Yamaha V-Star 250: Solid Beginner Bike, Even in 2024!

[@johnlupo9577]

I’m a senior that is a stroke survivor. I moved down to this from the Goldwing and a 650 and I’ve clocked tons of miles on it. I took it in to have a 17 tooth front and 40 tooth sprocket on the rear. Now it does high way speeds in Alberta comfortably. Are you tired of freaking out on sandy intersections because your bike is heavy or you have physical limitations . Then this is the bike for you. The throaty exhaust sound causes people to ask me what size the motor is.

[@unionrdr]

I just turned 68 and have the 2018 like this one. Raven Black metallic too. I'm adding a few things to it to ride this year again. Got both hips replaced.

[@cosmicbird1850]

@@unionrdr Glad to hear you're still riding. I ride a 250 Rebel. The V-Star looks like a great bike.

[@unionrdr]

@@cosmicbird1850 It's a torquey bike with the stock sprockets. But it does need more space between shifts. I can't wait to get my new mufflers on it. Side pipe style that sounded good on an older V Star I saw once.

[@shahzada3197]

Fellow Albertan here, looking to get my first bike. Love your comment.

[@richardsmith5249]

Another stroke survivor here, 68, but despite that I'm reasonably fit and healthy. And I've got a GL1500 sitting outside. I don't need the radio, I don't need the CB, I don't need the fairing, I don't need the luggage, I don't need the 100bhp, and I don't need the hassle of managing all that weight. I can do it, but I don't want to have to. I just want something I can ride without worrying. Which is why I'm looking at the likes of this, the XV535, the VT750 etc. People talk about entry-level bikes. I'm looking for an exit-level bike.

[@bradmcneil4336]

I just purchased this exact machine that is being illustrated here. The good folks at Macleans are swapping out the factory sprockets n chain. 17/40 in place of 1645s. They're 8:23 also installing a small Streamlinner COP Shield. I've been collecting some goodies at home to be installed later. This Saturday is the day. Ride her away, NS bound. I've had big power through the last few decades. At 63, I've nothing to prove. I've ridden as long and hard as most. Time to slow down n enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

[@saws800]

I bought one of these about 2 years ago. Couldn't be happier. My first bike was a Yamaha 80 back in 1964 as a teen. Since I've had a Honda 90, a 1976 CB550, and 2005 BMW R1150R. The BMW, although I enjoyed it, became too much to handle after several years of ownership because of its 525 lb curb weight and being a bit top heavy. I was no longer mentally comfortable riding it. I was getting older! I'm not a large person, 5"8" 180 lbs. but didn't want to stop riding. I found the 2020 V-Star at a local bike shop with 420 miles on it. I sold the BMW on consignment and now I'm back enjoying the 2 lane country roads. If you're older, just enjoy riding for fun, and don't want to be overwhelmed by a larger machine, this is a great little bike. As with others, I did change the gearing.

[@domdancast2]

I bought a 2009 vstar 250 as my first and only bike in my 40s. It's been 5 years, and I still love it. I'll never sell it either..my first and still riding back roads!

[@loriendastafford1760]

Great review! Takes me back to 1981 and my first bike, a 1979 honda 185 twinstar, very similar to your 250..it's good to see yamaha still builds this great little machine!

[@alexturnbull-g1e]

I have a 2015 xv250 vstar and it just suits me down to the ground. I am somewhat virtically challenged and this size bike works. With a few mods to lower it further this bike i fell in love with and strangely enough the only bike i can physically ride. If i could ride a heavier bike i would but i just cannot. Ride within your limits and enjoy.

[@BlackArroToons]

Nice VStar 250 Review. Good to see a 250 cc engine motorcycle is still being offered in the US. I started on a 2003 Ninja 250R and it was a fun, reliable bike geared for revving on all roads including freeways. I put 35,000+ miles on it before trading it in for a newer bike.

[@darrenellis7039]

bought a used 2013 V-star 250 this yr as a first bike...very good bike to start on

[@jesusrios9630]

from someone who drives 2400cc this 250 vstar is still a very fun bike to have with very low maintenance

[@unionrdr]

I bought an '18 Raven Black metallic Star 250 two years ago at 66. I've added to it since. It has over 5100 miles so far. I keep it looking like new and is a ball to ride. Even when, at 68, I still have TT Moments. The bike likes leaning. And is the same size and over-all style as the Sportster of the mid-80's. And being a Lowrider Custom Cruiser, it's like sitting in a leather chair when just cruising around. Sounds like a Japanese sport bike though.

