I like the way you take your time to thoroughly explain things like removing the toolbox drawer to give us a better look at the settings on the mono shock and showing where the bolts are and naming the size mm wrench.
Hey! I got a 2005 650 V-Star three days ago, and I just adjusted my shock thanks to you. And replaced my battery. And have gotten plenty ideas on how to do the things I will soon need to do. Awesome videos. No dickin' around, straight to the point. AND you're in my town. Cool. Keep the videos coming!
I wanted too thank you for making this video! I recently lost 168 lbs and have loved going for rides with my husband! Unfortunately the bikes shock wasn't set up for two rides and we were bottoming out when we hit bumps in the road 😔. If it weren't for your video I would have had too have given up riding with him. Thank you again for making this video you have helped us greatly!
Wow LIsa, 1st of all congrats on the weight loss that is awesome! I am so happy to hear that video helped you guys out, so nice to hear positive feedback. thank you for watching, ride safe and Takeiteass!
Hey, I just discovered your videos and I'm really happy that I did. Your videos are very helpful. I think, you're my new favorite person on the internet.
Awesome video! The owners manual doesn't do a good job telling us where the "marker point" is. I thought it was straight up at 12 o'clock. Now I see the 2 dots closer to 3 o'clock. I did the same thing and moved it down to a setting of 2. Let's see how it rides now! Thanks again, man!
Right on man. My tires were bald, like Mr. Clean's head. I put on some new Pirelli's back in July. Did it all myself but I had to get a shop to mount the tires on the rims for me, but I did the rest of the work, what a pain. I have a bad lower back so it was really interesting. But it gave me a chance to lube the splines and all. She is riding great now. I also added the Knight Riderz brake light and an LED bulb for the reg tail light. I should post an update video.
hi man, im from el salvador and i have a 2000 vstar 650 custom, and i watch your videos and help me to understand my bike, thanks for this videos man, still cool...
Thak you man for your videos!i have a dragstar 1100.and your videos gave me some inspiring and help.i am on winter preparation to the spring season now.gona use yours advices and ideas.thanks a lot!
Hey, I just discovered your videos and I'm really happy that I did. Your videos are very helpful. I think, you're my new favorite person on the internet. IM A MEXICAN BIKER SEE U NEXT VIDEO
Thanks Dave, I have the 1100 as well now, have not had to adjust the preload on it but I can see its not as straight forward. I do love the V-stars though just awesome bikes. Cheers bro
@@bernbo I did it I went from 3 to 5 its not that bad to do it I took all the stuff off that it says to but didn't need to. I went in from the battery box side and it was easy to do. I took off way to much stuff with the book.
Thanks for this video. I have a 2011 V-Star 650. I love the bike but the ride is a little rough. The other thing I dont like about the bike is the throw on the clutch lever. It seems to bite a little before it reaches its full detente. Outside of that it is a very good, well made bike. Hopefully it will ride a little better once I adjust the rear shocks preload. Thank you Sir!
I agree with you on the clutch, when I bought mine it's the 1st thing I noticed, got used to it pretty quick though. My 1100 is not like that, it's early in the release of the lever. My old 650 was bullet proof man, loved that bike. Cheers bro.
Funny you putting this video out today. I just traded my big Vulcan Mean Streak for an 1100 V Star. Now the shock placement is different under my seat is a bunch of electronics and the fuel filter etc.. But when I had the tool kit out the tool you used was in there and I looked at it and was like... What is this for? Now I know ty Bernbo and loved the vid!
GREAT VID MAN ! Thanks ! BTW, I lost my back seat bolt, is that shit normal? And what can I do to prevent it from happening again. Also, I'm a fat bastard so where should I set that shock?
Hey Bernbo, thanks for the great vids you share. Excellent quality and detail. Did you ever shot a vid on re-oiling and repacking the forks on the XVS650a?
Wow, is it the same on an 1100 classic ? I love watching your videos. I just got my 1100 and your vids are very descriptive and in depth. Thanks so much.
Can I ask if you've ever done a Vstar 650 custom rider back rest install? I bought a driver back rest off Ebay but there was no way in hell it would fit my Star.. Is there a difference between a Canadian version 650 and US version?
