Yamaha Virago XV250
Verified28 reviews
Keep it in your garage, only ride it twice a year – Owned a 2005 for a little over a year. pretty bikes, Easy to work on but build quality is horrible. Aluminium is extremely soft, making tight bolts a nightmare as even hand tools can thread screws and the heads off nuts with minimal effort. Parts have a massive tendency to have complete failure, leaving you stranded. At 30,000 KMs I'm preparing… Read more
mine for the last legs of it's life. Not even getting into the fact it's already on it's second motor, having sent the top of the rear exhaust valve straight through the piston, an issue I've heard a number of people have experienced. Carburettor on this bike is also a nightmare, already unusual enough it's mounted sideways, it can be very fiddly to adjust air fuel ratio and worsened by no guide in any of Yamaha's records on the setting and the carby slide, (CV carb btw) has a tendency to stick, meaning it must be replaced often and on the rare occasion you'll open the throttle wide open to receive absolutely zero power in response, albeit uncommon. Since I've bought the bike it's had an issue with stalling in cold weather as the carburettor simply doesn't seem able to condense the fuel at idle, sometimes even with choke applied. Air passage to the carby runs through the frame of the bike itself, being hollowed out under the fuel tank just for it, but can get water pooling at the bottom of the air box, very concerning as not only is it blowing water into the engine but if it rusts you're completely unable to check for it, let alone mitigate it.
Cons are a long list, but as I've said, as much as parts fail they're largely extremely easy to repair, the naked design leaves lots of room to see and work on things, but you might find your fingers too large to fit in places, especially if you have big hands. They're a ridiculously comfortable bike, at 6'1 I can comfortably ride for hours without much soreness, although I do occasionally wish for highway pegs as you can get a little stiff. These things pretty much run on fumes. They cost nothing to fill and runs better on cheap fuel than premium. Even though they are prone to parts failing, they are typically very easy to get started after a breakdown.
Would recommend as a nice comfortable bike for a new rider or someone who purely dabbles in riding, as even with minimal experience you can work on most of the maintenance yourself. for people who want to ride often or do lots of big trips, particularly daily riders, you're going to be spending a lot of time with this bike on the jackstand and you're gonna need a backup lift ready for the day the bike inevitably decides not to run.
This bike is more of an oversized model bike, than an actual bike IMO and has turned me off the idea of buying another Yammy in the future.
Very reliable, decent transportation on two wheels – I took lessons on a Virago 250 back in 1992. Over the years I've rode many different motorcycles, but recently had a chance to try riding a V-Star 250 while I was shopping for a new motorbike. I was pleasantly surprised, and ended up buying a new XV250. Is the XV250 an exciting, cutting edge sportbike? Nope. The V-star is a basic small… Read more
V-twin. No fancy bells or whistles, it plods along and just gets the job done. It won't excite a lot of experienced riders, but I find it a very pleasant, simple and easy to ride bike, and I always finish a ride with a smile on my face. If you can deal with its limits, the V-Star can be a great ride.
The Legend lives on – I was looking for something to follow the kids on when they are learning to ride on a 50cc Scooter in WA. As they have to be supervised at all times whilst on L plates. As I am disabled veteran and due to injuries and age, can no longer ride sport bikes in comfort and have a fixed income so I was limited with choice. I found this bog stock gem… Read more
when a gentleman retired from riding. It looks identical to the black one top of the page. 2006 XV250v with just over 4000km on clock and in pristine condition. I rode the bike 250km, back home after purchasing and noted the following:
1. Around town it was nimble, handled well and perfect for learner rider, or fun for seasoned rider. It isn't going to beat a sports bike off the lights, but it will get you in front of traffic if need be. If you are a regular rider you probably wont bother with first as it is geared very low for the learner. Once your in fifth as long as you don't have to stop or drop below fifty kph, it pulls comfortably from 60kph so it is like riding an automatic above that speed.
2. At freeway speeds 110kph with pillion it revs high and I will be changing sprocket ratios as suggested by other owners when they need replacing. The wind at 110kph buffets you a bit and a screen would be a big help for long rides,
3. There is only a couple of other things I may change, as I am over 6" the back may need to be raised as I can place both feet 2 feet either side of bike whilst stopped. Screen to stop being buffeted by wind as much and sissy bar with back rest for comfort of pillion and highway pegs. Maybe panniers couple of external speakers and phone holder for gps if I was doing any really long rides.
4. I have owned several other bikes including XJ 900 cafe racer, and ridden a variety of others including Harley's and the latest Indian which I might add you can throw around like a 250 once your moving.
