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Review of the Yamaha Drag Star 400 motorcycle

In 1996, a motorcycle from Yamaha appeared on the market - Drag Star 400 or XVS 400. As you can guess from the designation, it has an engine with a displacement of 400 cm³. The predecessor of the Drag Star 400 is considered to be the Yamaha Virago 400. And this is not without reason, since the basis for the XVS 400 was a slightly redesigned engine from the Virago 400, although in some respects these are two different motorcycles, but more on that below. The motorcycle was produced only for the Japanese domestic market, which did not prevent it from crossing borders and becoming widespread in the post-Soviet space.

Motorcycle gearbox and electrical system

The gearbox of the Honda VTX 1800 motorcycle is five-speed, multi-disc oil clutch, hydraulically driven. The final drive is an enclosed driveshaft with a 3.091 (34/11) gear ratio.

The motorcycle is equipped with a twelve-volt battery with a capacity of 18A*h and an alternating current generator with a power of 400 W. And the resulting electricity is spent on lighting, one lamp with a power of 55 W for low beam and 60 W for high beam. By the way, many pilots complain about poor road lighting and install xenon not only for beauty.

The starter also consumes electricity; it is electric. The ignition system is digital transistor, computer-controlled with electronic ignition timing control. There are four spark plugs - two for each cylinder.

Development of Yamaha Drag Star 400

As noted above, the XVS 400 appeared on the market in 1996 and has remained virtually unchanged. The only exceptions are 1998, 2000 and 2010.

In 1998, the Yamaha Drag Star 400 Classic version appeared. From a technical point of view, it was still the same motorcycle and all the differences were cosmetic. The model received wider fenders, a different seat, steering wheel and optics, in addition, the front wheel was changed. This was done to make it more similar to American classic motorcycles. “Draga” was offered in these two variations, right up to its discontinuation.

In 2000, the motorcycle received an updated engine that complied with new environmental standards without losing any of its performance. In addition to the engine, the dashboard was replaced - an odometer and a fuel level indicator appeared.

In 2009, the designers decided to abandon carburetors, switching the engine power to an injector. The updated motorcycle appeared on the market in 2010. This decision seems more than strange, since the Drag Star 400 was valued by consumers, first of all, for its simplicity and maximum similarity of design with old “iron” motorcycles, but arguing with environmentalists is too expensive. With the switch to injection power, the engine lost its power insignificantly: 30 horsepower versus 33 at 7500 rpm, and the torque also decreased from 32 to 31 Newton per meter. It should be noted that in the carburetor version, 32 Nm was achieved at 6000 rpm, while in the updated version, the maximum torque of 31 Nm is achieved at 6250 rpm. The already considerable mass increased slightly.

It is impossible not to mention that the Yamaha Drag Star 400 has become an excellent platform for tuning, both “garage” and quite professional. This is especially noticeable in those motorcycles that end up outside Japan at auctions. You can often find changes in the design of the steering unit and frame, sometimes for greater similarity with old American models, and with a “dry” frame. In other words, the Japanese, despite the small volume, do not hesitate to turn the “Drag” into choppers and bobbers. There are frequent modifications to the engine to improve its performance. All this sometimes leads to minor confusion in maintenance and repair for new owners.

The last year of production was 2022. The reason for discontinuation of production was the same environmental standards.

Fluke

My initial desire was a Honda VTX 1300 or a Royal Star - Yamaha XVZ1300. After reading forums and reviews from owners, and listening to my wife’s sighs, I decided to consider other options. A month of online and live communication with chopper owners led me to a choice: a Honda BTX 1800 or a stylish Yamaha XB 1900.

We also recommend that you read the review of the Honda Shadow 400.

The availability of both options on the secondary market in our city left much to be desired. It is clear that you will have to order through sempermoto from Japan or America, so there was not much difference, 1800 or 1900. I didn’t have much experience riding Yamahas, but I knew Hondas very well, but I was more drawn to the unknown. The agony of choice disappeared by itself when my beloved called and said that she had agreed to test drive a Honda vtx 1800 motorcycle in the store.

An unexpected weakness arose inside me when they rolled Vtyks onto the site. A small tremor passed through the palms, and, penetrating the whole body, went into the shoes. Even before I had ridden him, I realized that it was He.

I still remember my first trip, although 4 years have passed. The Honda vtx 1800 seemed to be testing my strength - it was big and heavy, it took turns awkwardly, making me blush under the sealant and sweat in the aisle, where, out of habit, I still drove a couple of times. It was love at one sight, the condition of the bike turned out to be perfect, but the price did not suit me. At home, in the evening, my wife and I discussed loan options for the missing amount, but then a call came from Yekaterinburg - a buyer had been found for Shadik. Fate itself was on our side. Sorry Yamaha xv, see you later!

