Honda Shadow 750 vs Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM
The Honda Shadow 750 is more powerful and has the lower seat, while the Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM is lighter. The Honda's 46 hp (34 kW) and 653 mm seat give it a clear fit for riders prioritizing accessible reach; the Yamaha's lower mass makes it the more practical choice for pushing and parking. Both are cruiser options, so focus on whether seat access or easier parking matters more in your regular use.
Honda Shadow 750 vs Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Honda Shadow 750Model year 2017 | Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOMModel year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 745 cm³ | 649 cm³ |
| Power | 46 hp (34 kW) — Favorable value | 44 hp (33 kW) |
| Wet weight | 243.1 kg | 233 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 653 mm | 710 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L | 16 L — Favorable value |
Percentages use the second model as the baseline. Highlighting applies only to comparable power, torque, mass and fuel capacity; it does not predict handling or acceleration.
Engine
| Specifications side by side | Honda Shadow 750Model year 2017 | Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOMModel year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 745 cm³ | 649 cm³ |
| Power | 46 hp (34 kW) — Favorable value | 44 hp (33 kW) |
| Torque | 64 Nm — Favorable value | 51 Nm |
| Engine type | V-Twin, four-stroke | V-Twin, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 x 76.0 mm | 81.0 x 63.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 3 | 2 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Air |
| Fuel system | Injection | Carburettor |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Honda Shadow 750Model year 2017 | Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOMModel year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 5-speed | Manual 5-speed |
| Final drive | Shaft | Shaft |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Honda Shadow 750Model year 2017 | Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOMModel year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 243.1 kg | 233 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 653 mm | 710 mm |
| Length | 2,510 mm | 2,340 mm |
| Width | 920 mm | 880 mm |
| Height | 1,125 mm | 1,075 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,656 mm | 1,610 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L | 16 L — Favorable value |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Honda Shadow 750Model year 2017 | Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOMModel year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Front suspension | 41.0mm fork | 41mm aluminum telescopic front fork |
| Rear suspension | Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability | Link-type, preload-adjustable single rear shock |
| Front wheel travel | 114 mm | 140 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Trail | 158 mm | 102 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Honda Shadow 750Model year 2017 | Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOMModel year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. Two-piston calipers. | Single disc |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Front brake diameter | 296 mm | 298 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 180 mm | 200 mm |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 160/80-15 | 170/80-15 |
Key differences
This comparison uses Honda Shadow 750 from 2017 and Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM from 2017.
Power
Honda Shadow 750
46 hp (34 kW)
Highlighted valueYamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM
44 hp (33 kW)
Wet weight
Honda Shadow 750
243.1 kg
Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM
233 kg
Highlighted valueEngine capacity
Honda Shadow 750
745 cm³
Highlighted valueYamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM
649 cm³
Torque
Honda Shadow 750
64 Nm
Highlighted valueYamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM
51 Nm
Seat height
Honda Shadow 750
653 mm
Highlighted valueYamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM
710 mm
Honda Shadow 750 vs Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM: which one to choose?
- Choose Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM if you want less mass when pushing and parking in city use: 10.1 kg.
- Choose Honda Shadow 750 if a lower seat helps you reach the ground: 57 mm.
- Both fit the A2 numerical limits; by these data, check approval in your market.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- Honda Shadow 750 has more power, at 46 hp (34 kW) versus Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM at 44 hp (33 kW).
- Which has the lower seat?
- Honda Shadow 750 has the lower seat at 653 mm, compared with 710 mm for Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM.
- Which motorcycle is lighter?
- Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM is lighter at 233 kg, compared with 243.1 kg for Honda Shadow 750; both figures are wet weights.