5. This little gem sips fuel, I get between 220 to 250km to a tank including pillion. AS long as you reset trip meter every time you top up, you should never run out of fuel. The lack of gauges isn't a problem although a clock and tacho would have been nice. You will find your self needing a cheap bike lift (under $100) if you do maintenance yourself, as they never put center stand on the 250 range.
6. I will also be changing oil and filter and clean and air filter every 5000 km, not 10000 as book recommends, as it is air cooled and that v twin works hard. It is cheap insurance to extend life of bike.
7. I can see myself getting a Virago xv1100 with sensible km as soon as fund allow as I prefer shaft drive (no chains to lube), however I would still keep this one for the kids to progress too once they get off there L plates, as it is just too much fun.
So for anyone looking at one of these as a first bike or just one to add to collection, just do it.
Regards,
Engineering at its finest – So easy to customise, with heaps of parts available. A smooth ride with good old fashioned Yamaha reliability. My 2007 is still going strong 11 years later, it still looks like new which goes to show the quality of the parts. I guess the only thing I would change is the manual choke. Show details
Excellent, best bike to date – I love my Yamaha Virago XV250. I have never had any issues with it and have found it is easily customisable to give it that individual feeling. Very fuel efficient, as is most motorcycles, and handles beautifully. It sits nicely at 100kph on the Interstate yet transitions nicely through city traffic. Show details
Absolutely Love my Bike – After having not been behind the handle bars for 7 years since my sons death, I decided that riding was in my blood however I needed to be sensible about it, as I have problems with my legs I could no longer entertain the sports bikes I loved and had to look at the idea of a cruiser which I never imagined I would do, however I absolutely love this bike and am currently using it to gain my confidence before I move onto perhaps a 750 or 1100 Show details
Good ride but not what i expected – Well i guess it was a great buy i mean i love it but i had my hopes a little high but it still don't change the fact that the bike is good i mean i could not ask for a smoother ride or better suspension just not what i expected is all but over all great bike. Show details
some answers on the 250 Virago – My 250 Virago is the 2000 model. Bought recently because at my age, I cant manhandle anything heavier. I am very pleased with it. I accelerate on the open road with a wide throttle, letting the revs build. The acceleration is very good. I usually leave traffic behind. Top speed is over eighty MPH (128 KPH) The bottom gear is very low, ok for… Read more
slow trickling in traffic. The 5th gear is just right for maximum speed, with engine at peak power at 8500 rpm. It will cruises easily at 75 MPH.
A rear sprocket change, from 45 to 36 teeth, will give more useful first gear, The maximum speed will be in 4th gear, leaving the 5th gear as a sort of overdrive. Not as fast as 4th, but for mid speed cruising, the revs are lower and give a relaxed ride with, perhaps more MPG? I do find my feet get blown off the forward pegs at full speed.
I would like to move the pegs back,and fit lower handlebars. The windscreen makes the ride pleasant and less cold in the winter. I have fitted a cheap clock on the handlebars, and will add a tacho which costs only £6 and is fitted in minutes.
Mick
Most fun ever had sat upright – Another mid -life buy, bought the Bike brand new as an L-plater and it is soooo good, I cant put it into words, 5 days commute to work costs $11. $55 for train, $66 by car. Cant beat it. Shame about Sydney traffic, Had to buy a helmet cam though to improve my safety. Show details
No need for anything else – Great commuter. Cheap on gas and for insurance. I can't justify getting something bigger. I've added a tach.windshield, Clock and storage compartment. Great commuter. I am 210 lbs and this bike can take me 140 km/hr. much more than needed. I feel it has good power and accelerates faster than most sedan cars on the road. I often take it on the… Read more
freeway and rides comfortable at regular highway speed. 110km/ hr. I average 180 km on 6 litres of gas. But I never use it on long trips. I don't know how that would be. The seat is not that comfy for long trips. For a beginner this is great. Lite and easy to handle, push and back up. The only thing that would make the bike better is gas gauge. Abs, and gear indicator.
Yamaha xv250 1993 – Good bike recently purchased a old one and find top things I was thinking about before, and having some experience riding by this, found the bike would comfortably sit on 90kmh with no exceptions other then conditions, I'm a taller bigger type of bloke, and find it not too cramped for me I have changed the bars keeping the original for resale and… Read more
stopping that uncomfortable bend of the wrists with some bobber style flat bars,.....need some risers to clear the tank!
