Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic vs V-Star 1100 Classic

So what’s the difference between a Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic and a V-Star 1100 Classic? Both are terrific machines with big markets, but telling them apart can be tricky to the untrained eye. 

Cruiser fans like both Yamaha motorcycles, but there are a few ways to tell them apart on the street and in the saddle. Here are some differences between the Yamaha V-Star Classic 1100 and 650 models.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between a V-Star 650 and a V-Star 1100?

On the street, there are a couple of dead giveaways as to which one is which, and you’ll find it in the brakes. Since the V-Star 1100 is heavier than the V-Star 650 (pictured below), it needs a little more stopping power. 

Photo credit: Anndreey, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The V-Star 1100 has dual front disc brakes, while the 650 is only equipped with a caliper on one side of the front wheel. On the back of the bike, the 1100 is equipped with a disc on the rear, while the 650 features a drum brake.

How Much Horsepower Does a V-Star 1100 Have?

As you might imagine, the added displacement of the V-Star 1100 packs a little more punch than its smaller stablemate. The 1100 V-Star has about 62HP and 85 Nm of torque. 

How Much Horsepower Does a V-Star 650 Have?

With a little less displacement, you get a little less power on the 650. It kicks out about 40HP at 37 lb-ft or torque. 

Difference in Weight Between the V-Star 1100 and the V-Star 650

There’s about an 80-pound difference in weight between the two motorcycles. The V-Star 1100 tips the scale at about 600 pounds, while the 650 comes in a little under 520. 

What’s the Difference in How They Ride?

The bigger 1100 has more power, braking and weight. If you’re new to cruisers, the 650 is going to be a much easier bike to get your feet wet on. 

The decrease in power on the lighter 650 makes it a more manageable bike to start with. Both have the throwback look. If you’re just looking for something to ride around the city, the 650 is going to go a little easier on gas as well. On the open road, however, the extra 20HP on the 1100 sure comes in handy. Whichever you choose, Partzilla has OEM Yamaha motorcycle parts for both.