Hi Bernbo thanks for the great vid. I'll be attacking this at the weekend hopefully. Do you know what the size of the c spanner/wrench is? I didn't get one with the bike unfortunately and I've googled about every page out there all to no avail! Thanks 👍👍
I just picked up an 06 v star 650 classic that was severely neglected. Just got her up to par maintenance and repair wise. Next I'll need to swap out the 7 year old rear tire before doing any highway speeds or 2 up riding. My wife and I are about 350 lbs combined, geared up. What number should I try at on the rear suspension, in your opinion? Thanks for the vids and the help!
I was so excited ,I forgot to ask my other question. I have a 98 Vstar 650 Classic,the previous owner had it Bobbed out( seat,lowered 2inches).My issue is,because he lowered it,when I replace the stock seat it doesn't fit correctly. it seems to be a 3-4 inch gap between the tip of the Gas Tank to tell edge of the Seat. Any tricks or seat mods???
I know this is an old video I may not get a reply but I just started riding maybe a month ago and yesterday was the first time taking my 2011 v star 650 custom on the highway and it was really rough to the point where when I would hit a bump in the road I'd actually bouncing off the seat and I have trouble with seeing clearly because of how much vibration from the road it even messed with my mirrors so I changed them to stiffer one I weight 100 - 110 lbs would lower the the setting of the rear spring help this?
Thanks for the video - now I know where exactly the marker is! But alas, I goofed! Was trying different settings and had it on 7 to feel how hard it was. Then went to adjust it back to 3 but turned it wrong way (maths not my strong point). Made a moderate "springy bang" noise and is jammed at a little bit past 7 - can't get it back. Any ideas how to fix this?
Wow!.. I love your page Bro! Didn't know there were so many Vstar riders out there.Now,I don't feel so bad about not having an HD. Do you have an email,where you could be contacted outside of RUclips ? For questions,tips, advise? Great work Man!!
Thank so much bro I just boutgh my v 650 but I have no any information from RUclips videos I got lots of information believe me I would.like to ask you how I shin chrom like your bike very shinning I really appreciate
I just got an 09 custom 650 v star. While at the dealer I noticed the front fork had dip a little to loose for my liking. Not being familiar with it, I noted it and dealer said they would correct it. However, I turn to you for advice on the feel of the forks travel. Is it supposed to be a firm feel on the dip or soft? I'm new to cruisers...Thanks
That's awesome congrats on your new bike. I would let the dealer correct it, but if you are finding the suspension to soft which it shouldn't be, it could be a number of things. According to the manual it could be insufficient tire pressure, insufficient fork oil level or fluid capacity, incorrect oil viscosity, or weak or damaged fork springs. Hope this helps you out. Cheers!
***** As it turns out the front tire was low on air. The fork is fine no problems there. I am very thankful for your videos as I can relate it to my bike. Thanks for your creative time. Ride safe and Take it eass!
Hello, thanks for posting the video. Question for ya though, I just bought my mother's vstar 650 from her, and the bike was lowered before she purchased it. I am significantly taller than her and I want to raise it back up to atleast stock height. Will adjusting the shock like this help with that? If not, do you know how to adjust the height of the bike?
Adjusting the shock won't raise it to stock height it will only affect the ride, soft or firm. If the bike was lowered when you bought it chances are it may have had the " J slam" done to it. you can put it back to stock height easy if that's the case. Here is a link to the J slam. 650ccnd.com/webslinger/Mods/RearEnd/slam.pdf If a factory lowering kit was used you can reverse that as well but it will be more work though. you would need to remove the shock and compress the spring to remove the lowering kit part. You might want to take it to a bike shop and have them do it, they would have all the right tools. Hope this helps you out. Cheers!
Hey i love you videos coz i just got v star 650 classic also and i did a lot of customize to my bike by watching like grips leavers but i don't get the point of adjusting the shock and i weight 182lbl if its matter.
It all depends on how you like to ride you can soften the ride or adjust it to be a more ridged ride, if you are riding 2 up you will want it to be more ridged.
Glenn Wagner Hey Glenn, you could try the J-Slam mod, here is a link to how that's done. 650ccnd.com/webslinger/Mods/RearEnd/slam.pdf Do this at your own risk. Takeiteass!