Bike is great I've allways fueled up before hitting 200km out of habit I'm usually filling up at 150km for around$6
tyres are cheap to replace,rego cheaper then most
bikes, if you want a Yamaha xv250 go get one they are pretty good mine is very old now and has 60k km on the clock there's signs of wear but it still powers off like a truck, hahaha! First real dissatisfaction was finding the rear header was fake! And really would consider taking it off the bike! Out of morals to the purchaser or just making it the real thing I have seen the same engine apparently that Yamaha make on a stock cafe" racer the rear header goes front then back to compensate for that, distance,
problems in caused buy fake back header cheaper style exhaust will need replacing after as long as this! But that's pretty good I suppose when you consider the new price of one of these bikes now called vstar250 is cheaper then the other alternative 650cc! costing more for rego fuel and tyres, but more expensive then it's other brand 250cc cruisers but better looking then them other then the newer brand 350cc cruisers that are full size but don't have the V twin engine almost perfect in looks but hear not in reliability.
looks like Yamaha have my best badge in the 250cc cruiser style market,mine can max speed 131kmh down quarter mile so to speak hahaha! Low seat height and big guy makes up in my opinion for its lightness at higher speed and not so blown around as my HondaCB125E or even my Yamaha fzx250 but they are two totally other motorcycles I feel it's max speed is in tune with the bikes all over handling and any faster would be scary for the bike to handle if a truck went past, bottom line it doesn't mater what you ride as long as you ride safe and your comfortable as been said before all the big players in the motorcycle industry are worthy of there name and have there own attributes if buying new!
Did 58,000km on it – I had my Virago 250 from 1991 to 1997 (selection only goes to 1995) and did 58,000km on it. I am 6ft tall, and so I modified the suspension to make it a bit taller. I put a smaller rear sprocket to make it more highway cruise friendly. I used it as a daily commuter for the first 4 years, as well as touring, and then after that touring only. I did… Read more
find I needed to go for a bigger bike for the long tours, and my parters that pillioned with me found that after an hour the rear seat pad was a bit small. Still two adults doing 400km in one day, it had no problems. In the whole time I owned it, I only replaced battery, voltage regulator, chain, sprockets and tyres.
Excellent ride – Started riding at age 45 after my mother had passed away. Always wanted to learn to ride.Glad i did. Been of small stature for a man this bike was perfect to learn on. I was going to upgrade to something a tad bigger but have no need to. This bike is just great in all weather, handles like a dream and easy to zip in and out of traffic. Me personally i feel it does not need a 6th gear. I get a lot of fun out of riding this bike.
Find out how Yamaha Virago XV250 compares to other Learner Approved Bikes
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Best learner motorcycle – Mid life decision to learn to ride. Tried everything from a 250cc scooter to 250cc sportsbike before deciding a cruiser style was the bike for me. Of all the 250cc cruisers the Yamaha v star was by far the best built. Bought a 2007 with just under 4000km and it was like new. Found very easy to get to grips with, only required to adjust bars… Read more
foreward to give good comfortable position. Mirrors give great view and all controls operate well.Was even able to upload maintenance manual directly from Yamaha web site and pleased to see what little maintenance is generally required.
Have done 2000km since and have quickly built confidence. Yes a 6th gear would be nice and after 85km/hr wind makes riding less pleasant but have come across many larger cruisers sitting at lower speed on the open highway. Well built. Looks. easy to ride centre stand would be good
Best small cruiser – As a smaller lady, I found this bike to be an extremely comfortable ride. It's not a heavy bike for a small person to hold up. It's a reliable and durable bike. Its easy to work on and cost effective. I love the look and feel. It delivers a smooth ride. Very happy I talked my hubby into letting me have one. So is he now... he even rides it… Read more
in the Winter because it handles better than his Harley in the wet! Perfect learner bike too. Size, efficiency, comfort. It's lightweight... great for a smaller person or learner. A sixth gear would be handy. Pillion seat hard to install, so I haven't bothered.
Excellent first bike + Commuter – This was my first motorcycle and I've so glad I chose this bike. It's extremely cheap to run and maintain. Every year I spend $1500 on the bike, which includes rego, insurance, fuel, services, EVERYTHING. This is considerably cheaper than what I spent on my car... hence why I've sold my car and now use this as my primary vehicle. It can also… Read more · 2
accelerate quite well for a small thing. I was once complemented by another rider with a much bigger bike asking "is that a virago? Boy she can go!" Also I'm relatively tall, 6 foot, and I'm quite comfortable with this bike.
There are some negatives, there is no tacho, and no fuel gauge. I have to rely on the travel meter, and when it hits 220km I know I either have to switch it to reserve or fill up. I don't mind so much these two negatives, but the one that makes me want to upgrade is the lack of a 6th gear. The odd times I need to take it at speeds +110km/hr it just screams and I'm not sure how good it is for the bike, so I try to avoid it.
