Yamaha Virago 250 reviews

After several trips to dealers who wanted to put me on bigger bikes because of my size I finally told them that I need to start small to improve my skill level. I was intrested in a cruiser style with the intention of getting a bigger m/c as my novice skill improved. The Yamaha Virago 250 met all my requirements. It is big enough for my height and weight. The engine has taken me up to 75mph on the interstate. The down sides include the seat, no tach, and a serious need for a 6th gear. Pluses include power, style(everyone thinks its a bigger bike), handling and fuel economy (71mpg average). Show less

I am brand new to motorcycling. I took the MSF course in August and had been looking at machines for close to three months. I looked at just about everything manufactured and decided on purchasing the Yamaha Virago. The fit and finish on this bike is amazing considering its low cost and metric displacement. The performance is better than I would have expected. For a first bike or for a commuter bike, this machine is excellent. Eventually, I want to upgrade to something bigger but this bike will last me a few years. I get many compliments about the appearance of my Yamaha. Most people are shocked that is only a 250. Show less

After looking at Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha 250cc's sized motorcycles, I ended up purchasing the 06 Virago 250 a few months ago. Even though the Virago had the highest price, it looked like what I thought a motorcycle should look like, even for a little 250cc. So far, I have no real complaints. The fit and finish is far better than the others I considered. The Virago runs fine and handles nicely. I have about 400 miles on it so far and all is well. However, while cleaning the Virago recently, I had occasion to look under her and discovered that the rear cylinder chrome exhaust pipe is a PHONEY! That was a real surprise and disappointment! This is especially true since the Yamaha product Features description for this machine touted: Beautiful dual chrome exhaust pipes let the engine breathe and put out that classic V-twin rumble. Whatever happened to truth in advertising? Granted, the Virago does sound better than it's competition, but I foolishly expected it to have a REAL dual exhaust system. Instead, I got a strange looking small diameter curly black pipe that comes from the trailing cylinder which is then hid under the bike. That nice big fat fake chrome pipe coming from the rear cylinder is just for everyone else to look at. In addition, it appears that BOTH functioning exhaust pipes first direct the exhaust from the cylinders into the lower muffler, then route some exhaust back up into the top muffler. Not sure why. But this is not dual exhaust as I've always understood it. My point here is that while I still like this little motorcycle and it will provide me the intended local ride I want, had I known about this deception, I probably would NOT have bought it. I don't like phonies! There, now I feel better. Show less

Just got my 2007 Virago 2 days ago. Already have 100 miles on it. I love it. Has plenty of power for someone my size. As long as you are not a speed freak. Very easy to shift. Very easy to learn to ride. This was my first bike ever. I bought it on Wednesday, first time ever to ride a bike was the Sunday before. No problems getting the hang of it. Recomend to any beginner. Show less

I have had my 2007 Virago for 3 weeks and love it. This 250 does not look like a 250, it looks bigger. People always think it is more that a 600. I have gotten many compliments including the "motorcycle wave" from HD riders. I driver to and from work everyday for 30 total miles. I drive through the city so the highest I get is 60mph. This bike can get up to 65mph, but does not have any thing left after that. So if you're cruising on the highway and need to get out of trouble, it becomes difficult. Cruising on the highway during rush hour is not bad since everybody is going 45-50mph. Very easy to learn and ride. When I bought this bike I had zero experience on a bike. Never rode a bike in my life. Three days later I was on the road. Only pit fall with this bike is that I would like the seat to be further back so that I can extend my legs a bit more. It is the perfect bike. Show less

I bought this bike in Sept.05 and it has been a great bike so far. Great gas mileage,and just plain fun to ride. I will probably get something bigger later on but right now I enjoy this bike. don't think I'll ever get rid of it. Thanks YAMAHA!!! Show less

I started off by taking the MSF course, and chose the Virago due to its similarity to the bikes I learned on there. In my opinion it is the best of the Japanese 250 cruiser-style bikes because of its V-twin engine configuration. The bike has treated me well and does exactly what I want it to do, which is basically to make short commutes and day trips. Also to teach me how to ride. Reliability has been top-notch with no problems whatsoever. I have even dropped it twice with no damage. I am docking it a point on performance because it feels strained above 65 mph. Also one point on comfort due to the lack of wind protection. These two factors prevent me from traveling more than a few miles on interstates. Also at 6'1" I wish there was more room between the seat and foot pegs, but this is not too bad. Fuel injection would be nice for cool weather, but is unlikely to happen at this price point. My eventual goal is to ride a high-end super sport, but I am certain that starting small was the right decision. Riding is interesting and fun for me even on an entry-level bike, and after a year of this I will be able to move up a step with confidence. If I had to start all over again I would make the same choice and get a Virago. Show less

I bought a used 2002 Virago 250 this Spring (06)with 1,600 miles on it and have already doubled that. I was very surprised by the power this little 250 puts out. It gets over 80 mpg everytime I fill it up. I drive mixed city and country roads so I couldn't ask for better gas milage. I took it up on the interstate and got blown around so I took the next exit. Not going up there again with this bike. It's just not heavy enough for that kind of road but that's why it gets great gas milage. My only complaint with this bike is it does not turn into my driveway when I want to go home. It just keeps going by my house and I have to loop around the city a few more times or maybe take a cool ride down by the reservoir. One time I drove by the house three times before it would let me pull into my drive. I'm gonna check with Yamaha to see why this happens. that's what I tell my wife anyway when I'm late getting home. I bought this bike with plans in getting a larger one someday but if that day never comes. I'll get foward controls to stretch out more. I'm very happy with my Virago 250 and would recommend it for a first motorcycle if you're under 5'10". Show less

haven't ridden in 35 years (had a Suzuki 90). This is a wonderful bike! The price is right, the look is awesome, great lines, dual exhausts, V-twin, spokes etc. Runs and handles like a dream, very responsive. Now that gas is over $3.00/gal, who can complain. No problems yet; just returned for break-in service (FYI: which is going to take about a week!). Gave a "4" on the comfort as the passenger seat is a little small for my wife's bottom :) but (no pun intended) she won't be riding that much anyway. Picture does not show the dual mirrors that are included. Show less

At 48 it was now or never. didn't want to spend too much if I was going to chicken out. Started out real slow but what a confidence builder. Looking at the 1100s now. Will hit 60 with no trouble but I feel bad for it after a while, sounds over taxed. Put 130 miles on it 1 day & stopped at the gas station, only took 1.25 gallons. Love this little guy but dying for something bigger so I can go even farther. Would deffiniately recommend as a starter for a first timer. Looks great too, like a big bike with its V-twin. Show less