When releasing a new model onto the market, especially if it is a replacement for an older version, engineers try to show it before the predecessor leaves, or, in extreme cases, after a short period of time.
But the XVS400 Drag Star - 400 from Yamaxa was waited for two years. Virago 400 - went down in history in 1994.
A replacement was born only in 1996 . The model lived on the assembly line for 21 years (until 2021), had only one forced modification and remained virtually unchanged throughout the entire production period.
Appearance
The Yamaha XVS 400 Drag Star looks impressive. A certain squareness of shapes plays a special role in this. Cruisers are usually designed to be sleeker. However, the motorcycle cannot be called angular. The two pipes are not doubled, but arranged in a ladder, one below the other. This gives the design originality.
The headlight is of standard dimensions, small. Like the pipes, it is chrome plated. Some internal parts of the motorcycle are also chrome plated. Otherwise it is almost completely black. Spoke wheels can handle the load due to the large number of spokes.
Brief history of the model
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650 (Europe).
Factory designation
: 4VR2, 4XP1, 4XP2, 4XR1, 4XR2.
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650, Yamaha Drag Star 650 Classic, Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom, Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: 4VR3, 4VR4, 4VR5, 4VR6, 4XP3, 4XP4, 4XR3, 4XR4, 4XR5, 4XR6, 5BN1, 5BN2, 5BN3, 5BN4, 5BN5, 5BN8, 5BN9, 5FB1, 5FB2, 5FB3, 5FB6.
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650, Yamaha Drag Star 650 Classic, Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom, Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: 4RX8, 4VR7, 4VR8, 4VR9, 4VRA, 4XR7, 4XR8, 4XR9, 4XRA, 5BNA, 5BNB, 5BNC, 5BND, 5BNE, 5BNF, 5BNG, 5FB7, 5FB8, 5FB9.
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650, Yamaha Drag Star 650 Classic, Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom, Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: 4VRB, 4VRC, 4XRB, 4XRC, 5BNJ, 5BNK, 5BNL, 5BNM, 5BNN, 5BNP, 5BNR, 5FBA, 5FBB, 5FBC.
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650, Yamaha Drag Star 650 Classic, Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom, Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: 4VRD, 4XRD, 5BNT, 5BNU, 5BNV, 5BNW, 5BNX, 5FBD, 5FBE, 5FBF.
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650, Yamaha Drag Star 650 Classic, Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom, Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: 4VRE, 4XRE, 5FBG, 5FBH, 5FBJ, 5SC1, 5SC2, 5SC3, 5SC5, 5SC6.
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650 Silverado, Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom, Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic, Yamaha V-Star 650 Silverado (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: 5FBK, 5FBL, 5FBM, 5SC7, 5SC8, 5SC9, 5SCB, 5SCC, 5SCD.
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650 Silverado, Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom, Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic, Yamaha V-Star 650 Silverado (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: 5FBN, 5FBP, 5FBR, 5SCE, 5SCF, 5SCG, 5SCJ, 5SCK, 5SCL, 5SCM.
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650 Silverado, Yamaha Drag Star 650 Classic, Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (+ Midnight), Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic, Yamaha V-Star 650 Silverado (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: 3B61, 3B62, 3B63, 5FBS, 5FBT, 5FBU, 5SCN, 5SCP, 5SCR, 5SCT, 5SCU, 5SCV, 5SCW, 5SCX.
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650 Silverado, Yamaha Drag Star 650 Classic, Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (+ Midnight), Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic, Yamaha V-Star 650 Silverado (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: 3B64, 3B65, 3B66, 4C51, 4C52, 4C54, 4C55, 4C56, 4C57, 4C58, 5FBV, 5FBW, 5FBX, 5SCY.
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650 Silverado, Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (+ Midnight), Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic, Yamaha V-Star 650 Silverado (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: 3B67, 3B68, 3B69, 4C59, 4C5A, 4C5B, 4C5D, 4C5E, 4C5F, 5FBY, 5S11, 5S12, XVS65AW-B, XVS65AWC-B.
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650 Silverado, Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (+ Midnight), Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic, Yamaha V-Star 650 Silverado (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: 3B6A, 3B6B, 3B6C, 4C5G, 4C5H, 4C5J, 4C5L, 4C5M, 4C5N, 4C5P, 4C5R, 5S13/ 5S14, 5S15.
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650 Silverado, Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (+ Midnight), Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic, Yamaha V-Star 650 Silverado (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: 3B6D, 3B6E, 3B6F, 4C5S, 4C5T, 4C5U, 4C5V, 4C5W, 4C5X, 5S16, 5S17, 5S18.
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650 Silverado, Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (+ Midnight), Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic, Yamaha V-Star 650 Silverado (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: 1BF1, 1BF2, 1BF3, 1BG1, 1BG2, 1BG3, 3B6G, 3B6H, 3B6J, 5S19, 5S1A, 5S1B.
