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Yamaha XV1900 motorcycle review - Riding

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Yamaha XV250S Virago (1995-2001)

Detail	Value
Used price range	View Yamaha XV250 VIRAGO bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	248cc
Power	21bhp
Top speed	80mph
Insurance group	6

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

The Yamaha XV250S Virago is a trusty, reliable and easy to ride option on which to hone your biking skills. If you fancy a big cruiser later on, the Yamaha XV250S Virago is a great place to start: it’s got the looks and appears bigger than a 250, so you won’t feel left out down at the Ace. The Yamaha XV250S Virago's engine’s peachy and it doesn’t suffer the wallow and bad handling many associate with cruisers.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The surprisingly torquey engine has been running these little Yamaha XV250S Viragos far longer than the bikes have been available in the UK. Great for cruising in the midrange, it has to be revved harder to stay at the top end. Gentler riding on A and B roads is where the Yamaha XV250S Virago is most at home and there’s more go in it than you’d think. Long treks on motorways are probably best avoided.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Yamaha XV250S Virago's riding position is traditionally cruiser: (very) low seat, high bars and forward pegs. Suspension’s quite hard at the rear, softer up front and, overall, handling’s great. The Yamaha XV250S Virago’s light weight makes for easy steering but get carried away and the pegs touch down early. Brakes are good and the ride is smooth.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Yamaha XV250S Virago's plush rider’s seat doesn’t extend to the pillion: it’s a tiny perch and uncomfortable. The dash is simple, with analogue speedo and traditional trip but no rev counter. Mirrors are good but the headlight is quite poor and there’s no storage space under the seat. Tyres can let it down and stability in the wet’s not much to write home about. Looks-wise, the Yamaha XV250S Virago is a stylish package.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Mechanically sound, the Yamaha XV250S Virago’s got that proven engine. As for the finish, it’s universally regarded as top notch: well put together, plenty of shiny chrome and excellent paintwork. Many Yamaha XV250S Viragos are used as commuters and they still seem to survive pretty well, despite harsh winters. They certainly need polishing, though.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Very good. The Yamaha XV250S Virago is on a par with its erstwhile rival, the Honda CMX250C Rebel and their used prices are similar, too. The main differences are in the styling and, whilst the Yamaha XV250S Virago boasts a V-twin, the Honda’s a parallel number. The choice is yours. Insurance and running costs bode well for the Yamaha: it’s a popular, budget choice for learners, new riders and commuters. Find a Yamaha XV250 Virago for sale

Insurance group: 6

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1995: Yamaha XV250S Virago launched as a custom cruiser; a baby brother for larger Viragos: the highly-regarded XV535, the XV750 and the XV1100 (all now discontinued). Colour changes only until 2001, when it was replaced by the XVS250 Dragstar, which uses the same engine. Something to do with emissions laws…

None.

Specifications

Top speed	80mph
1/4-mile acceleration	16 secs
Power	21bhp
Torque	15ftlb
Weight	139kg
Seat height	685mm
Fuel capacity	9.5 litres
Average fuel consumption	65mpg
Tank range	136 miles
Insurance group	6

Engine size	248cc
Engine specification	4v V-twin, 5 gears
Frame	Steel double cradle
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	267mm disc
Rear brake	130mm drum
Front tyre size	3.00 x 18
Rear tyre size	130/90 x 15

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Owners' Overall Rating (1 review)

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Xv250 Virago

fossil

Average rating

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Overall
Ride and Handling
Equipment
Quality and Reliabilty
Value
Engine

Only borrowed one from a friend for a week whilst my 750 Kawasaki was off the road, so not really a proper review. Suprisingly I enjoyed riding this just for the fun factor, build quality looks really good and the engine felt very torquey for a 250.

18 September 2008