XVS 650 Drag Star

1997 Yamaha XVS 650 Drag Star Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Yamaha's custom - cruiser motorcycle platform, the 1997 Yamaha XVS 650 Drag Star relies on a 649 cc (39.6 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 40 HP (29.2 kW) while maximum torque reaches 50 Nm (36.9 lb-ft), transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 61.6 HP per liter, the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the XVS 650 Drag Star measures 214 kg (472 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.19 HP/kg (5.35 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 695 mm (27.4 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops.

Within MotoLibrary's Yamaha archive, this model family spans 5 indexed model years from 1997 to 2003, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.