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650 Silverado, Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom, Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: 1BF5, 1BG4, 3B6K, 3B6L, 3B6M.
Model
: Yamaha Drag Star 650 Silverado, Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom, Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: 1BFA, 1BG6, 3B6S, 3B6T, 3B6U.
Model
: Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom, Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic (North America).
Factory designation
: 1BFC, 3B6V, 3B6W, 3B6X.
Model
: Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (North America).
Factory designation
: 3B7D, 3B7E.
Model
: Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom, Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic (Canada, Australia).
Model
: Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom, Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic (Canada, Australia).
Model
: Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom, Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic (Canada, Australia).
Model
: Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom, Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic (Canada, Australia).
Comfort
This cruiser doesn't have the most comfortable saddle. It has a pronounced angle, similar to the back. Apparently, the biker is expected to sit leaning back slightly. It is clear that in this case there is no question of any driving with a passenger. By the way, there is no backrest in the passenger seat.
The bike accelerates slowly, but it’s hard to say whether it’s convenient or vice versa. It all depends on the priorities and habits of a particular biker. From a security point of view, this is definitely a plus. At low and medium speeds, this car maneuvers well for a cruiser.
Flaws
- The rear drum - what is there, what is not, even when adjusting the path, it is better to work with the front one. Landing allows.
- The suspension is not for Russia.
- Not suitable for long overtaking sessions.
and dignity
When creating the Drag Star 400, the Japanese aimed to make the model convenient for both long-distance and short-distance driving. We must give credit that they succeeded.
The bike has many advantages. Here are a few.
- Low center of gravity.
- Dynamics (for a cruiser).
- Eye-catching.
- Soft sofa.
Dimensions and weight
This is a medium-sized motorcycle. Of course, it is larger than road motorcycles, but it does not stand out among representatives of its class in weight and size. However, this does not mean that after a sportbike or cross-country motorcycle this machine will be easy to drive.
The dimensions of the Yamaha XVS 400 Drag Star are as follows:
- curb weight – 234 kg;
- seat height – 660 mm;
- ground clearance – 150 mm;
- wheelbase – 1610 mm;
- height – 1065 mm;
- width – 840 mm;
- length – 2340 mm;
- tank volume – 15 l.
Due to the average size of the equipment, the overall dimensions of the gas tank can be called large. Even taking into account fuel consumption. However, it is important to understand that this still will not allow you to travel far from civilization. And such a car is intended exclusively for driving on good roads, and not only due to its ground clearance.
Specifications
The parameters are weak, but enough for an average cruiser. Moreover, for a beginner in this class, even if he has driven other bikes before, such a machine will be safer. Indeed, due to the insignificant power and torque, the speed and, more importantly, acceleration to hundreds are low. This protects against the fact that the motorcycle, unexpectedly for the rider himself, takes off and rushes several meters ahead before the person gets his bearings. This is dangerous even on a sportbike, not to mention a cruiser, whose dimensions are much larger.
| Motor type | V-shaped, 2 cylinders, 4 strokes |
| Power | 30 l. With. |
| Torque | 31 Nm |
| Maximum speed | 135 km/h |
| Acceleration to 100 | 11.2 s |
| Fuel consumption per hundred | 2.3 l |
| Drive unit | gimbal |
| Transmission | five-speed |
| Frame | duplex steel |
| Rear suspension | pendulum, monoshock absorber, stroke 86 mm |
| Front suspension | telescopic fork, travel 140 mm |
| Rear brakes | drum |
| Front brakes | single disc, 298 mm, 2-piston caliper |
You should be wary of the drum brake at the rear. This device may have been good in its time, but modern standards have changed. And now it is obvious that this design is not enough for a cruiser. Perhaps this would be appropriate for a retro classic, but even then it’s unlikely. So don't ride this bike at high speeds.
