Yamaha Virago 250 Review | Best Beginner Cruiser Motorcycle - LIFE OF BRI
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ส.ค. 2024
- This is my review of the 2003 Yamaha Virago 250. This is arguably one of the best looking cruiser motorcycles available in the 250cc class. I ride the bike and give you my impressions and ride up to the top of Cypress Mountain.
I've ridden the bigger brother Virago XV750 before and also the Suzuki GZ250, so that's my experience with cruisers. Overall, I love the styling and fuel efficiency of this bike but wish there was more power on tap. In comparison, this Virago is already able to go 10 to 15kph faster than the GZ250 (my first bike) and has a nice vtwin sound. However if you rev it out it does sound like a lawnmower.
What are some good beginner bikes? What bike should I review next? Let me know in the comments below. Thumbs up if you like motorcycles and want to see more bike content.
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Bike supplied by:
Jeremy Lee
Reviewed by: BRI
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I thought I was getting unlucky when I got paired with this bike during my msf course, I ended up being so comfortable on it that I’ll probably end up purchasing one.
I’m 55, I road one to high school loved it. Freedom at 15.
I had one of these for 10 years, absolutely bullet proof engine on them. I treated it really badly to be honest and it never failed me
This video made me fall in love with the bike!
Eme400 that's awesome hope you get to ride one soon enough
I own one lol I’m a new rider this was my moms first bike too she kept it and it rusted and then ima turn it to a tour bike lol
after 40 years without a motorcycle I just bought this 1991 MC - after the first 500 km I've started to relax a bit :) - really nice, cool vehicle
thanks for this - just bought my 250 Virago and am looking forward to learning on it
I just bought a Virago 250 last September. She's an old girl, 89' but I have to say I have not regretted it. I need to rev high to keep the battery charged which I found out the hard way. Besides that, this is the first summer I have my M2 (Canada), which means I can ride at night....I can't wait.
I love my little 250, its surprisingly quick compared to other small cruisers. it loves to rip up the town too.
Tyler Coates I think the quicker is Kawa el250
Just tagged my Virago the other day, and I'm gonna change out the stator this week and get her running again
I must admit, this is definitely an amazing bike to just take on a day trip into town or something light
I love this little cruiser so much
I have this bike. I'm over 6ft. Great starter bike if you like cruisers. Just know that you'll probably out grow this in about 6 months if you eventually want a bigger bike. When the gas tank is halfway full I fill it up with $3.
Can you take it out on the highway without being blown away? Is it stable?
Just brought one of these, cool review I'm pumped to ride it now
I'm a fan of the Virago 250 over the newer Dragstar 250. I feel that the Dragstar is too heavy, which is a definite minus for a small cc bike. I'm lucky enough to be getting one of these from a friend for free!
Yeah, weight is definately a factor with a rider of smaller stature or a female rider.
Thanks for a review of a beginner bike that didn’t demean or trash it. Most you tubers call these bikes toys, etc. that’s a good looking sample.
I started out on a Suzuki Marauder GZ250, so this bike is actually a bit more premium in a sense so I can definitely see the positives :)
Just bought the 125 Virago. Looking to get my A1 license next spring. Great video!
I’m looking at buying one of these for my first bike! I’ve wanted to start riding for so many years, I’m 31 now and hope to get one this year. Your video was awesome thanks man
Watched this when I was trying to decide between a Virago 250 and a Nighthawk 250 (first bike). Couldn't stand the riding position of the Nighthawk so I bought this. Watching it afterward and your review is spot on. Really great to watch it before and after now that I know exactly what you're talking about. My God is the Virago light. Plus I get compliments on it everywhere I go (it's red and pretty). Great review.
Edit: The only thing I think you're wrong about is the brakes. My brakes were pretty much shot when I bought it but I was able to avoid an accident with them going 55mph when someone took a left turn about 5 yards in front of me in the middle of the night. It brakes very quickly, probably because it's so light.
Great stuff and content! :) Racing suit actually looks good on vintage bikes!!! :)
My first bike was a virago 700. Didn't know know what I was getting myself into. Lol. Instantly fell in love, especially as a new rider. Great bike, especially when maintained.
virago 700 means 700 engine? so its like 3x more powerful than this one?
