If you want a genuine retro cruiser, the 2025 Yamaha V Star 250 is it. It’s powered by an air-cooled V-twin fed by a 26mm Mikuni carburetor with a petcock—features from another era. The rear brake is a drum, no ABS here, and it uses a chain for final drive. Essentially unchanged from the 1988 Virago 250, this motorcycle is as authentically retro as possible.
Despite its age, the V Star 250 is perfect for new riders. It’s light at 324 pounds when full of gas, with a low 27-inch seat height. Its torquey engine makes it agile, ideal for city traffic and short freeway stints. The suspension is basic but effective, and handling exceeds expectations, even with budget Cheng Shin tires managing the bike’s nearly 20 horsepower.
The compact yet comfortable ergonomics suit various rider sizes. Priced under $5k—just $100 more than last year—the 2025 Yamaha V Star 250 delivers 78 mpg, making it a stylish, enjoyable, and practical entry-level motorcycle.
Read our review of the Yamaha V Star 250.
2025 Yamaha V Star 250 Specifications
ENGINE
- Type: 60-degree V-twin
- Displacement: 249cc
- Bore x stroke: 49 x 66mm
- Compression ratio: 10.0:1
- Valvetrain: SOHC; 2 vpc
- Fueling: Mikuni 26mm carburetor
- Cooling: Air
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Clutch: Wet multiplate
- Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 33mm fork; 5.5 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Spring-preload adjustable shocks; 3.9 inches
- Front tire: 3.00 x 18; Cheng Shin C-916
- Rear tire: 130/90 x 15; Cheng Shin C-915
- Front brake: 282mm disc w/ hydraulic caliper
- Rear brake: 130mm drum
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 58.7 inches
- Rake: 32.0 degrees
- Trail: 4.7 inches
- Seat height: 27.0 inches
- Fuel capacity: 2.5 gallons (California: 2.4 gallons)
- Estimated fuel economy: 78 mpg
- Wet weight: 324 pounds (California: 326 pounds)
- Color: Raven
2025 Yamaha V Star 250 Price: $4799 MSRP