[@jonathan21151]

I’ve been thinking of getting a bike, been on one back 20 yrs ago so I’m starting from zero. This review was great for me. Thank you

[@unionrdr]

I'd been outta the saddle for 50 years when I bought my Star 250 two years ago. Riding it is easier than low-speed, stop-n-go stuff though with sciatica in my L2. Great bike the same size and over-all style as the Sportster of the mid-80's. Classic style!

[@JaronPope]

Only bikes Ive had are a Honda Grom and and Honda Rebel 300. Sold them both.......now I'm dreaming about getting another bike. This is definitely in the running now. Great review...Thanks!

[@unionrdr]

I've ridden the Rebel 250 and V Star 250. The V Star is a bit bigger, but more power and better handling in my opinion. Classic looks too! The V-Twin has more low-end torque than the Parallel Twin.

[@mikemullenix1377]

I recently bought a triumph speed 400 as my first bike. From a different dealer cause I didn’t like the folks at another one. Then after I got it home. I went by other said store since it’s closer to me and sat on this bike and immediately I had buyers remorse. This bike was incredibly comfortable and very nice looking. And was a few hundred bucks cheaper than my speed 400

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

This was my first bike back in 2017. I wish i kept it. I honestly had more fun just cruising on this bike than my more powerful bike i had later. I don't ride anymore, but lately I've been itching to get back on and I'll probably get a V Star again

[@PeterLoweOne]

I wish I had my original 250 as well. Something about a first bike, and a small displacement bike that outperforms your expectations, not in performance numbers, but in adventures and smiles.

[@adrianhall210]

Right on Peter, thank you so much for doing this video on the V- Star. 👍🙏🏻👌👊🏻

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!

[@ronsindric4241]

Peter, like your reviews. A bit about me before my comments and queries. Learned how to ride in a gravel pit on a KAW BIG HORN 350. My first; low milage used CB-350. Needed to trek 50 miles to school ( MS Ch ) during first OPEC oil embargo. Year later KAW 2-Stroke 3 cylinder 500 crotch rocket. Next late 1930's BSA GOLD STAR. Then, CB-750. Many, many decades later, ran around town on a small scooter. Ratchet forward to a 1200 SPORTSTER, then a BMW K100, followed by 2014 ZERO SR, then TRIUMPH EFI BONNIE and added a HD STREET. Always leathers, always skid-lid. Just bought ( new, pick it up from dealership tomorrow ) this YAMAHA 250 V-STAR . WHY ? Am 79 with arthritis and lots of aches from "kissing the ground off the edge of the Autobahn at speed a few years back. Am excited to go out tomorrow. Even though the chance of RAIN is near 100% :-(. Please revisit on all electricals, mirrors, use of LED turn/brake bulbs AND LED head lamp. A much LOUDER horn would be nice to have ! How useful, is the YAMAHA comprehensive shop/service manual ? What tools and spare parts would you recommend for beginners to carry? Your thoughts on replacing std battery with LITHIUM from maybe SHORAI. After market accessories ? Trickle charger from say BATTERY TENDER ? Recommended clothing for the ride ( e.g. BELSTAFF TRAILMASTER, or EASTMAN 1942 RAF Pattern jacket ) ? BISON LEATHER gauntleted riding gloves ? HALCYON MK 49 RAF Fighter Command Goggles to keep bugs out of your eyes and the "Gerries" out of your face 🫡🫣 Any other recommendations welcomed. My feelings about applying the brakes. I use two fingers on the front disc to prevent front from getting squirrely and a full hand on the rear. Takes a bit of practice but I've never gone ass-over-teakettle over the bars when I had to brake fasf/hard.

[@aatee5840]

The Rider sometimes falls in love with performance, but this bike allows you to fall in love with motorcycling. That's a wise thing to consider for many!

[@star01248]

If you are pushing 65 and 500Lbs is to mush to u turn in the garage . Look at this, great to cruise the back roads not a good highway freeway bike. Great senior bike !

[@GenXPertChannel]

There are plenty of people who keep these long term- it's just just a gateway bike. For people who want to mostly stay off the highway and want something light and small, these are great bikes. My wife, for instance, at 5'4" 105lbs fits this bike just fine and she has no aspirations of doing more than 75mph at any point. Many women or small people ride big bikes and tiptoe them while bragging about how heavy their bike is- but in reality, it's nice to have a bike one can pick up should one drop it. I love having far more power than necessary in my cars and planes, and used to have big HP bikes- but the simplicity and light weight of modern small displacement bikes is a lot more enjoyable.

