Cruisers

2012Yamaha V Star Classic

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The 2012 Yamaha V Star Classic is a mid-sized cruiser designed for riders seeking accessible, retro-styled motorcycling with classic appeal. Its 655cc V-twin engine delivers smooth, manageable power ideal for both beginners and experienced cruiser enthusiasts. Known for reliability, affordable ownership, and timeless styling, it excels as an entry-level cruiser or weekend commuter.

Capacity: 655.5 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 229.1 kg
Seat height: 709 mm
Power: 44.1 HP (32.4 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2012 Yamaha V Star Classic

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Front brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Hydraulic
Rear brakes	Expanding brake (drum brake)	Expanding brake (drum brake). Hydraulic

Other years 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding55%

Daily riding65%

Touring55%

Two-up50%

Track5%

Best for: Built for relaxed, low-speed cruising and around-town riding rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
Built for: Classic V-twin cruiser styling paired with shaft drive gives it a low-maintenance, laid-back, torquey feel typical of small-displacement cruisers.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders wanting highway-blitzing speed, aggressive cornering performance, or serious off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 709mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Yamaha V Star Classic, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 655.5 ccm
Power: 44.1 HP (32.4 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 111 CO2 g/km
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 4.80 litres/100 km (20.8 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.1925 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 81.0 x 63.0 mm
Compression: 9.0:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCI
Valves per cylinder: 2
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: Multiplate wet

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1626 mm
Overall length: 2451 mm
Overall width: 930 mm
Overall height: 1105 mm
Seat height: 709 mm
Dry weight: 229.1 kg
Wet weight: 246.8 kg
Fuel capacity: 15.90 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel; hidden shock
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Single shock
Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 99 mm
Rake (fork angle): 32.0°
Trail: 102 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. Hydraulic
Front brakes diameter: 298 mm
Rear brakes: Expanding brake (drum brake). Hydraulic
Rear brakes diameter: 200 mm
Front tyre: 130/90-16
Rear tyre: 170/80-15

Other

Color options: Deep Blue, Candy Red
Warranty: 12

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2006	2008	2010	2011	2012	2013
Capacity	649 cc	656 cc	942 cc	656 cc	656 cc	656 cc
Dry weight	—	229 kg	229 kg	229 kg	229 kg	229 kg
Seat height	709 mm	709 mm	709 mm	709 mm	709 mm	709 mm
Fuel capacity	15.9 L	15.9 L	15.9 L	15.9 L	15.9 L	15.9 L