Love seeing Vancouver and your review was great as well. Keep it up bud!
joshatronify Thanks! It's lovely. Can't wait until the new season and there's less rain :)
Thank’s for this video! I bought this bike and I like it as a bike for new motorcyclist)
Good revue. Short and to the point with a nice ride.
Nice video. Good length. Proper footage. Thanks
Thank you for this video! Going to pick up my little Virago this weekend as a first bike.
Literally same. This Saturday here in SoCal.
Sick vid, nice filming, quality info. more subs deserved
DJust787 thanks man. Cheers!
Front bags for bicycles
Bags for bicycles
Just took my MST course with this bike, tried some others, this thing is m i l e s ahead of any of small displacement "beginner" bike in every possible way.
It’s great that they still make this bike.
I fell in love with the honda rebel 500 in 2017, even more in 2020 but atm I cannot really afford it. You made me consider this one 🤷♂️
Same boat as you my friend
Bought mine with my "Stimulus" check with 1300 miles on it. No regrets since then minus replacing the stock tires with Pirelli Route 66 tires. They are definitely not all weather rubber.
It's fast enough it's responsive corners really well sounds good costs stuff all to run stops quickly all you need . Japanese reliability looks good easy to ride customise lane split accelerate . If you don't have a big ego and a small dick it's the perfect Sunday cruiser !
Brett Sutherland gas is so cheap too.
insurance is so cheap.
Very nice review! And nice to see a familiar city ;)
the moped mirrors were the first thing i changed when i got mine. wish i wouldn't have sold it really it was so fun
I have one and will not sell it, I’ve seen the “wish I didn’t sell it” comment too many times 😊
I got my first bike today... I’m excited just learned about the bells ppl put under the bike....
Gremlin bells. Someone has to give it to you.
subbed. i like your reviews
Gold3n GM thanks! I hope to do more when the season starts :)
It may not be the best 250cc bike (Ninja 250) but it is the one you won't "outgrow" the fastest. I own the current version and people compliment me on it a lot. Compared to the Honda and Suzuki 250 cruisers, which look like beginner bikes to both riders and non-riders. The XV250 isn't particularly fast, but it'll keep up with traffic on anything short of the Autobahn, even if it is doing a high RPM to get there. Also helps that it is reliable as a hammer. Parts are plentiful both for repair when necessary and customization. Its a good bike, and I am happy with owning one.
I have an '06 Virago 250. What have been your favorite mods, performance and otherwise? thanks
@@Yowzoe A center stand and gearing (sprockets). Adding a lot to the bike is counter productive, as it makes it slower. But taller gearing and a center stand are super nice to have. virago250street.com/2011/08/17/fix-the-virago-250-gearing-changing-sprockets-gearing-on-yamaha-virago-250-to-1738-1740-1742-etc/
@@twotone3471 Thanks, those seem like two good tips. BTW, your link goes to ladies dresses, at least for me. However they are Virago dresses, apparently
Ahhhh all these videos have me wanting a motorcycle so bad. I'm 13 so I won't be able to ride a bike for a while now so I just do my research until the day comes. Cruising around town on my pedal bike should do for now. I plan on either getting a Honda Rebel or one of these as my first bike. This video was very informative so thanks alot, I subbed :)
Joel you should see a suzuki intruder 250
How many years you need to drive in your country?
What is your situation these days.
That would make an awesome bike for back road playing around.
I like the style of these. Looking at several now. Haven't ridden in some 50 years. I like that it's the only V Twin in it's class, besides being a SOHC motor. Aftermarket exhaust is available, but some cams would be nice too.
If you can find an SRV250 engine it would be a great upgrade. Twin carbs, better performance cams from factory too, giving you 27hp vs the Viragos 21hp. I've got an SRV250 and it goes bloody well!
Im waiting to buy my first bike and Im totally in love with virago from everything ive seen or read about it. Small virago like this would have been my first choice but im 190cm (or about 6ft 3) so I will probably need a bigger one. Going to try sitting on a 750 soon and looking forward seeing what it feels! The video was great, subbed your channel!
