awa355

Hi, I'm about to do an oil change on my xvs650 (2005) Dragstar. I was wondering if the oil filter was a common filter fitted to other engines. Sometimes, if you know other makes it fits, can make it easier/cheaper to source. I think it would have to be the same as the 535 Virago, for one.

Gave the bike a run today without the windshield and saddle bags. It ran up to 90mph quite easily. Backed off to just below the speed limit and guess who come around the corner towards me? Yep, Mr Plod. Without the windshield, it feels a much smaller bike. I did notice that my regular cruising speed kept dropping slightly. I think it was the effect of the wind hitting me full on and probably creating a braking force. Also the wind noise around the helmet was a lot less.

During a general going over, I checked the speedo cable to find it loose. I'm talking about the nut holding the cable to the wheel housing. It was not too far from coming right off and I dont doubt a replacement cable would not be cheap. Just a simple thing to check but easily missed.

Leatherat,, Thanks for the photos of the exhaust system. It gives me a clearer idea of what I'd be in for if I ever pulled my exhausts off.

In New Zealand, the Suzuki C50 / M50 Bouelevard crusiers are very highly thought of. 803cc they perform well, handle good and seem to be bulletproof. Not sure if they sell in the UK. As said above, the Honda Shadow 750 is a goodie but wont do anything more or better than the 650 Yamaha. One factor you DO need to look at is the dealer backup and service. Any of the models you ask about, in good condition is usually,going to be reliable, but need parts ( especially for an older bike) and none of the dealers are very interested. In NZ, the Honda dealers attitude to parts avalibility, 2nd hand bike servicing is shit. They dont want to know you once a bike has been sold. I have had two recent Hondas, and found I could get parts in from Australia cheaper and quicker than through the local Honda dealers.

I understand the 650 is the old 535 Virago bored out and with the stroke lengthened. As such it is already a 'stretched' motor so there may not be much meat left to remove from the cylinders. Having said that, all motors have an over haul capability,( oversized pistons etc) so you never know. The next size up is the 925cc engine, Cant see the 650 bore stretching that far.

My 650 Dragstar is a 2005 UK new model, bought out to NZ by the original owner and kept by him untill I purchased it two months ago.12,000 miles and in mint condition with a screen and saddle bags.( all Yamaha accessories) Were the UK models restricted? I read a thread on here about one owner wanting to remove the restricter on his bike. I ask, because today I gave it a bit of a run, and at 80mph (130kph)it seemed to run out of punch. The original exhaust and breathing system probably have a lot to do with this. I didnt keep trying and it may well have creeped up a bit further. What should these cruisers top out at? I only ride at 80-100kph (60mph) and top speed isnt a concern. I like the low/middle engine power but am curious as to what a good one will do. Thanks for any response.

I suppose if some of their states only have about four corners, they could get away with car tyres. Car tyres would have to be a lot heavier than bike tyres wouldn't they?, different characteristics in the corners?

Hi, When I fill my 650, I fill to the level of the plate forming the lower end of the filler funnel. inside the tank, about 2" below the cap. Is this getting the full 15 litres in? I find the pump nozzle has to be entered into the hole otherwise the fuel splashes back. I know there has to be room for fuel expansion but It always seem to leave a lot of tank space above this point.

I have seen heaps of drilled out exhaust end plates on U tube. Whether it is the recording quality or just not much of a better sound, I'm not sure. But like you I dont want to end up with a shit sound and having to replace expensive mufflers. There was one dragstar on u tube that had aftermarket mufflers fitted. Gee, it sounded lovely. A deep growl that stood out from all the "put put" exhausts. Do you think I can find that video again??

Hi, I'm posting from New Zealand. First time on this forum. I have just joined the cruiser ranks with a 650 Dragstar. It was purchased in Cheshire 2005, then emigrated out here with the original buyer. 12000miles and in pristine condition. It has a windshield, Yamaha saddle bags, all fitted back in England. I am using the bike most nights to commute to work. I dont like the appearance of the shield but at night ( fog, rain) it lets me ride with the visor partly open. It allows a lot of engine/ transmission noise to rise up behind the screen. More wind noise than without the screen in place. It looks like the one pictured above, but has different mountings. Have tried to show my mounting brackets in the pics. ( sorry, cant upload my pics) A couple of questions for those more familiar with the bike model. Does your transmission seem to be quite noisey? Mine rumbles away, I dont think anything is wrong, just different from my previous bike. Has anyone tried to improve the exhaust note? without making it too loud.