It's called a shock absorber spanner wrench, also called hook wrench. You should have one in your tool kit that comes with the bike. Hope this helps cheers!
Thanks man, great video! Just learned my bike has a tool box! Hahaha. You remind me of the guy from Californication, the dude who ends up marrying Karen
isn't 2 a little soft for a guy your size , mines at 4 and i might go to 5 i'm 205 lbs. no. 4 bottoms on really harsh bumps once in a while there's not much travel on these shocks to begin with
that's weird you look around the same weight as me, i'm going to double check my setting today, i haven't looked at it in 2 years, mine is harder to set with a sissy bar luggage rack with a bag screw mounted to it
I like the way you take your time to thoroughly explain things like removing the toolbox drawer to give us a better look at the settings on the mono shock and showing where the bolts are and naming the size mm wrench.
Thanks James. I Appreciate comments like this. Cheers bro!
I bought my first motorcycle this year in March and I just found out from this video that I have a toolbox 🧠🤯
I was thinking of looking this up. I opened up RUclips and bam there you were. Perfect, thanks.
Hey! I got a 2005 650 V-Star three days ago, and I just adjusted my shock thanks to you. And replaced my battery. And have gotten plenty ideas on how to do the things I will soon need to do. Awesome videos. No dickin' around, straight to the point. AND you're in my town. Cool. Keep the videos coming!
Congrats on your new bike man that's awesome. Happy to hear the vids are helping you out.
Ride safe.
Cheers!
I wanted too thank you for making this video! I recently lost 168 lbs and have loved going for rides with my husband! Unfortunately the bikes shock wasn't set up for two rides and we were bottoming out when we hit bumps in the road 😔. If it weren't for your video I would have had too have given up riding with him. Thank you again for making this video you have helped us greatly!
Wow LIsa, 1st of all congrats on the weight loss that is awesome! I am so happy to hear that video helped you guys out, so nice to hear positive feedback. thank you for watching, ride safe and Takeiteass!
Hey, I just discovered your videos and I'm really happy that I did. Your videos are very helpful. I think, you're my new favorite person on the internet.
lol awesome bro, love to here it.
Takeiteass!
Going the extra mile to show the adjustment more clearly. Thanks, Bernbo!
Awesome video! The owners manual doesn't do a good job telling us where the "marker point" is. I thought it was straight up at 12 o'clock. Now I see the 2 dots closer to 3 o'clock. I did the same thing and moved it down to a setting of 2. Let's see how it rides now! Thanks again, man!
Steve Rosen thanks Steve, should make for a much better ride. Cheers bro.
You are the best guy for this bike
Right on man. My tires were bald, like Mr. Clean's head. I put on some new Pirelli's back in July. Did it all myself but I had to get a shop to mount the tires on the rims for me, but I did the rest of the work, what a pain. I have a bad lower back so it was really interesting. But it gave me a chance to lube the splines and all. She is riding great now. I also added the Knight Riderz brake light and an LED bulb for the reg tail light. I should post an update video.
Thanks, I appreciate this video. I wish more people could do one so well.
+dynosaur Very happy to hear that the video helped you out, Cheers bro!
hi man, im from el salvador and i have a 2000 vstar 650 custom, and i watch your videos and help me to understand my bike, thanks for this videos man, still cool...
That's great Edgar, happy to hear that videos are helping you out.
Ride safe bro
This makes it so;much easier, thanks heaps.
thanks for this video..... need to re-adjust my rear ride height.
Thak you man for your videos!i have a dragstar 1100.and your videos gave me some inspiring and help.i am on winter preparation to the spring season now.gona use yours advices and ideas.thanks a lot!
Thanks for your short informative video
Hey, I just discovered your videos and I'm really happy that I did. Your videos are very helpful. I think, you're my new favorite person on the internet. IM A MEXICAN BIKER SEE U NEXT VIDEO
Right on, love to hear comments like this.
Cheers!
Tnks
Thanks for showing I couldn't find anything in the manual that's showed the marker point . so cheers from across the pond
Right on Chris, happy to hear it helped out. Cheers!
