Yamaha V Star 250 Dam Ride and Review
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- Опубліковано 15 жов 2024
- A ride to the 7 Mile Dam on the Pend D' Oreille river at the beginning of October 2014. On my return I have a quick review 9:46 of my Yamaha V Star 250. Pend D' Oreille is pronounced Pond O Ray. For a non related website with lots of detailed information for either the Virago 250 or the V Star 250 go to www.virago250st... . He has quite a good explanation of a lot of ride techniques, good maintenance tips and a variety of simple modifications. My review starts at 9:46 of video if you want to skip ahead.
Fast forward - 2022 - I have sold my bike some years ago but am leaving this post as it is fun to go back and I don't suppose the new 250's are much different from what I posted here. Enjoy
I own a 1990 Virago 250. Great bike. Daily commuter 6 months of the year. Almost 60.000 klm on it. Just general maintenance. Cheap gas and insurance. Still going strong.
If only we had roads like this in the UK. Everywhere is traffic traffic, here take your life in your hands on a bike. I’ve got a 250 virago. Lovely to ride.
Steve, don't worry about those who think they must have a 100 hp 800 lb cruiser. I'm old enough to remember when standards were less than 400cc. Sport bikes were no bigger than 400cc until Honda wanted to act like Harley by making larger and larger street bikes. I'm happy to know men like you who understand that riding is the reason, not the bike. I remember riding in my youth with mixtures of bikes and no one seem to care and there were no 600s or litre bikes. I recently downsized to the Yamaha 320 RS and I don't miss my old heave Triumph with the 955cc engine.
D. Paul Riderman Thanks for the comment. I think those of us who rode bikes in the past had a different appreciation for the ride. You didn't have the selection, accessories or clothing we have now. I have had two bikes in 1973 I owned a 750 Norton (vibrator) Atlas and then later on I owned a 1980 Yamaha 650 Special. The Yamaha was a nice bike but also had some vibration. These bikes were not bad for manageability as they were bare bones straight seat bikes so they were like the Bobbers are now. Nothing extra, just what you need to ride. But I find the V Star 250 quite a bit more manageable (weight and geometry), getting somewhere at pretty well the same time and of course a fraction of the cost. :) Have a great safe ride.
My wife and I have traveled quite a bit on motorcycles. We 've had a Suzuki 1500 Intruder, and three Harleys along with many bikes before them and we rarely travel faster than 62 or 63 mph. When on the highways I stay in the right lane and if somebody wants to pass they are welcome to go into the passing lane and have at it. A 250 cc with the sprockets changed can do the same very comfortability. I enjoy every mile and try to do so safely. A good trip is when you return home safely. Ride safe and enjoy every journey.
I bought a Raven black 2018 V Star 250 back in August. Finally starting to get a little of my balance back at this point. Been 50 years. But making some little bit of progress makes me smile big time! It is bringing me a sense of peace at this point. I recently found that the turn signal slider has a push to turn off & return to center function as well. Very handy! Torquey bike as well for a 249cc SOHC motor.
Yes they are a lot of fun and they aren't heavy so you can maneuver and push them quite easily. They really get the job done for going from A to B at a reasonable road speed.
@@Timealongtheway or for joy riding at my age as a retiree. Getting closer to that awesome day.
Beautiful video .. music .. nature ... Virago!
best "real world" review i have ever seen in youtube . very good job mate .
Thank you
I rode one of these back in high school. At that time, the bike was called the Yamaha Route 66. Until a couple weeks ago, when I saw one on display in the local movie theater lobby, I had no idea they still made this thing; I figured it had been discontinued in the early '90s. I had some great times on that bike.
+Karl Hungus Thanks for your comment. I think these bikes have changed very little over the years because they are a very good all around bike. I keep thinking maybe I should go bigger but after a ride, even a long one, those thoughts go as I really enjoy how flexible, easy to maintain, and manageable this bike is. Even though it is not the most powerful ride.
