

This edition of the Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Classic is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2005. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2006 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Phantom and the 2006 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 DOHC.This particular Yamaha XVS 650 has a 649cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Horizontal In-Line Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Horizontal In-Line engine, Cruiser style motorbike includes the Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura - [1984]
The 2005 XVS 650 shares its Horizontal In-Line engine and Cruiser style configuration with the likes of the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura and the 1984 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk S. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the XVS 650's Cruiser style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura | 1984cc.1994 Suzuki VS 400 Intruder | 1994cc.
Weighing in at 247 kgs (544 lbs) this makes the Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Classic in the same weight category as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 or the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC, give or take 50kg.
In terms of power the 649cc 4 valve Horizontal In-Line 2 cylinder engine produces 40 bhp (29 kW) @ 6500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm].
The SOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 37.5 lb-ft (50.8 Nm) @ 3000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Yamaha XVS 650 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1967 Suzuki T 200 Invader has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2005 Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Classic.
The 2005 Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Classic has a Power to weight ratio of 161.9 bhp per ton and 151.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2005 XVS 650 competing with the 1967 Suzuki T 200 Invader [186.9 bhp\ton] and the 2017 Honda CB 300 F [186.7 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Yamaha XVS 650 generating around 151.8 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1983 Suzuki GS 650 G Katana [176.6 lb-ft per ton] and the 1981 Suzuki GS 650 G Katana [176.6 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 22.8 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 23.3 secs, this makes the Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Classic similar in acceleration to the 2014 Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Classic (22.8 secs) and the 2012 Honda NX 400 I Falcon (22.8 secs). This Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Classic also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2005 Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Classic and the 2014 Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Custom
When talking about the performance of the 2005 Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Classic on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.6 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2014 Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Custom (15.6 secs) and the 2011 Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Classic (15.6 secs).
The 2005 version of the Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Classic has a maximum speed of 96mph.
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2005 Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Classic then how about a 1995 Honda VT 1100 C2 Shadow Ace (107 mph) and the 1992 Honda VT 1100 C2 Shadow Ace (107 mph).