Thank you. Can you also explain the pros and cons of softening the suspension?
Thx m8 gr8 vid. It was concise and massively helpful. Greetings from Poland.
Thanks Michael, happy to hear the video helped out, Cheers m8
What a fantastic video. I might try to do this on my own yet I enjoyed watching this video.
I have the 1100 its a lot more involved. Wow great vid. Enjoy your Star
Thanks Dave, I have the 1100 as well now, have not had to adjust the preload on it but I can see its not as straight forward. I do love the V-stars though just awesome bikes. Cheers bro
@@bernbo I did it I went from 3 to 5 its not that bad to do it I took all the stuff off that it says to but didn't need to. I went in from the battery box side and it was easy to do. I took off way to much stuff with the book.
@@davelynch2532 thank you for the heads up Dave. Cheers🍻
Thanks for this video. I have a 2011 V-Star 650. I love the bike but the ride is a little rough. The other thing I dont like about the bike is the throw on the clutch lever. It seems to bite a little before it reaches its full detente. Outside of that it is a very good, well made bike. Hopefully it will ride a little better once I adjust the rear shocks preload. Thank you Sir!
I agree with you on the clutch, when I bought mine it's the 1st thing I noticed, got used to it pretty quick though. My 1100 is not like that, it's early in the release of the lever. My old 650 was bullet proof man, loved that bike. Cheers bro.
@@bernbo Thanks!
I did it, makes handling easier, thanks. Take it ezzzzzzz
Funny you putting this video out today. I just traded my big Vulcan Mean Streak for an 1100 V Star. Now the shock placement is different under my seat is a bunch of electronics and the fuel filter etc.. But when I had the tool kit out the tool you used was in there and I looked at it and was like... What is this for? Now I know ty Bernbo and loved the vid!
Thank you, bike seems to go faster now :)
Hey thanks for the video helped me. I was afraid of monkeying with it until I watched the video. Now the bike rides like a cloud.
Another great video bernbo. Good work on the 20lbs, too!!
There is always a way to get it done. Every little thing to make it safer for a rider helps.
GREAT VID MAN ! Thanks ! BTW, I lost my back seat bolt, is that shit normal? And what can I do to prevent it from happening again. Also, I'm a fat bastard so where should I set that shock?
Hey Bernbo, thanks for the great vids you share. Excellent quality and detail. Did you ever shot a vid on re-oiling and repacking the forks on the XVS650a?
Thanks Nando, unfortunately I don't have a video on that.
Cheers Bro
The make of saddle bags are RoadKrome.
Could you make a video on changing the front breakpad/cleaning the caliper? Thanks for the videos.
I might be able to do something like that in the future. Thanks for watching. Cheers!
I agree, the WW's really suit the classic.
Wow, is it the same on an 1100 classic ? I love watching your videos. I just got my 1100 and your vids are very descriptive and in depth. Thanks so much.
Thanks man, There is a little more to it on the 1100 but very similar process. Thanks for watching, Takeiteass!
Hope you are making new videos soon. Enjoy the info and entertainment bro.🍺 Great weather coming soon to ride. Take it ease .😷
Thanks David, yah I got to get back into making some vids, taking a break for a bit. Thanks for watching the vids bro. Takeiteass
Can I ask if you've ever done a Vstar 650 custom rider back rest install? I bought a driver back rest off Ebay but there was no way in hell it would fit my Star.. Is there a difference between a Canadian version 650 and US version?
Hello there from London, does it lower the bike too or just affect ride comfort? Cheers in advance
It will sit a little lower with the rider on it. But not on its own.
Hey Bernbo, can you make a quick video on how to adjust your idle properly? Cant find anything on youtube. Thanks brother!
Hi Bernbo thanks for the great vid. I'll be attacking this at the weekend hopefully. Do you know what the size of the c spanner/wrench is? I didn't get one with the bike unfortunately and I've googled about every page out there all to no avail! Thanks 👍👍
Hey Daniel, sorry for the late response. Sorry I don't know what the size is of that wrench is.
@@bernbo no worries Bernbo thanks for coming back but great video, still helped me loads nonetheless
That's great man, I am getting close to getting a new set of tires myself. What do you think of the LED bulb?
