I recently traded in my goldwing for a pair of '99 V-stars, a 650 classic for my wife and an 1100 custom for myself. The 650 runs like a charm, and is as quick as the 1100 under normal driving circumstances. I have named the bikes beauty and the beast, the custom is definately a boulevard bruiser, a 2 cylinder v-max. At 6000 miles I took off the air filter for a look and there was about 6 ounces of oil in the filter and case, so it's back at the dealer, who was not alarmed at this revelation. I'm wondering if this is a known problem or quirk with the 1100, I'm going to check the filter on the 650 also. I have also noticed some valvetrain noise on my machine, also the dealer says this is normal (ya I know it's not a goldwing). I'm holding judgement on the custom for now, until I get it back from the dealer, but I recommend the 650 for anyone, even with 2 adults this bike pulls away from a stop with ease, and can cruise at 65 mph all day. I've had the 1100 up to 110 and it handles it with aplomb. My wife says "The 650 ROCKS!"
Update: After a year we've sold the v-stars, the 650 was always comfy, but my wife decided she wanted a ninja. After trying one, she says the vstar handles like a cow, which is normal considering the geometry of a cruiser.
I'm not sure if my 1100 was lowered or not, it seems to have been the correct height, but it felt like a hard tail harley, with spine jarring bottom outs, the 650 never did this. I was happy to trade it in for a sport bike.

Recommended: Yes