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AMAZING

Well for someone who has never owned or really drove a bike i wanted to start off cheap and easy. Wow. I have put 252 miles on this bike in about 2 weeks. It is so fun to drive and easy also. I started out just trying it in the neighborhood before i went into traffic, it is so easy to drive the ...slightest lean and you can hug even the most intimidating curve and if you never have done that it feels great. I got it because i have a 05 Tacoma 4x4 crew cab, i drive roughly 25 miles to work one way. Well it was taking me $15.00 a day thats roughly 350 a month just to get to work. I hit 143 miles with this bike and it begin to sputter, switched to reserve to go to the gas station and when i got there i filled up with 89 mid grade and it took a whoopping 7.00 bucks to fill it up...thats 143 miles on 2 gallons it gets as advertised 78 MPG, i probably will do even better when i get better at shifting at the perfect shift points and taking off smoother. As far as looks the bike is very eye appealing, i think its a beautiful bike and honestly reminds me of older bikes you see from the 80's, classic styling is what a lot of my friends say. Plenty of chrome to make it look good but not so much you feel you gotta wash it every single day. If your looking a bike and your a beginner i would highly recommend this. This bike has been around for roughly 30 years, plenty of time for Yamaha to get any kinks out and i feel that they did, it just rides so good for a beginner bike. 2 last things. I live in a sub-division and leave for work at roughly 6am, no one wants to hear a loud screaming bike at 6am, it is really really quite but once you get on the road it has a nice low rumble to it that i really like and i think that is something you might not consider at first but if you have a homeowners asscoation then i think it will atleast cross your mind. 2nd, i weigh 209lbs and roughly 5'10'' i live next to I-40 and decided to see if it could propel me at the needed speeds for the interstate which is 65 so everyone runs 75. No problem. The only downfall i have with this bike is it is a bit rough when going that fast and you hit the slightest bump but you should expect that, just like cars the bigger the car the smoother the ride and i honestly expected it. I suggest this bike to anyone who like me does a lot of city driving and needs that MPG. 55mph-60mph it is awesome unless your on a real rough road then you will feel it but for me i can make that compromise cause lets face it, it's a small cruiser great for beginners and when i think of crusing at this point in my very young riding career i am looking forward to the long winding back road through the country not 75 on the interstate. Hope this helps, if your looking for a small beginner bike, get this one i don't see how you could be disappointed. I LOVE IT! Read Full Review

Best Starter Bike Period

This is a tried and true model made for many years because it is such a great bike. Mine is a 2005 and I have driven 7600 miles on it. Back then they were called a Virago 250. It rarely goes out on the highway but that is not what I bought it for. I use mine as a daily commuter and I can laugh at th...e people pulling into gas stations on the way to work. At only 360 pounds it is easy to manage and is the ideal first bike for a new rider. No other 250cc bike even comes close when you consider the swept back handlebars, Yamaha build quality, V-Twin engine, and premium looks. Don't plan on taking many passengers over 100 pounds or cruising at over 70mph on the 250 but I smile every time I walk up to it in the morning. If you are a beginner or you are shopping for a bike for your wife, your search is over. Read the comparisons. Maybe, like me, you just want a fun way to deal with the high gas prices. My insurance is $75 for the whole year! Ride one (if you can find one!) and test it for yourself against the competition. You will probably be put on a waiting list but it is worth it. The Best Starter Bike, Period! Read Full Review

not happy

I would like to let buyers beware, the oil change is not cheap or simple . this particular motorcycle requires valve adjustments with every oil change which is very costly 279.00$ up to 300.00$ depending on your dealer. If I knew this before hand I would not have purchased a V star. Read Full Review

Great Bike

I bought the V-Star 250 in Dec. 12. I have only run it 500 miles,but the performance and economy is great. I soon could tell the RPM's were a little high at around 60 mph, so I solved that with a combo sprocket change. It really runs with the flow of traffic much easier and better fuel mileage. Its ...a very simple bike and acessories make ir more comfortabe and practical. Lori states that she has to have the valves set every time she has the oil changed. If the dealer is telling you this I would be contacting the Attorney General and Better Business Bureau. Other than an occasional check on the valves they are mostly maintence free.The 250 only holds a little over a quart and half of oil and I just bought the Yamaha filter for $4.50. Read Full Review