Yamaha V Star 250 Cruiser Reviews on Cycle Insider (3)
Avg. Rating

I used to ride motocross when I was a teen. 18ish or so years later I decided to buy a street bike. Everything I looked at in the 250 class seemed plain and, well... blah. I kept coming back to the V-Star (Virago) 250. The lines are nice, the V-Twin looks great and it just felt better while sitting on it. Every sales rep at the dealerships kept telling me to get a 650+. However, I have had 2 full hip replacements and the extra weight of the 650 class is just too much for my hips. I would like to state for the record that a large guy can fit comfortably on this bike. Nowhere was I able to find a review where a large guy such as me (6'2275lbs.) liked or disliked the bike. I am here to say that this bike will haul me around at 55-60 with ease and it's very comfortable for your typical work commute. Three hour hauls on the other hand, you do begin to feel it. I will agree that the bike does not have a lot of power when pulling hills, but you have to remember it is a 250, and it is a starter bike. It does exactly what it was engineered to do. I do have to give it kudos though. I have a hill in my area that has a 4-6% grade. As long as I hit it at 55, with the throttle open, it handles it just fine. No need to downshift. The hill is about 1/4 - 1/2 mile long. Even with my fat... um... self' I'm seeing slightly above 75 MPG. So if you're looking for a great starter bike that's easy to handle, gets great gas mileage, looks good and is still comfortable for a big guy, treat yourself to the V-Star 250.

I have had this bike for about six months now. I have been riding it 30 miles to work, on the weekends and even with my girlfriend on the back. It has plenty of power with just my 200lbs on it, with my girlfriend and I on it it is fine unless going up a good size hill, then you'll need to down shift. I have been getting well over 80 MPG. It is comfortable although after a half an hour or so my legs get a little cramped and I stick them out to stretch them. The bike handles great, no problems so far and looks amazing! I didn't like the mirrors at first but I have gotten used to them and don't mind them anymore. This bike shifts very smoothly. It seems to be geared very low as it tells you to shift into 5th by 25 mph, I tend to rev out the engine a little more, but hey do ride how you like to. I would recommend this bike to anyone.

I purchased my V-Star 250 in May 2008. As of 01/02/09 I have put over 8,400 miles on the bike. I am completely satisfied with my bike. It rides and handles very well. Gas mileage has averaged around 85 to 90 miles per gallon. The fit and finish is excellent. I would recommend this motorcycle for a beginner, or if you are like me and have not owned a bike for many years, it is a great way, and very inexpensive way to get back to motorcycling.