The 2016 Yamaha V Star 650 Custom and 2018 Yamaha YFZ50 share a manufacturer and little else. The V Star is a full-size road cruiser built around a 649 cc V-twin. The YFZ50 is a 49 cc youth ATV intended for supervised off-road riding by children age six and older.
This is therefore less a conventional comparison than a useful identification guide. One carries an adult down the highway; the other teaches a young rider throttle control without requiring a clutch lever.
V Star 650 Custom and YFZ50 Specifications
| Specification | 2016 V Star 650 Custom | 2018 YFZ50 |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Road-going cruiser motorcycle | Youth off-road ATV |
| Engine | 649 cc air-cooled V-twin | 49.4 cc air-cooled single |
| Fuel system | Dual carburetors | Carburetor |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | V-belt automatic |
| Final drive | Shaft | Chain |
| Fuel capacity | 4.2 US gallons | 1.48 US gallons |
| Seat height | 27.4 inches | About 23 inches |
| Wet weight | Approximately 514 lb | Approximately 220 lb |
Which Yamaha Fits the Job?
The North American-market V Star 650 Custom uses a low seat, narrow 19-inch front wheel and relaxed riding position. Its shaft drive reduces routine chain maintenance, while the five-speed gearbox and modestly tuned V-twin favor steady cruising over frantic acceleration. It is approachable by cruiser standards, although 514 pounds is still 514 pounds when parking on a slope.
The YFZ50 is not street legal. Its automatic transmission, electric start, tether switch and adjustable speed limiter are designed to simplify early ATV instruction. Yamaha’s manual specifies unpaved-surface use and adult supervision. Proper helmet, eye protection, boots and age-appropriate training are more important than the racing-style bodywork.
Choose the V Star for licensed road riding and the YFZ50 only as a supervised youth off-road machine. If a seller presents them as direct alternatives, the conversation has taken a structurally unusual turn.