Well what did you end up with? Im 190cm too and im thinking of getting a 250 virago. My height does concern me a bit.
@@arnoldo9319 bought a virago 1100 and no regrets! tried the 535 but its way too small. Try out 750 and 1100 which should fit better for you. Only difference between these two are the engine size. In custom bikes I dont see the bigger engine size making it any harder so I can recommend virago 750 or 1100 even as first bike
@@RandomJoole ok thanks for the tips and the quick answer mate!!
I own a 2014 model and I love it.
Just got mine 2 days ago, love it so far. My first cruiser 😆
hey buddy, what’s the difference of it between v star? I can’t find this bike on yamaha’s official website
@@Propapanda0213 changed from virago to vstar in 2008 I believe. They went to a drag style handle bar and maybe a couple other very minor differences. I have a 2015 and like it very much. It's one of 4 bikes for me and ride this one the most.
@@Propapanda0213 Handlebars and a simplified instrument cluster with integrated idiot lights. Mechanically I think they are the same bike, even sold outside the US market under the same name, the XV250.
getting a chinese honda look alike in a few days and this is the most similar bike ive found. im super excited.
Good video bro thanks
My first motorcycle, and i love it
Yeah, great vid man like everyones saying. I found a 2003 Virago with 11,000 km's (6k miles) for $1,200 Canadian.. Really hoping this is the one
Hey brother have you purchased the bike? How has it been treating you?
Alejandro MO ive had one for a little under a year and i love it. Its a great bike, easy to work on, easy to drive, and every keeps thinking its a harley lol
Hopefully buying one this year, but I gotta get classes first
Very nice video, much enjoyable to say the least. I'm going to take exams for my license soon and I was thinking of buying a Virago 250 as a beginner bike. But I want to commute to work everyday and Idk if it would be a good idea to have only a bike to commute when there's raining. I want this bike but the weather has me so split, I can't decide. It's driving me insane.
@everyday tenor Ice is definitely a problem but rain is dangerous too.
@everyday tenor Well ice and snow don't scare me because I *NEVER* go out with conditions like these. You should avoid that bro, it's a recipe for disaster (if you're doing it).
I saw that little V Twin a the Yamaha dealer yesterday. It is a mixture of cute and cool. I am so big and heavy, 0-60 would probably take 12 seconds, so a I probably won’t buy it, but is really neat!
Try a 750. 👌🏻
The first video I check out about the bike I'm getting, and it's in Vancouver. Coincidence?
I'm a Highlander fan talking about this bike in my Highlander group on Facebook 😎
This is a very nice bike especially if you are going to ride alone and mostly in town. If you are willing to hit the road with a company in the backseat the 535 is more advisable.
Nice vid how tall are you ?
Thank you , Haven;t had a bike since 1987 and that was a goldwing , Would the older ones be as good as this bike , An older 250 honda rebel would they be only 13 horsepower
Can you cancel signalling by middle clicking the signal control on this older model?
Just remember it's more fun to go fast on a small bike than it is to go slow on a big one, I am on my second v star 250, I had a bunch of bigger bikes in between the two and didn't enjoy them as much as I do these
How do you like it was thinking about getting one will they do at least 65 Highway about 260
I've got a 1990.. still going strong with over 50.000 klm.
Cheap gas and insurance. Summer daily commuter.
Mines at 63k, it rattles abit but im happy rebuilding it
Are these auto or manual and may of missed it but how much power does it make and one more thing sorry I’m new but is power a big deal in motorcycles like it is in cars or what
Does it overheat in the city? I mean is a 535 good for a daily use in city? Going to college or something?
Im thinking about buying a used virago for the city when I get my license
Great bike for learners 👍😃
For sure! Especially if you like the cruiser style. I do enjoy the CBR250R though, it's more of a standard seating position and gives a few more horses.
Was the clutch REALLY slipping that bad , or were you just afraid to let go of the lever ??
are these bikes ok to make into a smaller chopper?
can u ask Jeremy if I can test ride it?