Yamaha Drag Star XVS 400 1999 → Review of Yamaha drag star 400 classic
Greetings. In particular, someone who, like me, sat day and night searching for information about this motorcycle model! From the very beginning of choosing a motorcycle, I considered the Honda Shadow 400. But I preferred DRAG STAR-u. Why? 1. This is, of course, the appearance of the motorcycle (Initially, when purchasing, I was aiming at how my 2-wheeled horse would look) 2. Air cooling (There is a lot of debate about this, which is better/worse, water or air cooling, although in both schemes its pros and cons.) 3. Cardan (It is maintenance-free, quiet, does not jerk when working with gas and is more reliable, unlike a chain. There are also disadvantages, but they did not bother me. First of all, it is a loss of power of 10-15 % + additional weight. For example, the Honda Shadow will be faster - there is a chain) The motorcycle is available on the sales market. Also, servicing it and changing spare parts will not pose any problems for you. Of course, as everywhere else, there are items that will need to be ordered. But, this is more likely to save money than due to the lack of spare parts in your city (Yamaha official - a little expensive). Drag Star first of all impresses with its appearance. And this is a FACT! Even if we are talking about scabies (400 cubic meters). A good, impressively sized Japanese car - despite the minimal engine capacity, it makes others think that this is a large-sized Harley-Davidson. And the most interesting thing is that when people find out about the year of manufacture of this device, they are shocked, they don’t believe it) they think that I’m being humble, and the motorcycle is supposedly from a new generation. Drag Star is very easy to use. It’s very comfortable to sit on, sometimes it seems to me that I’m driving a luxury car) it’s very soft, comfortable, there are no serious kickbacks in a semi-pop, when hitting a hole or moving on an uneven, wavy road. Despite the fact that my height is 187 cm , weight 90-95 kg. The fit is very comfortable. In general, you drive confidently, maneuver without problems, brake, overtake, and start, all at a decent level! Driving at night is absolutely confident. With the stock headlights, everything is visible well, the brake light is bright, as are the flashing turn signals. I read on the Internet that there are problems with neutral, or rather problems with catching it between 1st and 2nd gear. I didn’t have such problems - it’s just a minimal matter of habit - be more gentle with shifting) And in general there are no problems with the gearbox. All gears shift clear as a clock. I observed threads... someone complained “WILL NOT BRAKE” and “WILL NOT DRIVE”. Brakes well. But I agree about “DOES NOT GO”. Perhaps for a Japanese person weighing 70-75 kg, she rides cheerfully, but not in my case. That is, while you are driving on the road around the city yourself, everything is fine) but when one of the motorists notices you and tries to put pressure on the gas - then you begin to understand that it would be nice to have some extra hp) You will be able to overtake and drive quickly , without competing with some kind of car, for example, a land cruiser 100. It seemed to me that there was no chance. Or at least not what I expected. The technical specifications say 5.9 seconds. up to 100 km. My point is that this is not so and you shouldn’t rely on these indicators. 10 seconds, yes) although I didn’t measure it, it feels like something like that. Gasoline consumption is about 5 liters - this is with a normal, peppy ride. Fill up at normal gas stations and you don’t need experiments with AI 95 premium or super). Regular, high-quality AI 95! Let's summarize. If your budget is about 4 thousand, and especially if this is your first motorcycle, then the choice is 100% correct. The motorcycle is completely worth the money. As they say, “price-quality”! I believe that there is no better option and cannot be. It may appear in 10 years, but all the same, it will be DRAG STAR, the model of today!))) Good luck to everyone!
Yamaha
What do the owners say?
Considering how much it costs to fix it, it’s understandable why there are a lot of negative reviews about the bike. The point here is simply that this is a rather old machine, both conceptually and technologically, and therefore often breaks down. Getting spare parts for it is not always easy, despite the fact that production was completed recently.
Maintenance is also made more difficult by the fact that it is far from easy to find craftsmen who can competently repair old representatives of this class. That is why such a machine is suitable only for experienced owners who themselves are able to not only understand, but also solve many of the problems of such equipment.
Even when it was still possible to get a new bike, many were still not satisfied with its reliability. What can we say about used cars? However, taking into account the large number of photos and videos with satisfied owners, it is possible to conclude that the bike, in spite of everything, will be popular for a long time. It has become something of a classic, and such cars are forgiven a lot.
According to the description of those who carefully drive this old representative of the class, with careful use it can work properly for a long time. You just shouldn’t buy such a model as your first motorcycle in this class, or, especially, as your first bike in general. This is warned about in any detailed review.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the Yamaha XVS 400 Drag Star is suitable primarily for connoisseurs of cruisers, however, such a machine is also acceptable for experienced bikers who want to get acquainted with the class. But for a beginner in the world of bikes, a cruiser is basically not suitable. It's better to start with road-class cars.
Competitors
Although the chopper market is a conservative market, other brands can be seen in motorcycles from Japan.
Suzuki Intruder 400 Classic.
Kawasaki VN400 Vulcan.
Honda Shadow 400.
- Suzuki Intruder 400 Classic cruiser offered the user liquid cooling. Produced from 2001 to 2016 .
- The Kawasaki VN400 Vulcan also offered fluid, and in the process of evolution began to install rear discs. But the “green” bikes had a conventional drive - a chain. Started production of the model in 1995 and finished in 2003.
- The Honda Shadow 400 offers coolant, and in 2009 it also launches a driveshaft. Production begins in 1997 and ends by 2021. It is worth noting that the Drag Star 400 Classic is a classic modification, and the Honda Shadow Classic is a chopper, only slightly different.
