Motorcycles have been around since 1894, when the Hildebrand & Wolfmüller became the first vehicle to be called a motorrad (German for “motorcycle”). Since then, many names have come and gone, like the Indian Four, Crocker V-Twin, and Norton Commando. For all the bikes that have been lost to time, a few motorcycles are still alive and kicking even today. These motorcycles have been in production for decades and continue to remain relevant in 2025.
While there are some incredible old names in the game, like the Indian Chief, none surprises us more than the humble Yamaha V Star 250. Unlike other long-running cruisers, the 250 never had anything special about it, except its forgiving, beginner-friendly charm. And yet, it has managed to quietly survive into 2025, despite having drum brakes at the back, a carburetor, and a lack of interest in modern technology.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative sources, such as Yamaha Motorsports.
The Yamaha V Star Has Been The Go-To Beginner Cruiser Since 1988
Starting Price: $4,799
Look at it from a 2025 lens and the V Star 250 looks old-school and, for some bikers, even outdated. That’s fair, given that it is about as basic as a bike can get today. But do you know how old the V Star actually is? It began its life as the Virago 250 back in 1988, before transforming into the V Star 250 we know today. Despite the name change, the bike has remained essentially unchanged since then.
Over the years, the V Star 250 has garnered a cult following in the US, earning a reputation as one of the best and most reliable motorcycles for beginners to start with. Thanks to its modest power output, straightforward mechanics, and low seat height, it is an ideal stepping stone for absolute beginners getting on two wheels for the first time. Given its absolutely bulletproof engine, the bike can run a long time if you take care of it, though it will probably run just as long even if you don’t.
Unlike other long-running cruisers, like the Indian Chief or the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, the V Star never got the spotlight. It was never meant to be a fancy or powerful cruiser. Instead, it focused on quietly getting new bikers into the fold. To us, that alone makes the V Star a proper legend in our books. So many motorcyclists today owe it to the V Star for helping them learn the ropes of motorcycles.
Other Legendary Cruisers That Have Survived Into 2025
- Indian Chief lineup
- Harley-Davidson Street Bob
- Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
- Kawasaki Vulcan S and 900 lineup
- Royal Enfield Meteor (to some extent)
- Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic
- Indian Scout
Hands Down One Of The Best Beginner Motorcycles You Can Buy Today
Seat Height: 27 in.
List out the things that make a bike great for beginners, and the V Star 250 is sure to tick all the boxes. For starters, Yamaha assures the low-stepped saddle is plush and comfortable for beginners. Meanwhile, the open riding position with forward-set pegs and low curb weight should make the bike easier to manage in the city. The V Star also features a low seat height of 27 inches, which places most riders in a commanding position. Thanks to the low saddle, most riders should be able to flat-foot easily on the bike.
Another way the V Star is a terrific beginner motorcycle is by its simple mechanics, which help bikers in three ways. One, the simple mechanics mean there’s little to go wrong. Even with minimal regular maintenance, the motorcycle can last for years without significant problems. Second, it can handle beginner-level abuse (like stalls and tip-overs) easily. Third, it offers a great learning experience in bike maintenance, which helps you become a better owner overall.
Dimensions Specs
Length |
86.2 in. |
---|---|
Width |
28 in. |
Height |
41.7 in. |
Wheelbase |
58.7 in. |
Ground Clearance |
5.7 in. |
Fuel Capacity |
2.5 gal |
Curb Weight |
324 LBS |
Legit V-Twin Cruiser That Overdelivers In Power And Fuel Economy
Power Output: 21 HP @ 8,000 RPM
The most surprising thing about the V Star 250 is its V-twin engine. It’s an air-cooled 60-degree unit, which is a bit wider than the usual 45-degree V favored by old-school Harleys and Indians, but it’s not so wide that it changes the V-twin vibe entirely. Which other beginner motorcycle offers such a pure V-twin experience? As a result, you don’t have to compromise on character and settle for a vibey thumper if you’re a new motorcyclist.
The character is accompanied by a peppy performance. While 21 horsepower may not be much to write home about, the engine’s long stroke should offer plenty of bottom-end torque and smooth roll-on power. That should translate to eager off-the-line performance, at least for a 250-class engine. Yamaha claims a top speed of 85 miles per hour, and according to some owners, the engine is good for 60 miles per hour cruising on the highway, above which the vibes tend to creep in.
The engine is fueled by a simple 26 mm Mikuni carburetor, a basic unit that has been tried and tested for decades. It’s reliable, and, more importantly, gives the bike excellent fuel economy of 78 miles per gallon, according to the company. That should translate to an ideal range of over 200 miles between fill-ups. Lastly, the engine features an automatic cam chain tensioner, which virtually eliminates maintenance and extends engine life.
Performance Specs
Engine Type |
60-degree V-twin, air-cooled, SOHC, 2 valves |
---|---|
Displacement |
249cc |
Compression Ratio |
10:1 |
Torque Output |
15.2 LB-FT @ 6,000 RPM |
Transmission |
5-speed, multi-plate wet clutch |
Fuel Economy |
78 MPG |
Top Speed |
85 MPH |
Simple Underpinnings Promising A Smooth Ride For Beginners
Chassis Type: Double-Cradle Frame, Steel Tubes
Like everything else on the motorcycle, even the V Star’s chassis is pretty basic and straightforward: a dual-cradle frame with round steel tubing, which holds the engine rather than using it as a stressed member. It’s paired with a full-yoke swingarm that carries a rectangular cross-section for extra strength at the back. Given the bike’s wheelbase of 58.7 inches and a 32-degree rake, Yamaha claims that the chassis geometry is low and long, providing the bike with great handling and maneuverability across a variety of riding conditions.
The frame is supported by a basic telescopic fork and dual shocks, which provide enough travel to absorb most urban undulations. Yamaha also states that the suspension is tuned for a smooth ride, and the rear shocks’ preload adjustability allows you to adjust the springs according to your weight. A combination of the front disc and rear drum, along with wire-spoked wheels and tubed tires, may feel like a miss in 2025. However, owners claim that these work just fine in the real world.
Chassis And Suspension Specs
Front Suspension |
33mm telescopic fork, 5.5 in. travel |
---|---|
Rear Suspension |
Dual shocks, preload adjustable, 3.9 in. travel |
Rake |
32 degrees |
Trail |
4.7 in. |
Wheels |
Laced wire |
Front Brake |
282mm hydraulic disc |
Rear Bake |
130mm drum |
Stylish, Old-School American Cruiser Vibe That Looks The Part
Let’s be honest, the V Star isn’t going to win any awards when it comes to its cruiser design. We’ve got tons of Harleys and Indians, for that matter. Still, Yamaha has managed to do justice to old-school cruisers with its design. The V Star, as a result, looks like a toned-down version of older American cruisers, like the H-D Dyna, thanks to its low-slung saddle, teardrop tank, and V-twin engine. There’s also plenty of chrome, dual exhaust, wire-spoked wheels, and more. Yamaha offers the V Star in Raven black color with red accents, which can serve as a blank canvas for many owners, too.
Design Highlights
- Dual exhausts offer classic looks with a V-twin rumble
- Plenty of chrome adds character to the bike’s design
- Wide rear fender and dragster-style bars give the bike a custom look
- Peanut tank harks back to classic V-twin cruisers from America