I just bought a brand new 2022 V-star 250 two months ago - I am in Canada. It is still being made today in some countries (U.S., Canada, Australia... maybe more I don't know. What a miracle) 😃
@@SamInCanada- And I bet it's almost completely unchanged from the Yamaha Route 66 I bought brand new in 1988.
You are right, it is still the same as before… How much was it in 1988? I paid 6900 Canadian dollars driving away.
@@SamInCanada- Man, what a question. I absolutely cannot remember how much that thing cost!
I purchased a 2008 v star 650 classic silverado. The bike is so much fun to ride. It's been nothing but an uplifting experience for me and I've come to appreciate the open roads, all over again. God bless. and ride safe
A motorcycle ride is a world of its own. I think that is why so many are on the road today. Just a great personal experience.
The sound of the machine is like music to my ears :)
You just can't beat that V-twin "burble".
nice bike and nice review. I'm glad someone finally said it. Just because a bike is under a certain cc measurement, it has to be deemed a beginners bike. ie: the Suzuki s40 which like this machine is good for a lifetime bike. Lighter, nimble bikes are more flexible and fun in my opinion and I've owned large and smaller rides. T
thomas grim Thank you
Nice review.
Don't disagree enough to bring anything up.
Thanks
Clear topics and lovely ride. My wife is interested in one of these.
Excellent video, I've got the same bike a 2010 model, it is fun, that's all you need tell anyone. Cheers, Ray
Hi Steve. I have a V star 250 also, and like it soooo much. After 7,000 miles, I also had the gears changed to 17/43 . The difference is amazing. I don't have to shift all the time and can go faster without such high rpm. I really want to have pull-back handlebars (like on your wife's bike) . I ride a lot and have some wrist problems...I think it would be easier to handle too. Did you do that mod on your wife's bike? I'm wondering how to deal with the increased length needed on higher bars for the cables, wires, brake lines etc. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks for the cool videos ! Jenny
I love My little Star 2008.
Excellent review. Better then even magazine reviews
Wonderful job on being safe while riding.
Thank you
I was looking at a 2000 Virago 250 yesterday and the lady didnt know much about the bike. You gave a nice review and if I can get the price down just might buy it
Rick0125 Thanks for your comments. Yes it is a beautiful area and I am very fortunate to be able to live here. I do think that these 250's are quite good for all around biking, though you just have to think ahead when riding because of the smaller engine. I notice that the price on these units does not depreciate quickly as I have not seen many with a low price tag. When you do get one I think you will enjoy the ride. :)
An awsome clear and sharp review of this bike.
Enjoyed it! Congrats, nice bike!!!
This was a solid review, looking for a starter for the wife.
I want this bike so bad!
You too ? I see they're selling cheap for used ones. I'm going to look at one tomorrow.
Great video!
Finally I have my new V Star 250 simple modifications video done. It includes a mountain pass climb and some simple modifications I have made. ua-cam.com/video/84yUK3_arrk/v-deo.html Enjoy :)
Alright I'm the 201 subscriber. Love this video and it's very soothing watching this video.
Thank you
Thank you Steve. Cool ride and commentary on the v-250.
I have a 2017. N I the prob is not so much the power, but the very small size of the bike. If you are around 6ft or above, I'd recommend a different bike.
I am 6'1" and I liked the bikes size. It was easy to manage and keep in control. Size for me wasn't an issue. I had a scooter before so it didn't make much difference when I bought the 250 just had more power.
@Timealongtheway yea, I can see how u could make it work. But your 6.1 and I'm 6ft. So if we're both being honest, it's not the ideal bike for someone of our size. It would be disingenuous for us to say it's a good fit for someone of our size. Just isn't true.
Great review. Could you tell me the top speed of this motorcycle? Thanks.