Other general advise if you buy this bike: if you buy saddle bags, get the saddlebag brackets for your virago beforehand. I wanted to be cheap and didn't buy some and I regret it now as the saddlebags have scratched the paint above the rear wheel, and I had to keep repairing the base of the saddle bags as they kept on rubbing against the chain guard. Lastly, don't keep the fuel switch on reserve, it will clog up your carb like it did mine and start stalling at low speeds. Reliable, $10 a tank, easy to self service, can accelerate quite well if you push it, looks good needs a 6th gear, no tacho, no fuel gauge
Bullet proof safe fun commuter – I moved to secret harbour from Perth and thus had a 63 km commute to work in the city. I wanted a viable alternative to the train. I figured with the fuel economy of the virago It would pay for itself quickly. I save $10 per day on the bike. I have put 40000 ks on it in 15 months with zero problems. No petrol gauge is no problem as is no… Read more
tachometer. No 6th gear is no problem either. Anybody who knows anything about these great little bikes knows that you need to change the sprockets to give it higher gearing. There is plenty of info on the web. In fact just changing the front sprocket from stock 16 tooth to 17 tooth makes a world of difference. I sit very comfortably on 110 and 120 and have been to 130 on the flat with no wind. I have only taken it in to a shop for tyres. Otherwise in spend 15 minutes per week cleaning and servicing. It always starts first go. I keep it in a garage at home and never even have to the choke even on the coldest days. I find that I ride on the rear pegs on the freeway as it is more comfortable for my back. I could not be happier with the performance and durability of this bike given its size. It's handling is legendary. I have even ridden home on a flat rear tyre with no problem. Admittedly it is a light bike and I only weight 73kgs but still. I didnt do this initially from choice and only realised while on the freeway halfway home. I had to be very careful on corners. I can recommend putting a windscreen on it as this helps in a strong crosswind because the bike the automatically leans into gusts. This may sound strange but it is absolutely true.
I love my Virago! – When I got my Learners I decided i'd rather not go the ninja route and go for something a bit more laid back. Found my virago online nice and cheap as a repairable write off and Dad and I fixed it up for the road. (he now has one too) First thing I noticed is how easy and inexpensive it is to get spare parts (a huge relief) I find it a breeze… Read more · 2
to ride, and love every minute of it! It corners nicely, sits on 100 pretty good, and can go far enough on a tank for it to be not too much of a problem, although it could do with a slightly larger tank in my opinion.
It has a bloody nice exhaust note for a 250 too! Cheap to run, Reliable, Don't have to worry about others trying to drag race from lights... Hard to find neutral on occasion, that's about it!
It's the greatest – I love the thing. It starts, runs, and sounds great. I am a learner still (another mid-lifer). I regularly try to find 6th gear (no luck yet). I commute 5 days a week, $10 fuel, cheaper than the bus, and more fun. Handling is great, inspires confidence. Always looking for an excuse to ride it through the hills. Motor, handling, sound, fun, cheap No 6th gear, neutral fiddly Show reply
OK – I was in the market for a 250 - I'm old & wise enough not to feel the need to Impress anyone with my Zoom Zoom abilities, and have a more Sedate riding style. The Virago made the shortlist so needed to take it for a ride. First thoughts were, first gear is too low and needs higher revs to move than other bikes. Once you get into the gear's… Read more
power range it is fine though. So no jackrabbit starts from this bike. Which is great for learners getting the hang of the throttle.
As you start getting up in speed (80kph +) you feel there should be a 6th gear. Of course, with a 6th gear, all the gear ratios could be altered slightly to give 1st gear a more immediate power range.
80kph+ the footpegs started to vibrate on the bike I was riding (the bike only had 600 clicks on it). This was very noticeable to me and I thought, 20 minutes of this and my feet will be numb. The bike you test ride might be different.
I am 6'2" and even with my butt pushed back as far as I could go I felt a touch cramped. This resulted in gradual slouching. And because you cannot Absorb any bumps through your legs, the lower back takes it all. I started to get a slight back twinge down low after only ten minutes. Of course, other taller people might have different results depending on the length of their body compared to their legs. But my experience here was negative.
And while the rest of the ride was comfortable, the footpegs and back issue kept me away from final purchase. As after a while those things would distract from riding. Yet riding safely is all about not being distracted.
It was windy on the highway I rode and the bike performed admirably. It wasn't blown all over the road despite its light weight. And giving squirts of throttle to go from 80 to 90 and 90 to 100 when needed, saw the bike respond well.
