Yamaha Virago 250 vs Honda Shadow Aero 750
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Yamaha Virago 250 vs Honda Shadow Aero 750. 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. Honda Shadow Aero 750: 45 hp @ 5,500 rpm (estimated; Honda did not officially publish power figures for this model) hp, 228 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world cruising comfort peaks around 130-140 km/h), Motoryk rating 7.8/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Yamaha Virago 250
Honda Shadow Aero 750
Horsepower (hp)
21 hp
45 hp
Torque (Nm)
20 Nm
61 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
130 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
148 kg
228 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
21 hp @ 8,000 rpm
45 hp @ 5,500 rpm (estimated; Honda did not officially publish power figures for this model)
Torque
20 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
61 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
Top Speed
130 km/h
175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world cruising comfort peaks around 130-140 km/h)
Weight
148 kg (wet/curb weight)
228 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
3.5 L/100km (approx. 28.5 km/L) — typical real-world average
4.5 L/100km or approximately 22 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
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
Honda Shadow Aero 750
7.8/10
"The sensible cruiser choice that rarely breaks your heart or wallet."
Pros
+Legendary Honda reliability
+Smooth, tractable V-twin
+Comfortable upright ergonomics
Cons
−Carb sensitive to ethanol fuel
−Chrome ages poorly
−Rear shock deteriorates fast
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