The Vstar looks really good with whitewall :D
Hi Bernbo, what Helmet is that, it is like SOA. Thank You
I just picked up an 06 v star 650 classic that was severely neglected. Just got her up to par maintenance and repair wise. Next I'll need to swap out the 7 year old rear tire before doing any highway speeds or 2 up riding. My wife and I are about 350 lbs combined, geared up. What number should I try at on the rear suspension, in your opinion? Thanks for the vids and the help!
I would start out at 4 and if you find that it's still to soft a ride try 5, my bet is 4 will be great. Congrats on the bike and ride safe.
I was so excited ,I forgot to ask my other question. I have a 98 Vstar 650 Classic,the previous owner had it Bobbed out( seat,lowered 2inches).My issue is,because he lowered it,when I replace the stock seat it doesn't fit correctly. it seems to be a 3-4 inch gap between the tip of the Gas Tank to tell edge of the Seat. Any tricks or seat mods???
Sorry man, not sure whats going on there, sounds like a substantial mod was made to cause a gap like that.
I know this is an old video I may not get a reply but I just started riding maybe a month ago and yesterday was the first time taking my 2011 v star 650 custom on the highway and it was really rough to the point where when I would hit a bump in the road I'd actually bouncing off the seat and I have trouble with seeing clearly because of how much vibration from the road it even messed with my mirrors so I changed them to stiffer one I weight 100 - 110 lbs would lower the the setting of the rear spring help this?
I would definitely try that, also check the tire pressure and make sure there not over inflated. Good luck
@@bernbo awesome thanks for the reply I'll definitely check
Thanks for the video - now I know where exactly the marker is!
But alas, I goofed! Was trying different settings and had it on 7 to feel how hard it was. Then went to adjust it back to 3 but turned it wrong way (maths not my strong point). Made a moderate "springy bang" noise and is jammed at a little bit past 7 - can't get it back. Any ideas how to fix this?
If you spray a liitle bit of lubricant on it you should be able to spin it back into position.
Pura vida!!!!
Wow!.. I love your page Bro! Didn't know there were so many Vstar riders out there.Now,I don't feel so bad about not having an HD. Do you have an email,where you could be contacted outside of RUclips ? For questions,tips, advise? Great work Man!!
Sorry Derrick, no email, just the RUclips. Would be happy to help you out where I can though.
Thanks for watching the vids. Cheers!
Thank so much bro I just boutgh my v 650 but I have no any information from RUclips videos I got lots of information believe me I would.like to ask you how I shin chrom like your bike very shinning
I really appreciate
Congrats on your new bike bro, that's awesome. I use Blue Magic Metal Polish Cream to polish the chrome, that product is amazing. Cheers!
lol, that's funny, Congrats on your 1100 awesome bike, my buddy Paul Black aka Big P rides the same bike. Ride safe!
my man thank you
I just got an 09 custom 650 v star. While at the dealer I noticed the front fork had dip a little to loose for my liking. Not being familiar with it, I noted it and dealer said they would correct it. However, I turn to you for advice on the feel of the forks travel. Is it supposed to be a firm feel on the dip or soft? I'm new to cruisers...Thanks
That's awesome congrats on your new bike. I would let the dealer correct it, but if you are finding the suspension to soft which it shouldn't be, it could be a number of things. According to the manual it could be insufficient tire pressure, insufficient fork oil level or fluid capacity, incorrect oil viscosity, or weak or damaged fork springs. Hope this helps you out. Cheers!
***** As it turns out the front tire was low on air. The fork is fine no problems there. I am very thankful for your videos as I can relate it to my bike. Thanks for your creative time. Ride safe and Take it eass!
That's great news easy fix bro. Happy to hear the vids are helping you out.Thank you for watching. Takeiteass!
Hey . Wheres the neighbour ? No mowing his lawn ?
@@chriswilliams9832 🤣
@@chriswilliams9832 🤣A rare moment
Thanks bro. Cheers!
What make are your saddle bags?
So if I'm riding 2 up then I would turn my settings to a higher number , correct? I'm assuming it's still on the factory setting now ,
Hey Danny, that's correct the higher the number the harder the suspension.