I haven't taken it to it's top end but with my bike and gearing I have been able to cruise with some moderate ups and downs at 110 kph or about 70 mph. It does go faster. But even at the 110 kph you have basically no reserve for power. You won't be passing anybody unless your falling out of the sky. 😊
Steve Coe Thanks for your response.
Very helpful thanks
I couldn't find the video you mentioned that you were going to do on the changes you made to reduce vibration. Could you post a link?
Sorry that never got made and I sold the bike about 6 years ago. I leave this post up as it is a bit of a reference for the yamaha V Star 250.
Once again, a Virago 250 is being called a VStar 250. XV250 is a Virago,
XVS250 is a VStar.
They are similar but not the same. The VStar is a more stylish bike
which is one reason why they cost more than the Virago. A clue: check
the exhaust system. On the Virago, the upper exhaust pipe is a dummy and
is there purely for looks. Prove it to yourself - run the bike for 5
minutes and put your hand on the upper muffler. If it's hot, it's a
VStar250.
Look under the chassis just in front of the rear wheel. See that black
box? That's the muffler used in the Virago. The VStar does not use this
shared muffler because each pipe has it's own separate muffler.
Yes awesome comment, I know there is a difference in exhaust and other things. My exhaust actually both join at the head end of bottom muffler then splits to the top also. Also I have both a 2010 and 2013 V Star and they are different in a bunch of small areas also. l may have commented not realizing the exact exhaust connection but very generally the bikes are quite similar.
Yes awesome comment, I know there is a difference in exhaust and other things. My exhaust actually both join at the head end of bottom muffler then splits to the top also. Also I have both a 2010 and 2013 V Star and they are different in a bunch of small areas also. l may have commented not realizing the exact exhaust connection but very generally the bikes are quite similar.
I have a Vstar 250 and the top pipe is a dummy. It's not connected to anything after turning into the rear part of the engine. I gets hot yes, but not scalding like the true pipe on the bottom after riding.
Rare and good knowledge.
Actually upon reinspection it seems to me the only thing that’s changed is the handlebars.
Great video, excelente video !!!
Thank you, Gracias
Added closed caption so other countries can translate my review.
Hi Steve, l too own an SV 250 and have been scanning the reviews on YT. I didn't expect to watch it all but it's early morning for me and l was enjoying the ride with my coffee. This is an excellent review. Your observations are very thorough and parallel my own. Over the 5 years l've owned my 09 model l've actually grown to appreciate it more than when l bought it.
Do you and your wife still own your bikes? Do you still ride them?
Asap l intend to watch your video on the TR7. I worked as a mechanic at a dealership in the 70s.
Thanks for coming by and thanks for the great review. I actually sold both my 250 and the TR7 some time ago. But I leave all the videos up for others to enjoy and help them out.
Good review thanks for this
Fantastic review. Sir, I am a 6' 2" tall, 190lb college athlete (34" inseam". Would this bike accommodate my fiancé, and are there any recommendations for 2-up riding?
Runeguy33 This really depends on a lot of factors. How you ride, where you ride, and how far are you going.
How your ride would be if you need a lot of quick power to get around. With two up you can not expect a 250 to be very responsive. It will do the job but at a slower pace.
Where you ride would ask if you live in a hilly area. With two up you will loose your power momentum quicker and highway speeds (50-60mph 80-100kph) with steeper hills will be a challenge.
How far you are going would ask if this is just short two up trips. You and your fiancée comfort level will drop off rather quickly with any length of travel. Short trips are okay but long trips would make both of you sore rather quickly as there isn't the room to move about to change position. I am a similar size as you and there isn't a lot of room behind me for a passenger. I have a sissy bar so if I had an extra person on board it would push me ahead a bit and this would not allow the best control of my bike. I would suggest you go down to a motorcycle dealer and both of you sit on the bike together, for a while, to see what it is like. And think about the controls with you by yourself or both of you on the bike. I have a picture on my wall of a person riding a scooter I think in India with 6 extra kids on board.(yes 6) Common practise there with the slower pace of traffic but here everybody is in a rush so think about how safe you think you would feel also not only for yourself but your better half.
