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Cruisers

2012Yamaha V Star Custom

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The 2012 Yamaha V Star Custom is a middleweight cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling and approachable performance. Powered by a fuel-efficient 655cc V-twin engine with shaft drive, it delivers smooth, manageable power ideal for both new and experienced cruiser enthusiasts. Known for its low seat height, comfortable ergonomics, and affordable entry into the cruiser category, it remains a popular choice for everyday riding.

Capacity
655.5 ccm
Engine
V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
215.0 kg
Seat height
696 mm
Power
44.1 HP (32.4 kW)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2012 Yamaha V Star Custom

vs the 2011
Spec20112012
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 2014 2015

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 32Agility 42Comfort 65Off-road 10Touring 50Road manners 60
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering40%
City riding60%
Daily riding65%
Touring55%
Two-up45%
Track10%
Best for
Built as a classic mid-size custom cruiser for relaxed boulevard riding and easy weekend cruising rather than outright performance.
Built for
A laid-back, air-cooled V-twin cruiser with classic styling, shaft drive smoothness, and unhurried, torque-driven power delivery.
Not ideal for
Not suited for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or high-speed performance.

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
At 696mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Yamaha V Star Custom, 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 →

Range and running costs

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Based on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
655.5 ccm
Power
44.1 HP (32.4 kW)
CO2 Emissions
112 CO2 g/km
Engine type
V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption
4.80 litres/100 km (20.8 km/l)
Power/weight ratio
0.2051 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
1610 mm
Overall length
2337 mm
Overall width
879 mm
Overall height
1067 mm
Seat height
696 mm
Dry weight
215.0 kg
Wet weight
232.7 kg
Fuel capacity
15.90 litres
Ground clearance
140 mm
Carrying capacity
Under seat helmet holder increases convenience for the rider. Locking compartment under side cover. Secure storage for small items.
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Steel; hidden shock
Front suspension
41mm telescopic fork
Rear suspension
Single shock
Front wheel travel
140 mm
Rear wheel travel
86 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
100/90-19
Rear tyre
170/80-15
Other
Color options
Raven
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 200620082011201220132015
Capacity 649 cc 656 cc 656 cc 656 cc 656 cc 656 cc
Dry weight 215 kg 215 kg 215 kg 215 kg 215 kg 215 kg
Seat height 696 mm 696 mm 696 mm 696 mm 696 mm 696 mm
Fuel capacity 15.9 L 15.9 L 15.9 L 15.9 L 15.9 L 15.9 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Yamaha V Star Custom?

The 2012 Yamaha V Star Custom has a Capacity of 655.5 ccm (40.00 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Yamaha V Star Custom have?

The 2012 Yamaha V Star Custom has a Power of 44.1 HP (32.4 kW).

How many gears does the Yamaha V Star Custom have?

The 2012 Yamaha V Star Custom has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

How much does the Yamaha V Star Custom weigh?

The 2012 Yamaha V Star Custom has a Dry weight of 215.0 kg (474.0 pounds).

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