bikes. I'd rather not damage this one, so I'm gonna need third party help (see if the guy that does the work will let me sit in, so I can learn someething). Also, what is generally a good point at which to start customisation? There are so many after market parts and I am completely overwhelmed by the choices. Sorry that all my first posts are mostly questions, but I am a complete novice when it comes to bikes, having passed my full test only a month ago. Thanks for the patience guys!

I am quite new to the Dragstar Classic 650, and am looking to add a transparrent alternator cover-only ever seen one of these on a streetfighter, but want to know if they exist for custom bikes. Anyone else know where I can get one? Or if they are just a custom made part?

Never in a million years will a XVS650 do 80mpg. I can just push 140 miles one one tank, plus reserve (yes, I did run out of fuel about 2 weeks into owning it!)

A video of the first half of the bikes leaving the start point. I am at 5:23, furthest away from the camera on the black Dragstar

I'd love to get a flash paint job, I just don't have the pennies. I think it would look pretty nice with a leather bagster. The leather centre strips look OK, but don't solve the problem of dul paint on the side of the tank. Unless I settle for a tank bra, a cover that encases the rear portion of the tank

Thats the sort of thing I mean. Its mainly because its 10 years old now, and the paint on the sides of the tank is going dull (from legs rubbing against) I wondered if there was such a thing for a Dragstar. I've seen them on Kawasaki ZXs, and thought that they must exist for customs

Smart, cheers. Anywhere you'd reccomend (internet-wise)

I bought my bike the other week, and its an 01 plate. I found that the spokes are black with.....I'd say corrosion, but it comes off with a load of chrome cleaner and a helluva lotta elbow grease. I'm talking 30 minutes of cleaning per spoke. Is there any easier way of doing this? Its aright ballache. And the spoke nipples are even harder to do.

I'm looking for a full tank cover for my Dragstar Classic. I've seen loads of 'covers' that cover the speedo area, front to back, but I really want one that covers the entire tank? Anyone got one, and if so, where from and how much? Has to be genuine leather too. Cheers

Anyone have any good websites featuring a large range of after market parts to fit a Dragstar Classic 650? At the moment, I'm thinking pure cosmetics rather than performance. Any reccomendations? Sjthjs

This is the UK, the words "long" and "hot" can rarely be used to describe a UK summer!

Thanks. My last bike was a little Chinese Keeway Superlight 125. The step up in power for me is phenomenal. And the bike is easy to handle, lightweight and best of all, comfortable. Feels like I've had it forever.