A good bike for learners, shorter people (shorter than 6'2"), people who want to ride calmly and have no desire to show "manliness" by riding a Big bike, and for commuting.
As three quarters of my commute is highway with the other being somewhat bumpy roads, the vibrating footpegs and back issue turned me off the bike and I bought a Honda CBF 250 instead. But I did like the Virago. And if you find your Purposes are different than mine, then by all means this bike would do you well. The sound of the v-twim, balance around bends, lower weight distribution ideal for learners to gain confidence, low seat height good for shorter people, the mirrors are convex so give you a wide range of vision. No tacho, no fuel gauge, tank not large, rider-feedback lights (highbeam, neutral, indicator) too low down, cramped for tall people, vibrating footpegs, first gear is geared slightly too low.
Excellent – I have recently purchased a '96 250 Virago as a first bike and am a very satisfied customer. Took it for a three day journey up the South Island to the North Island of New Zealand and it didn't skip a beat. Gets around 250-300 so you just have to watch the trip/odometer. It a comfortable ride although ideally suited to people 6" and under as it… Read more
sits quite low. I am stoked to own a bike that not only looks and sounds great, but also rides like a dream Looks, Sounds, Running, Construction, Riding... all top notch! Leg room for tall people, uncomfortable pillion seat, neutral occasionally difficult to find, an extra gear would be great as well as adjustment on 1st gear which is very touchy
Good – Great for city cruising, it does the job for what it was made, which in my opinion is light cruising, Great motorcycle, I would pay more for it if tach and gages were optional. Great looks, cheap on gas and sounds like music, very classy and almost no maintenance (my virago is 2007), I compared to Honda Rebel and fuffh was a lot better No gas… Read more
meter and no tach, also, a 6th gear is needed if going on trips for more than 20 mins away (at 55 miles you feel the need of the 6th gear, and the power is there)
Find out how Yamaha Virago XV250 compares to other Learner Approved Bikes
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Excellent – A great bike to learn on. The ride is very smooth for about the first 5000km then it gets a bit clunky. A very capable bike but not for the highway runs. It was the first bike I learnt to ride on and it is still great to ride 3 years later. The price tag reflects the no frills bike it is. Good up to 90km/hr then it is abit slow. Very easy to… Read more
service yourself. The pillion passenger seat. Who in their right mind would take a passenger on this motorbike? The look of the air filters are a bit tacky.
Excellent – After having replaced the risers by straight ones, le handlebar fitted a lot better to my arm's length. I took off the chromed "eggs" and replaced the airfilter by an almost invisible custom filter, the look of the bike became perfect. I love to ride the Virago 250 and I use it daily to go to work. Big tours are made almost every weekend. I am a… Read more · 1
biker since over 28 years and have ridden big and heavy motorbikes, but since I tried out the Virago 250 I found the motorcycle that fits 100 percent to me. It is fun to ride it, reliable and easy to maintain. I will keep this motorcycle and never sell it. Great looking and easy to ride bike. Great sound and perfect handling. Yamaha should offer a bigger tank for longer travels and longer exhaust pipes (rear wheel gets dirty from exhaust smoke) would be also practical, spareparts cost a lot too much for this little bike, suspension is too weak, a sixth gear would be good, too. Customizing is a real problem, because there is almost nothing to find on the market, that fits on this bike.
Good – I love it for learning It\'s a great little bike to learn on everything is where you want it. no bad things
Excellent – It was a good investment for me i saved alot of money last summer when gas prices were high. I recomend a virago or a route 66 to any learner or the expireced that just want to ride. I just got a 89 route 66 last year and i like how quick it is off the line its faster accelerating as my friends 03 honda shadow 400. I think it needs a 6th gear and there isnt many aftermarket parts for it.
Good – A fantastic learner bike, I used to go out with my CBR mates, they'd zoom off but I'd catch them up 50km's down the track when they had to alight due to sore buttocks. Although mine had the tendency to cut out, I loved it and miss it heaps now that I am not riding at all. Classic yet contemporary design, comfortable seat. Looking cool while… Read more
riding (at least I thought I did). A tad underpower, but then my fellow L riders were on CBR 250's. Mine tended to cut out at the worse possible times (at traffic lights!).
Good – The Virago is a favourite of novice riders. With sensible power, low seat height, and looks that appeal to the Harley Davidson wannabes. The desirability of these bikes has meant that they appear to hold their value well. A favourite with men and women alike, they especially appeal to people with shorter legs. Although I wouldn't want to travel… Read more
too far on one, they are zippy around town and frugal on fuel. A great introduction to motorcycling, or as a cheap weekday commuter. Classic styling
Reliable
Low seat height A little under powered
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