Many thanks. A v star 250 sounds like the perfect thing for the work commute, and back roads traveling that we would do. Once you guys de-thaw north of the boarder, I look forward to seeing more videos. Subscribed.
Runeguy33 Funny about the de-thaw, actually I could have had the bike on the road for the last 2 to 3 weeks as it has been exceptionally warm and the snow has all melted. Completely different from last year.
Haha. You sent it all down our way, friend. :-D
top speed?
Great Vid. very informative.
Thank you
Did you record this in kittitas county?
No this is the Southern British Columbia, Canada. The area is called the Kootenays and is on 7 Mile Dam Road about 9 km south of the city of Trail. Right next to the american border and east of the Waneta Dam.
Steve Coe ahh I see. I just got the motorcycle a week or so. I wanted to ride around Canada, but COVID ):
V star 250 can be enough power to ride 1500km trip?, and the max speed that I can go without overheat the bike?? thanks
jesusmaria jose Hello, I believe that you have enough power to go anywhere you want but it depends on how much weight you have packed up with you, how fast you are going and how steep are your hills. Mainly the more weight you have the less top end and acceleration you have, especially over 80 km/hr
Interesting question on overheating the engine. Not saying it's not there but I haven't yet heard or read of anybody overheating a bike by going at maximum speed unless the engine cooling fins are blocked somehow or it is a racing motorcycle which is at maximum or high RPM for long periods of time. I have ridden 100 to 110 km/hr for periods of time and there seems to be no change in temperature of the engine. The only time I have heard that heating is an issue is when you are idling in traffic for longer periods of time as there is little airflow around the engine to transfer off the heat. Hope this helps with your questions.
hi what back rest and lugage rack are you using
Thank you palmero8877 for your comment
What a great bike. I love that bike.
By the way, can you name the audio tracks that you used in this video? :D
+CXN -- Hey there I will get back to you on that. I didn't notice your comment until just now. The music came from the UA-cam audio library but I will post the names and categories soon.
+CXN Finally here are the audio tracks from my video. As I stated they are from UA-cam Audio library. The First piece of music was Spring in My Step by Silent Partner under the Pop/Happy category. Next was Magic Marker by Silent Partner which is under the Dance & Electronic/Inspirational category. Next Dramatic piece by the dam was called Galactic Damages by Jingle Punks under the category of Cinematic/Dramatic. The last piece of music was called Daisy Dukes also by Silent Partner under the Category of Country & Folk / Dark. Hope that is helpful for you.
Definitely worth slogging through the music for the scenery.
Sorry for the music. Glad you liked the scenery.
@@Timealongtheway Reminds me a lot of my birthplace in Eastern WA. 😊
What windshield do you have?
The windshield I have was one bought from the Yamaha dealer. I think it was called National or something like that. I don't know where they ordered it from. It is a pretty solid unit but I didn't like the chrome band (which most of them have) around the middle as it blocks some view and collects mashed bugs. :)
what's that in the air at 3:40? power lines?
+ItsVersayce Yes those all large balls hanging on the power lines that go across the river and valley. There is an airport a short distance away from the direction I was going.
+Steve Coe oh i thought it was something else... anyway nice bike, also a uniquely fun informative video to watch.
Muito bom !👏👏👏👏
I bet that gets good gas mileage, huh?
+george jordan Yes it gets very good gas mileage. About 2.9 litres per 100 kilometer or about 81 mpg (American). This is good as comparing I found some scooters get even less for a comparable size or even slightly smaller engine.
~243 miles ~300 KM on one full tank.
My brand new 2022 v-star 250 consumes 2.7L gas per 100 km. Probably I am light (170lb). This is a mixture of city roads and suburb back roads. If all is back roads she can run farther.
terrible music you could have used some public domain blues