Wish you filmed mostly the Cypress road. The rest of Vancouver is not at all good riding . I just got a 1995 Verago. Can't wait to take it up Cypress and Seymour and the low road to Horseshoe Bay.
That's 249cc engine. Can you ride one in highway in BC?
Absolutely love my 1997 Yamaha virago limited edition, but I have a lot of fear right now which I am trying to get over, unfortunately, I live with CPTSD which gets violently triggered everytime I get scared witless.
So I am looking for someone to ride her, while I hold onto the back to get used to her on Auckland New Zealand roads.
Brisingrize haha another kiwi. Im down Wellington way
Hello, how many miles on the road can one travel on a 250cc 1989 Yamaha? Thank you!
How does it compare to the Rebel 250?
Does it have a center kickstand?
Nice im planning to ride a motorcycle
Looking for buying a Yamaha Virago 535. Are 30.000 Kilometers okay for a used one?
Is it good for short riders
Is this available today?
I have one im rebuilding and its a lovely bike to ride
How do I take off the seat? I need to check the fuses cause my headlight won't turn on. Have to check the fuses.
ihopeutubedies should be two screws on the sides of the seat. Probably figured it out by now lol
They say at high speed it's handlebar trembles and you will feel it in your arms.. iS it true?
Beautiful bike. Can anyone tell me what type of handlebars are those?
Same as Yamaha Enticer 125. Great handlebars
Just bought a 2002 xv250 r great bike 1824 klms on clock
How tall are you brother????
I own that bike have not rode it yet tho any tips
Are those chumps handlebar?
hi,... just watched your video, thanks for doing that!...
my 2000 virago 250 mixture adjust screw was adjusted all the way in (lean)... with no change in idle or running status, any ideas why this is happening? thanks,... It seems to be running fine, just smells like its running rich...
Probably a little late to help, but the tip of the mixture screw may have broken off.
I've never road before going to do my cbt. What lisance do i need for a 125cc and a 250cc bike and can you pick what lisance you want to get for the size engine you want. Or do you have to do all the steps
In US you have to have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license, cc wise it doesn’t matter.
intend to buy it =)))
6:55 bit of clutch slippage there
I'm thinking it's the rider not letting the clutch out all the way between shifts.
Looking for a 250 and this seems about perfect. Does anyone know if the Chinese "Lifan" bike is a copy of the Virago or what other brand ?? Lifan looks great, just like the Virago does, but why , why why would anyone not just get a used major brand 250 instead ???
I have a Chinese XV250 clone, assembled here in Argentina. It's the same motorcycle, Lifan made the virago 250 engines for a long time, I have it since 2013 and never had an issue, maybe the little things that fall apart like rubber covers that wear down in any type of motorcycle and things of the sort. The thing with "chinese steel" is that it's not very forgiving, so you don't want to be riding it without proper maintenance. If you could afford a Yamaha, even better, because it's japanese steel, it's more forgiving.
Damascus ATX95 gloves?
indicator lights need to be on bar higher up near grip on all bikes...
u should review th yamaha star 650 it a biginner bike for bigger people
I will if I can get my hands on one!
bchizzle thanks
Dude. You have inspired me to buy one of these LOL
why this moto is quite cheap ?! it looks fantastic are they reliable ? Thank you
These Yamaha Virago bikes are not about speed,.. Yes, they will get to 80mph, but take quite some time to get there, but the V-Twin engines sound and look superb and are extremely reliable.. typical Yamaha engines.. Bulletproof engines.. A friend has one with 44,000 miles on and never misses a beat or uses oil.. This bike is all about the cool looks and comfort.. And reliability..!
How tall are you dude 👍
I'm looking to get into bikes & the Virago 250 or 650 are my top picks because i like how they look bobbed out. But can anyone tell me why the used 250's i see are so close in price to the 650's? Maybe i got spoiled from previously looking at cheap GS500s, but why are older Virago 250's still around $2.5k to $3k USD?
duane willis I think it's because of the demand from beginners that the 250 retains its value really well. There's always demand for a smaller bike to start out on.
bchizzle Ahhh, the GS500 was recommended to me as a good starter bike too, but they seem much cheaper than 250cc Virago/V Stars. But maybe you're right & people just target the lower cc bikes for beginners, allowing it to retain value. Our maybe the Virago/v star just looks better & therefore more popular? I don't know.
