Yamaha V-star 650 vs Yamaha Virago 250
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Yamaha V-star 650 vs Yamaha Virago 250. Yamaha V-star 650: 40 hp @ 7,500 rpm hp, 228 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 160 km/h (estimated, note: governed by gearing and aerodynamics), Motoryk rating 7.5/10. Yamaha Virago 250: 21 hp @ 8,000 rpm hp, 148 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 130 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.5/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Yamaha V-star 650
Yamaha Virago 250
Horsepower (hp)
40 hp
21 hp
Torque (Nm)
50 Nm
20 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
160 km/h
130 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
228 kg
148 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
40 hp @ 7,500 rpm
21 hp @ 8,000 rpm
Torque
50 Nm @ 5,500 rpm
20 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Top Speed
160 km/h (estimated, note: governed by gearing and aerodynamics)
130 km/h
Weight
228 kg (wet/curb weight)
148 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
3.8 L/100km (approx. 26 km/L typical real-world average)
3.5 L/100km (approx. 28.5 km/L) — typical real-world average
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Yamaha V-star 650
7.5/10
"The most reliable cheap cruiser you can buy used today."
Pros
+Virtually unbreakable drivetrain
+Low accessible seat height
+Massive cheap aftermarket support
Cons
−Buzzy above 70mph
−Weak stock suspension
−Carb gums when neglected
Yamaha Virago 250
7.5/10
"The perfect starter bike you'll sadly outgrow fast."
Pros
+Bulletproof reliability record
+Shaft drive, zero maintenance
+Confidence-inspiring low seat
Cons
−Outgrown within 18 months
−Carburetors clog when stored
−Highway speeds feel strained
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.