[@demonheart13]

Yep, I'm female 5 nothing and I'm very excited to do a test ride as power is great but comfort is everything. I'm not trying to impress anyone but my little nieces and nephews, and they already think I'm awesome even without the bike.

[@shaggymcdaniel3216]

My first was a 250 virago. Now I have the 1100. I definitely don’t miss the inner tube tires, the chain drive, the analogue fuel reserve switch, only one disc brake on the front, and no power.

[@pandalol8852]

hey i just found ur video, even tho ur small in subs the way you talk and describe the specs of bikes rlly interest me to watch more. keep up the good work :D

[@mohdrosidibindinkpkt-jpn6228]

my 1st bike is Honda 50...mylast crusing bike is XV535...looking forward to ride again

[@adamlanglois563]

Its a timeless little crusier. Great bike to learn to wrench on if your interested in getting into more vintage bikes. One carb two valves per cylinder. Good milage and dead simple

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for sharing this! I agree completely!

[@ashtray3608]

Used one in my msf course very fun

[@antonholubnychyi1679]

Amazing review! Thank you

[@geraldscott4302]

I love the V-Star 250, except for one thing. Tube type tires. I'm 65, gave owned been riding since age 8 (on a Bultaco 100cc dirt bike) have owned almost 50 bikes, and have ridden around a million miles. I started small, got bigger and bigger bikes (no crotch rockets) and have now gone back down to smaller bikes. But tube type tires are a no go. I have been stranded by them, almost killed by them, and spent a fortune on towing charges, motel stays, and dealer charges ($400 to replace a tire and tube) because of simple flat tires. I no longer ride bikes with tube type tires. I have no idea why they still exist in 2024.

[@googleuser1456]

I just converted mine to to tubeless after getting a nail in it. 3M Marine adhesive sealant 5200 and seal the spoke heads, let dry 5-6 days and cut out valve stem from tube to reuse, works great even put Flatout in tire and plugged the nail hole with it and all future nails will get sealed with it from inside. There's videos on KZbin how to convert

[@herrtomas6729]

Nice looking bike

[@LisaRodriguez-si8zx]

I have a 250 and love it 2015still ride it I love I

[@GaryLance-g4h]

I bought this same bike less than 2 weeks ago. It is also my 1st bike experience. Like others have posted, it seems to be lacking another gear, and ive read where people swap the sprockets from 16/45 to 17/42. I've searched many different sites to find these sprockets but have had zero luck. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance.

[@pedalcycologist5349]

i bought 17/43 JT Sprockets on amazon. They were easy to install on my 2021 xv250 and work with the the original 114 link 520 chain

[@pedalcycologist5349]

JTF569.17 and JTR857.43

[@libertyprime9891]

it WOULD be nice to have more low cc options in my region, but Yamaha seemingly doesn't care or is being pushed out by other brands, i think there's only a handful of dealerships.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha. I've heard arguments for both bikes as far as styling goes. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@Rickwaldron1960]

Can you also review a 650 kawasaki vulcan i heard a lot of good stuff hear either yhe 650 kawasaki or the 500 vulcans

[@PeterLoweOne]

I've reviewed them a lot on this channel and will be doing them more in the future. Feel free to search on KZbin "Peter Lowe One Kawasaki Vulcan S" and you'll find a number of videos on it.

[@tommyfan6911]

Great video! Can you review the Yamaha BWS 125cc scooter if you have a chance~ Cheers!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'd love to. As soon as I see it, I'll get it up for you! Stay tuned.

[@steelmilkjug]

Itsa fun bike but I need better rear shocks. It hurts my back. Anyone know good shocks for this bike?

[@twotone3471]

I own one of these, and it will do 130 KPh if you pin it, but it is happy at 100-105 for as long as you have fuel and your butt can take it. Range is close to 200km per tank.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for sharing!

[@star01248]

It is even a better Geezer bike at 76 it’s light enough to U-turn in the garage

[@Jesoteric]

I really Want one

[@NorickFZS25]

The average height of Japanese women between the ages of 18 and 50 is 157.45cm, so female riders who have just obtained their license prioritize lightweight and easy footing. Therefore, many people choose a 125-250cc class cruiser as their first motorcycle. Also, recently it has become easier to obtain a license for large displacement motorcycles, so many women now ride Harley-Davidsons.

[@patrickminhwelt1106]

still no fuel tank sign...

[@karlfonner7589]

But today’s gas prices they are a motorcycle for everyone

[@kevinjohnson9844]

A bit disappointed, I thought you might have gotten serious funding and do something beyond this tourist video.