Yamaha 650 S reviews

This motorcycle has been fantastic. Super fun reliable fast good quality. My only gripe is that it's big and heavy and not for beginners . It's not a flickable machine but has plenty of power and performance. I would definitely recommend this motorcycle to anyone who is experienced. Show less

I bought my VStar 650 two years ago, used. It was January of 2021, Raleigh, N.C. I went into Motomax several times before. This time, Josh knew I had been looking for about six months. I asked "what's new?"......he pointed and said "just go it in.....sit on it John". I sat and it was a PERFECT fit. I'm only 5'5" (use to be 5'9"). The Black Beauty was like new. I looked at the odometer........1,200 miles. YES.....only 1200 miles on an 8 y.o. bike. Didn't even start it up. I bet I got on and off it a dozen times. Asked the price, and told him what CASH offer I'd give. Within 10 minutes.....it was mine. I actually paid him to ride it home 4 miles.......it's been 40 years since I rode. I later took the MSA class. Now......the Bike. It rides and handles like a dream. I've put highway bars, windshield and sissy bar on it since. OH.....the windshield is from National Windshield......it's Carbon Fiber......extremely strong. Companys been making windshields since 1939 ?! Our development has 11 cul de sacs and I practiced, practiced and practiced. It paid off, cause this bike is smooth, responsive, quick enough to get you outta the hole, yet, cruise on the highway at 65. That's the max I'll do on it. It's just me, nothing wrong with the bike. I've serviced it every spring......and can't wait to ride. The clutch grabs at the top, so if your worried about that, it's build that way. I noticed I have to mash the back brake and softly squeeze the front brake. Every moring, it fires right up.....no problem. Now.....GAS......I burn Non-Ethanol gas only. You can find it.....Exxon/Mobil has it, as Sunoco......just have to look for it. Valero has it too. In the winter, just pull the choke and she fires right up. BE CAREFUL not to let the choke on rich too long.....the pipes will start to dis-color. The trans is very forgiving. Lot's of times I can shift without the clutch.....I learned that years ago in the 70's. This bike is so smooth, often I check the 5th gear.......it's that smooth. I guy I do business with gave me a set of Hard Leather saddlebags ......it's really sharp now. It leans into the curves well, handles great. I've never had a doubt with this machine. So this is my 4th bike. Way back in the late 60's to early 70's I started off with a HD CH900, then a Honda 650, then a Kawasaki 400.....nothing wrong with Harley.......I just have less mechanical issues with Rice Burners. VStar 650.......it's a mid cruiser......but don't overlook it. Remember.......it's the RIDE. Cruising back roads at 45 - 55.....this is a PERFECT BIKE.......... Show less

I was Riding a 1979 XS1100, one owner 30,000 miles. Wanted to upgrade for something newer, always dream of owning a Yamaha Raider S, when the time came to make that dream can true I hit the Jack pot. I have a 2014 Raider S, 400 miles, with all the factory option. This bike is a MONSTER to enjoy. It has style, power, and plenty of chrome to play with. I chrome my wheels, and put the 240 rear tire on. Trust me it money will sent. Show less

It's a 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner. It's now Jan 2022. I was looking for bike I found this gorgeous Yamaha is 21 years old and Claiming it only has 1,450 miles on it .I figured it had to be to good to be true .. but I went to see it anyway ,it looked in amazingly showroom condition it started up easy . the saler claim in writing he put on all new tires and a new battery ,and he changed out all fluids and registered it It has detachable windshield and Seattle bags. I love the massive pull my sockects out of arms massive raw available torque at hand in any gear . this beast simply lopes along down the highway with very little rpm at 70mph at 2,600 rpm .it vibrates very little which makes the ride so worthwhile .I love this bike it's a blessing . Show less

I have ridden my 2009 Stratoliner S for nearly 10,000 miles of highway/city/country roads... The bike runs and performs very well. The finish, performance, and reliability are tops. The only problem I have had is that 1854 CC can get very hot especially in warm weather temperatures. I feel that the design did not take that into account. Other than that, the motorcycle is very attractive, runs extremely well, and has not given me one bit of trouble. The odometer currently is just past the 20,000 mark. Show less

Like Thor's hammer, Mjolnir; "in Norse mythology as one of the most fearsome and powerful weapons in existence" Yamaha Raider has a 'Thunderous' feel due in large part to its torque no doubt Show less

I had a great experience at Honda-Suzuki of Sanford nc the bike and the service there were more than I expected in quality I would recommend them to anyone Show less

Only with mag wheels and all makes and models that look close to a heritage style Show less

Bike had some aftermarket parts to include pipes, air filter and PC5 but she doesn't run worth a crap took her back to the dealer and they replaced the fouled plugs and supposedly cleaned the air filter but the bike has less than 5000 miles on her so I am a little suspect on that. Never the less the bike is just not right and don't know what else to do. I spoke with the Dyno Jet folks several times and have tried everything they told me to do and to no avail still lunges backfires and looses power before quiting . Show less

I've been on a lot of bikes over the yrs. I baught the raider just to have as a bare cruiser to go with my Victory XC bagger. I was amazed by this bike. My raider has a vance hines 2 into 1, cobra fi 2000 and bam air mod. So here we go: (1) Handles like a Vic Jackpot. Feels lighter than a HD sportster. (2) Holy torque! Who cares about a 6th gear. Most fun I've had on a bike. With very few mods this bike is a beast. (3) Looks amazing! Bikers ask what it is all the time. Test ride it and you'll be shocked (4) It's cheap to own. NEED I SAY MORE! Best foreign bike out there. I'll always have a vic bagger since I ride long distances but I'll also have a raider for fun. First review on a non-US cruiser ever and it deserves it Show less