Yamaha introduced this middleweight cruiser as part of its growing Star series in the late 1990s, when the company was expanding beyond its earlier Virago-era cruisers into a lower, longer American-style design. In Yamaha’s home and many international markets it was sold as the Drag Star, while in the U.S. it wore the V Star 650 nameplate. The model arrived as a compact, approachable cruiser and quickly became one of Yamaha’s most recognizable entry points into the Star family.
Over time, the nameplate evolved through several familiar cruiser variants rather than a full redesign. The lineup included custom-oriented and classic-style versions, and Yamaha later used special trim names such as Silverado and Midnight Custom in some markets. Despite those appearance and equipment changes, the 650 stayed true to its core formula: a simple, easygoing, belt-driven cruiser aimed at riders who wanted traditional style, manageable size, and broad aftermarket appeal.
The model became especially significant because it helped establish Yamaha as a serious player in the Japanese cruiser segment for global markets, not just as a maker of sportbikes and standards. Its long run made it a staple of beginner and commuter cruiser discussions, but it also remained popular with experienced riders who valued its low-key character and customization potential. The nameplate ran for roughly two decades before ending after the 2017 model year.