The formalities are over, the Honda vtx 1800 is in my garage, the technical specifications have already been memorized, the routes for long runs have been laid out, we are waiting for spring, we are rolling in little by little.

Technical characteristics of the Yamaha Drag Star 400 (XVS 400) motorcycle

It’s worth starting with the weight and size characteristics. Thanks to the layout of a classic cruiser with a low center of mass, even a loaded version of the motorcycle weighing under 250 kilograms is quite acceptable for weak female hands in a static position. When it comes to maneuvering on the move, if there are any complaints to be made, they tend to apply to the entire cruiser class. Lifting the bike by yourself is easy thanks to its low center of mass.

Weight and dimensions characteristics of motorcycles Yamaha Drag Star 400 (XVS 400)

The weight of the “Draga” allows you to feel confident on the road – neither passing oncoming heavy vehicles nor side winds cause any particular discomfort. But, unfortunately, not everything is so perfect. The XVS 400 is equipped with an engine with a displacement of 400 cubic centimeters, and its capabilities are clearly not enough even for overtaking vehicles on certain high-speed sections of the highway. In the city, the dynamics will be at the level of most small cars; high-speed runs from traffic light to traffic light will have to be abandoned. However, the cruiser class itself does not provide for such operation of equipment. In other words, leisurely trips for your own pleasure - that’s what the Drag Star 400 is all about. If we talk about traffic jams, then two features need to be taken into account. The first is an air-cooled engine, so crawling along with everyone else is of course possible, but not recommended. The second is the width of the handlebars, which will not allow you to squeeze into every gap formed, which is perhaps for the best, especially for those who purchase the Drag Star as their first motorcycle.

* Quite achievable speed, but it will take a relatively long time to accelerate ** A spherical value in a vacuum, which is not worth looking at at all. The Japanese say that such consumption is achieved at a constant speed of 60 km/h with a passenger, there is no reason not to believe them, but you can and should doubt it.

Separately, you need to pay attention to the wheels. As is not difficult to notice, they are wired, which means there is a camera inside (hello, captain). This decision is due to the same desire to achieve similarity with old motorcycles, and not for additional depreciation. The advantage of this is that an unfortunate cut of asphalt will be transferred with less consequences, but the disadvantage is that repairing a punctured wheel will take a lot of time.

Controversial decisions in the design include the cardan shaft. On the one hand, it deprives the owner of all the delights of caring for the chain. On the other hand, it increases the mass and also has a lower efficiency when transmitting rotational motion to the wheel, which, with an engine with not the highest power, can be attributed to negative aspects.

There is a lot of controversy around the braking capabilities of the Yamaha Drag Star 400. The fact is that the “Drag” 400 has a larger mass than most competitors, and accordingly it is more difficult to stop this mass. In addition, rear wheel braking is carried out using a drum brake, which is usually not serviced in a timely manner. But do not forget that the XVS 400 has very mediocre acceleration dynamics, therefore, in order to start experiencing problems when braking, you must first accelerate the motorcycle. One thing is superimposed on the other and the bottom line is that the brakes installed on the XVS 400 are quite sufficient. In addition, no one bothers you to install “softer” pads.

Photo review of the model range of all VTXs

The suspensions were replaced with short-travel ones, which made it possible to improve the performance of the Honda VTX in terms of maneuverability, but driving over bumps on this unit is, to put it mildly, inconvenient. The Honda VTX did not receive a large-scale craze, but overall it managed to gain its market share and sold very well.

This motorcycle is still sold in the United States of America. This means that the level of popularity and sales suits the manufacturer, who is in no hurry to discontinue this model.

The panniers are leather, by the way, you have to remove them if there is a need for frequent trips around the city. And change the steering wheel to a narrower one too.

Only then can you drive between the rows in order to be the first to take off at a green traffic light and go far ahead of those who were standing behind or next to you. But the VTX was not intended for traveling around big cities. A large motorcycle does not look bulky.

Maybe because everything in it is proportional and organic. The seat height is 0.7 m, the ground clearance is 0.13 m, the wheelbase is 1.7 m. The load on the motorcycle can also be considerable. The total weight of the driver, passenger and luggage can reach almost kg. Motorcycle Engine The engine is the main feature of the VTX motorcycle. It is a two-cylinder V-twin, injection, liquid-cooled, six valves and electronic fuel injection, with a volume of 2 liters.

