Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM vs Yamaha XV 950 RACER
The Yamaha XV 950 RACER is more powerful at 51 hp (38 kW), while the Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM is lighter. That makes the choice a balance between output and practical priorities rather than a single winner. The V Star’s lower comparable mass can make pushing and parking easier, while the XV RACER’s lower seat may suit riders who need a closer reach to the ground. Their estimated range also favors the V Star.
Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM vs Yamaha XV 950 RACER: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOMModel year 2017 | Yamaha XV 950 RACERModel year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 649 cm³ | 942 cm³ |
| Power | 44 hp (33 kW) | 51 hp (38 kW) — Favorable value |
| Wet weight | 233 kg — Favorable value | 251 kg |
| Seat height | 710 mm | 690 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 16 L — Favorable value | 12 L |
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 | Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOMModel year 2017 | Yamaha XV 950 RACERModel year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 649 cm³ | 942 cm³ |
| Power | 44 hp (33 kW) | 51 hp (38 kW) — Favorable value |
| Torque | 51 Nm | 79.5 Nm — Favorable value |
| Engine type | V-Twin, four-stroke | V-Twin, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 x 63.0 mm | 85.0 x 83.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 2 | 4 |
| Cooling | Air | Air |
| Fuel system | Carburettor | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
| Fuel consumption | 4.8 L/100 km | 5 L/100 km |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOMModel year 2017 | Yamaha XV 950 RACERModel year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 5-speed | Manual 5-speed |
| Final drive | Shaft | Belt |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOMModel year 2017 | Yamaha XV 950 RACERModel year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 233 kg — Favorable value | 251 kg |
| Seat height | 710 mm | 690 mm |
| Length | 2,340 mm | 2,290 mm |
| Width | 880 mm | 830 mm |
| Height | 1,075 mm | 1,160 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,610 mm | 1,570 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 16 L — Favorable value | 12 L |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOMModel year 2017 | Yamaha XV 950 RACERModel year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Steel frame | Double cradle |
| Front suspension | 41mm aluminum telescopic front fork | Telescopic forks, 41 mm |
| Rear suspension | Link-type, preload-adjustable single rear shock | Swingarm. Piggyback-style gas shocks. |
| Front wheel travel | 140 mm | 135 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 86 mm | 110 mm |
| Trail | 102 mm | 130 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOMModel year 2017 | Yamaha XV 950 RACERModel year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Single disc | Single disc. Wave disc. ABS. |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Single disc. Wave disc. ABS. |
| Front brake diameter | 298 mm | 298 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 200 mm | 298 mm |
| Front tire | 100/90-19 | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 170/80-15 | 150/80-16 |
Key differences
This comparison uses Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM from 2017 and Yamaha XV 950 RACER from 2017.
Power
Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM
44 hp (33 kW)
Yamaha XV 950 RACER
51 hp (38 kW)
Highlighted valueWet weight
Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM
233 kg
Highlighted valueYamaha XV 950 RACER
251 kg
Engine capacity
Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM
649 cm³
Yamaha XV 950 RACER
942 cm³
Highlighted valueTorque
Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM
51 Nm
Yamaha XV 950 RACER
79.5 Nm
Highlighted valueSeat height
Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM
710 mm
Yamaha XV 950 RACER
690 mm
Highlighted valueYamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM vs Yamaha XV 950 RACER: which one to choose?
- Choose Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM if easier pushing and parking matter: its comparable wet-weight advantage is 18 kg.
- Choose Yamaha XV 950 RACER if a lower seat helps you reach the ground: its seat is lower by 20 mm.
- Choose Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM if fewer refueling stops matter: its theoretical tank-and-consumption range advantage is 38.9 %.
- Choose Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM if you need the only model within the numerical A2 limits at 44 hp (33 kW); by these data, check approval in your market.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- The Yamaha XV 950 RACER has more power: 51 hp (38 kW) versus 44 hp (33 kW) for the Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM.
- Which motorcycle has the lower seat?
- The Yamaha XV 950 RACER has the lower seat, at 690 mm versus 710 mm for the Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM.
- Which motorcycle has the longer estimated range?
- The Yamaha V Star 650 CUSTOM has the longer theoretical estimated range: 333 km versus 240 km.