So I’m assuming the heavier you are the higher you want your setting??
That's correct 👌
Any clue what setting someone about 220 should usually be at?
@@heatherdutton5358 you could set to 3 and you would be ok for 2 up riding as well, or 2 for solo riding.
@@bernbo ty!! New rider so solo it is for me
@@bernbo another question if you don’t mind. What would you suggest to polish my chrome? Specifically the area that’s discolored?
Hello, thanks for posting the video. Question for ya though, I just bought my mother's vstar 650 from her, and the bike was lowered before she purchased it. I am significantly taller than her and I want to raise it back up to atleast stock height. Will adjusting the shock like this help with that? If not, do you know how to adjust the height of the bike?
Adjusting the shock won't raise it to stock height it will only affect the ride, soft or firm. If the bike was lowered when you bought it chances are it may have had the " J slam" done to it. you can put it back to stock height easy if that's the case. Here is a link to the J slam. 650ccnd.com/webslinger/Mods/RearEnd/slam.pdf If a factory lowering kit was used you can reverse that as well but it will be more work though. you would need to remove the shock and compress the spring to remove the lowering kit part. You might want to take it to a bike shop and have them do it, they would have all the right tools. Hope this helps you out. Cheers!
***** J slammed the hell outta mine. Looks much better!
I fluctuate around 200/210lbs, what setting would you recommend for me?
I would recommend setting 2.
How do I lower rear end on my 2007 Yamaha v star?
If you search 650 J slam there are videos on how to lower it. Do so at your own risk. Cheers
Does it lower the bike if you harden the shocks? Have you ever j slammed your bike?
Harden the shock I am not to sure about that, and I have not J slammed the bike I thought about it a few years back but stayed with the stock setup.
Hey i love you videos coz i just got v star 650 classic also and i did a lot of customize to my bike by watching like grips leavers but i don't get the point of adjusting the shock and i weight 182lbl if its matter.
It all depends on how you like to ride you can soften the ride or adjust it to be a more ridged ride, if you are riding 2 up you will want it to be more ridged.
is there a way to get the bike to drop about an inch in height so that my lay an sit flat footed when she rides it?
Glenn Wagner Hey Glenn, you could try the J-Slam mod, here is a link to how that's done. 650ccnd.com/webslinger/Mods/RearEnd/slam.pdf
Do this at your own risk. Takeiteass!
Hey, bernbo: you know a lick about how to adjust the valves and how to adjust the carburators on my V star 650 2003? Thanks!
Sorry man when it comes to the valves and carbs i have it done in the shop.
Hi, what's the tool name?
Please
It's called a shock absorber spanner wrench, also called hook wrench. You should have one in your tool kit that comes with the bike. Hope this helps cheers!
Thanks man, great video! Just learned my bike has a tool box! Hahaha. You remind me of the guy from Californication, the dude who ends up marrying Karen
Hahaha right on man, you will find it very handy. Wish I had the paychecks that guy gets lol.
Cheers!
Bernbo more money, more problems! For a solo rider, about 200lbs, what setting do you recommend?
Good point. I like the ride smooth so 2 works for me but I would say 2 or 3 would work best. I am around 200 lbs as well.
Bernbo thank you sir! Safe travels!
thanks buddy
isn't 2 a little soft for a guy your size , mines at 4 and i might go to 5 i'm 205 lbs. no. 4 bottoms on really harsh bumps once in a while there's not much travel on these shocks to begin with
paul 466 Hey Paul, been lucky i haven't had it bottom out, if so I would put it back to 3.
that's weird you look around the same weight as me, i'm going to double check my setting today, i haven't looked at it in 2 years, mine is harder to set with a sissy bar luggage rack with a bag screw mounted to it
Sorry I just found it on your channel.
lol, that's right, what the hell eh.
How To Adjust Your Rear Shock On a 650 V Star?> 1100?
A little more work on a 1100
True. I have the 1100 now, different setup.
N😢 phone reception
Your lucky I'm not. I can't watch because I have no phone reception
Bernbo, congrats on loosing 20lbs man.
lol right on, thanks bro.
Your lucky I'm not. I can't watch because I have no phone reception