1998Yamaha XVS 650 Drag Star

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The 1998 Yamaha XVS 650 Drag Star is a classic cruiser that appeals to riders seeking a manageable, affordable entry into the cruiser category. Known for its authentic V-twin character, low seat height, and shaft drive reliability, this middleweight custom delivers accessible performance with genuine cruiser styling and heritage appeal.

Capacity: 649.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 214.0 kg
Seat height: 695 mm
Power: 40.0 HP (29.4 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1998 Yamaha XVS 650 Drag Star

vs the 1997

Spec	1997	1998
Torque	50.0 Nm (5.1 kgf-m or 36.9 ft.lbs)	51.0 Nm (5.2 kgf-m or 37.6 ft.lbs)
Top speed	155.0 km/h (96.3 mph)	150.0 km/h (93.2 mph)

Other years 1997 1998 1999 2001 2002 2003

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering40%

City riding65%

Daily riding65%

Touring45%

Two-up45%

Track10%

Best for: Built as a classic-styled cruiser for relaxed, low-revving V-twin riding rather than outright performance.
Built for: A laid-back, torque-focused cruiser that delivers a traditional V-twin feel with easygoing, unintimidating power delivery.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering performance, high-speed touring, or any 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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 695mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 Yamaha XVS 650 Drag Star, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 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: 649.0 ccm
Power: 40.0 HP (29.4 kW)
Torque: 51.0 Nm (5.2 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin
Power/weight ratio: 0.1869 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 81.0 x 63.0 mm
Compression: 9.0:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: Wet, multiple disc

Performance

Top speed: 150.0 km/h (93.2 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1610 mm
Overall length: 2340 mm
Overall width: 880 mm
Overall height: 1070 mm
Seat height: 695 mm
Dry weight: 214.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 16.00 litres
Ground clearance: 140 mm

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 86 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 268 mm
Rear brakes: Expanding brake
Rear brakes diameter: 200 mm
Front tyre: 100/90-S19
Rear tyre: 170/80-S15

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	1997	1998	2001	2002	2003
Capacity	649 cc	649 cc	649 cc	649 cc	649 cc
Dry weight	214 kg	214 kg	214 kg	215 kg	214 kg
Seat height	695 mm	695 mm	695 mm	695 mm	695 mm
Fuel capacity	16 L	16 L	16 L	16 L	16 L