Same bike as the Lifan Royal. Great bike .
Cool did they clone the Virago 250 for that bike?
bchizzle dafra did this with the kansas 250
Is this bike good for me if I'm 6'1?I was thinking about the 535 also.Which one is better for a beginner?
Hey man I think you'll really have to try it out, being 6ft the bike is gonna be fairly small. I'm about 5"8.5 if that gives you an idea on how I stack up on this thing. There was someone down here in the comments who is over 6ft and rode one.
I'm also 6"1" and ride a Virago 1100. Even this engine size is great for a beginner as long as you don't get crazy with the throttle. Seating is however a bit cramped.
I just bought this type of bike today
Well, my first impression is that it isn't quick or fast, it could stand to have just a bit more guts; and, I could wish it were final belt drive. My old Suzuki Savage spoiled me, in that regard. But this one sure is pretty, no doubt about that! Just out of curiosity, what is the actual top speed?
82 MPH stock. It'll cruise at 65 just fine, and hold 75 for as long as you like feeling 8,000 RPM through the handlebars and you aren't running into a headwind or climbing a mountain.
@@twotone3471 Thank you! That's more than I expected.
@@tyrssen1 Only took 7 months to get a answer you could have googled LOL! But I do own the 2013 version, and am happy with it around town, and it'll run 4 lane roads just fine also. People gripe about the brakes (rear drum) and if you are riding with a pillion, that might be a concern, but otherwise I find them as adequate as something with such a skinny front tire could have.
@@twotone3471 Hi Two Tone! Fact is, if I don't get an email notification regarding commentary placed on You Tube, I tend to wander off and forget it, sorry! Thanks for your assessment!
I'm 290 pounds and 6 feet 3.
I found one for sale. I wanted to get your input on it. do you think it will fit me? Or is it too small? not looking for speed just a beginner bike to commute with.
Hope to hear back with some input.
+Oscar Yerena if you're over 6ft it's gonna feel pretty small. I suggest trying to sit on it and see what you think. I'm 5 8.5" and it feels pretty compact for me already!
I’m 6 foot 6 inch and 205 pounds... I make it work, it’s a fun bike. Don’t keep the stock seat, get something that can allow you to sit back a few inches and you’ll be good.
Virago or rebel.ı couldnt choose.
HI have been a pillion for close to 30 years riding with friends and have finally decided I am sick of being a pillion and waiting for others to go on rides and want to get my own. I have health issues so am not very strong, am only 5ft 1 so need something lightweight but want to cruise. A dealer said this bike would suit me. What do you think?
Trish Harris. I recommend the v star 250 for your height and it’s very light . But if I was you and you wanted to ride longer , and get better mpg I’d say cbr250r .. I live in tx and I’ve ridden a cbr250 from ft worth to Austin which is 3 hours btw ...the bike got me around 260 miles till fill up ...
@@retrocaveman1062 Thanks.. I went and sat on one a couple of days ago, also compared it to the Suzuki S40.. Loved the Virago. It felt so comfortable and easy for me to handle. Doing a 2 day course starting tomorrow on one, to see how I go.
That clutch is done after this ride. 😁
250cc is much better than people like to think. I compare them to basic 4cyl cars.. not a rocket but totally fine in most cases. My rebel250 still has a higher power to weight ratio than most of the cars I've owned and is definitely Fast enough with my 150 lbs on it.
soapfanaddict right on. I'm comparing it to a 97 Pontiac sunfire, 87 Porsche 944, 00 Ford ranger, 00 Jeep Wrangler and 97 Nissan d21. All were manual except for The Sunfire. I wanna say it's quicker off the line than most and has a similar (comfortable) top end to the ranger, Jeep an Nissan.. Porsche was kinda pokey off the line but I broke 130 with it a few times. The Sunfire felt ok up to 90 or so.