Yamaha Virago 250

The Virago 250 was an entry-level cruiser motorcycle built by Yamaha Motor Company. It was considered by most publications and motorcycle enthusiasts to be a capable road bike with good handling characteristics and a top speed of 85 mph. The Virago 250 is a step above its 250 competitors due to the v-twin engine. The v-twin delivers greater torque at low RPMs than the parallel twins found in other 250s. The v-twin also has a cooling advantage since four sides of each cylinder are exposed to airflow. The v-twin also gives the Virago 250 a deep exhaust note that parallel twins are incapable of producing. The Virago 250 is a very economical motorcycle. With the stock gearing the Virago can return 80+ miles per gallon. A popular upgrade is to replace the sprockets so that the gearing is taller. Taller gearing requires less frequent shifting and returns even better fuel economy. The Virago 250's v-twin provides sufficient torque to cope with taller gearing.

Advantages

* Deep exhaust note sounds like a Harley Davidson (V-Twin)
* Rated by many experts and magazines as the best beginners' bike
* V-Twin provides good power over a range of RPMs
* Great price to performance ratio
* Low maintenance
* Trip meter available
* Lots of chrome
* Classic cruiser design
* Low Center of gravity
*Top Speed: 85 MPH (135 Km/h)

Disadvantages

* Considered too "lightweight"
* May wobble at highway speeds when larger vehicles pass by
* Not suitable for heavy loads or more than one person at highway speeds
* Stock seat not suited for longer rides (more than a few hours)
* Not suited for riders taller than 5' 10" (178cm)
* Number of aftermarket parts available is limited
* Horn is too feeble
* No fuel gauge
* No tachometer available

=Specifications=

Official

Unofficial(Practical)

V Star 250 (2008 - present)

In the 2008 model overview, the Virago 250 has been replaced with the V Star 250, but the specs remain very similar to the Virago 250.

External links

* [http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelhome/24/0/home.aspx 2007 Virago 250 on Yamaha Motor ]
* [http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelhome/589/1/home.aspx 2008 V Star 250 on Yamaha Motor]