Produces horsepower. And in appearance it is quite large. It doesn't drive very confidently on dirt roads. If there is a rut, I advise you not to get into it and slow down the speed to a minimum, because at the slightest opportunity this little bike will ask to get into it and you will hardly be able to hold it if you are 58 kg, like me.

I sat down on VTX and, to be honest, I was blown away.

Extreme Cold Engine Start -21C, -4F

He seemed simply huge. The wide handlebars require a good amount of effort to lift the motorcycle off the stand and place it level. But it was too late to retreat, I bought a silver VTX F with a mileage of about km. General condition: 5.

A couple of nicks on the aluminum parts - something like varnish chips and slight corrosion. Technically, the motorcycle is at a very good level, water-cooled engine, injection, a combined brake system when you press the pedal: the rear and one-third the front, inverted front fork and front double-disc brake, cast aluminum wheels and tubeless tires. On the F, the digital speedometer and tachometer may not be as nice as the traditional ones, but they are quite practical.

Pleased with the absolutely maintenance-free rear wheel drive. In two seasons I drove it for about a kilometer, but I only understood its real purpose when I drove it from Saratov to Moscow.

Known problems and frequent breakdowns of the Yamaha Drag Star 400

Despite the fact that the motorcycle is inferior to other cruisers with 400cc engines in many respects, the XVS 400 can be nominated for the title of “Reliability Standard”. It does not have the problems typical for motorcycles of the XVS family. Due to the simplicity of the design, the motorcycle is difficult to “drive away” even with careless handling. Most breakdowns can be fixed simply by following the instructions and having a minimal set of tools.

The weak point can be considered the wiring, and even then, frequent problems occur due to age and operating conditions, or due to an attempt to turn a motorcycle into a Christmas tree with a sound system, the work of which will be heard in Australia.

The XVS 400 is also unpretentious in maintenance. The owner will spend more time polishing chrome parts than on manipulations related to the technical part. If we talk about consumables and their prices, then you can find absolutely everything and it doesn’t cost the most money. All this ensures “Drag”’s high popularity, which is why it is often recommended to buy it as the first motorcycle.

Optional equipment

On the Honda VTX 1800 cruiser, a backrest trunk and voluminous side cases are the most necessary attachments. And the passenger can sit comfortably on a long journey, and there is somewhere to place luggage.

And in order not to get bored, you need to install a music system. For example, the radio is installed on the steering wheel, the speaker system is installed in special podiums on the footrests and in the trunk on the sides of the rear seat back, and the amplifier is in the trunk.

Protection from headwinds is important for the driver, because at such speeds it is strong, and its gusts can throw small debris in the face. Therefore, a high windshield is installed, which also relieves the driver of the stress of resisting the dense air flow.

Pros and cons of Yamaha Drag Star 400

The advantages include:

• its price and maintenance costs;
• unpretentiousness and high reliability;
• “adult” appearance, despite the small cubic capacity;
• low seat height, which makes it possible for even very short people to comfortably operate the motorcycle.

The XVS 400 has few negative points, but they do exist:

• lack of at least some adequate dynamics in gaining speed;
• Weak brakes for a motorcycle of this mass.

Chassis and brakes

The tubular frame is made of durable steel. The exterior of the VTX 1800 is truly majestic. It doesn't have the fussy bombast of many other cruisers. No, this is a real classic of the genre, a lot of chrome elements, neat and sophisticated outlines. The steering wheel, of course, has standard dimensions and shape, and the wheel rims are cast.

The pendulum suspension at the rear is equipped with two shock absorbers. Its stroke is 100 mm. The front suspension is represented by a telescopic fork, the dimensions of which are 45 mm. Its stroke is 130 mm. The rear brake is represented by a 316 mm disc and a two-piston caliper. At the front there are two discs, 296 mm each, assisted by three-piston calipers.

Recommendations for purchase

Despite all the positive aspects and general “friendliness” for an inexperienced driver, the Draga 400 can only be recommended for purchase when choosing between it and other 400cc cruisers of the same age. With a 99% probability, you will want something more by the end of the first season, and insufficient dynamics and dimensions not only do not allow you to ride on par with more dynamic equipment, but also will not allow you to fully realize the advantages of riding a motorcycle in the city.

The simplicity and unpretentiousness of the design encourage us to recommend it for purchase. But a lot of alternatives prevent this from happening. A good alternative, in this case, would be the XVS 650, which has all the same advantages, but is more dynamic, which significantly expands the scope of its operation.