01 VStar Classic 650....opinions on this bike

[justrelaxing]

I am in Iraq currently. I have never driven a bike. My buddy in MN does not ride his anymore and told me he would give me a deal on his. I know it is a 2001 650 V Star Classic and he said the bike has around 4000 mile and has leather saddlebags and windshield.

Wondering what would be a good price?, Is there any bike issues with this year and model as I dont know anything about bikes. Will a 650 be a reasonable size of bike for me starting or would you look for bigger? I am 5'9 and 190 if that has any difference. Any experience or opinions would be much appreciated.

[Rockhead]

I suggest taking the MSF.

If you enjoyed your experience and wish to move on I think the V-Star 650 is a very good beginner bike. Shop around though don’t be sold on just one bike, sit on allot and find what you like.

As for the price it depends, check nadaguides.

[omegajim]

go to kbb (kelley blue book) and find out.

[justrelaxing]

Yes I plan on going to my local military base and take the safety course when i get back as i know I need to have that.

Yes, I know I will check around, was looking at his bike, otherwise am looking at the Honda Shadow.

Just curious with most of you here have Yamaha if your all happy with them and if there seemed to be issues at all with this one.

Yes, i have checked out the NADA so thanks for that advice.

Is the 650 a decent size or will that seems like a small bike for me or is that where I should be starting out?

I will use the bike to have fun and also drive about 60 miles one way some days for work.

I have tried looking but cant find like the gas milage for a bike. I see it has a 4.2 gal tank it looks like.

Thanks for your help so far.

[Rockhead]

Properly maintained the bike will treat you well and you could see 40-60mpg it all depends.

Two friends had the 650, one had the Classic and the other the Custom. One of them moved onto the 1100 because he like the V-Star line so much after a year. The other guy were getting tired of picking his bike up at stop lights. Not the bikes fault, he just cant ride worth a damn.

[Stratoliner Blue]

The 650 is a great first bike.
I am looking for 1 for my wife to start riding

[KD57]

Great first bike. Around here there are dozens of them from 2004-2006 in the $ 5,000.00 range. I paid 5200.00 for an '05 Silverado w/ 5K miles on the clock. Another friend bough an '06 Silverado w/ 2800 miles on it for 5800.00.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by justrelaxing

I am in Iraq currently. I have never driven a bike. My buddy in MN does not ride his anymore and told me he would give me a deal on his. I know it is a 2001 650 V Star Classic and he said the bike has around 4000 mile and has leather saddlebags and windshield.

Wondering what would be a good price?, Is there any bike issues with this year and model as I dont know anything about bikes. Will a 650 be a reasonable size of bike for me starting or would you look for bigger? I am 5'9 and 190 if that has any difference. Any experience or opinions would be much appreciated.

I like or liked that bike. My wife had it. After she got her Gixxer she never road it so she suggested I trade it in for my DRZ. I liked the feel. It looks like a bigger bike that it is. It cruises nicely at 60 I would say even 70..you can keep up at 80. Top end is about 90 then it pushes itself to about 100 then it stops. But it's wonderful for traveling. Sue got hers for about 1,800. When we traded it in we got 2,100 for it. When it comes to people and selling their bikes..most the times it's an emotional thing for them. Me I think about 2,000 is fine for it.