Yamaha Virago 250 vs Honda Vt600 Shadow Vlx
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Yamaha Virago 250 vs Honda Vt600 Shadow Vlx. 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 Vt600 Shadow Vlx: 44 hp @ 7,000 rpm hp, 221 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 155 km/h, Motoryk rating 8.0/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Yamaha Virago 250
Honda Vt600 Shadow Vlx
Horsepower (hp)
21 hp
44 hp
Torque (Nm)
20 Nm
47 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
130 km/h
155 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
148 kg
221 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
21 hp @ 8,000 rpm
44 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque
20 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
47 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Top Speed
130 km/h
155 km/h
Weight
148 kg (wet/curb weight)
221 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
3.5 L/100km (approx. 28.5 km/L) — typical real-world average
3.5 L/100km or approximately 28.5 km/L
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 Vt600 Shadow Vlx
8.0/10
"The most sensible used cruiser under $3,500, full stop."
Pros
+Near-indestructible Honda reliability
+Massive used parts availability
+Comfortable all-day ergonomics
Cons
−Carbs gunk up when stored
−Fork seals leak with age
−Underpowered for highway cruising
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
