2001 Yamaha XVS650 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 38%of 8 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Yamaha XVS650, 38% of the 8 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2001 Yamaha v-star 650 classic motorcycle. Over time I began to hear a major howl coming from the engine area. Yamaha claimed they had no info. On any howl problem!! Later, on the Yamaha v-star forum, I learned that there was a batch of 5th gears for the transmission, that were not heat treated correctly. As the gears got older... The howl began. Many folks were forced to have the repairs done at their own expense because they didn't know about the mfg. Defect!!! After the defect was uncovered... Yamaha still would only pay for the parts !! Parts are worth maybe $100... …”
NHTSA complaint #10039156, filed 2003-09, 30,000 miles“Fifth gear had to be replaced on my 2001 Yamaha v star 650 classic motorcycle at 7000 miles. While cruising in fifth gear you would hear a loud chattering sound coming from beneath the bike. The dealer who did the repair stated that the gear and the drive gear were deformed as if something had ran through them. There was never an accident but the dealer warned me that it could lock up. Cost of repair 545.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10037124, filed 2003-09Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Yamaha XVS650
← All problems reported for the 2001 Yamaha XVS650
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology