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Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star motorcycle review - Side view

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Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star (2000-2004)

Detail	Value
Used price range	View Yamaha XVS250 DRAGSTAR bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	249cc
Power	21bhp
Top speed	80mph
Insurance group	7

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

MCN overall verdict

When the XV250S Virago was discontinued, the new Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star replaced it. They’re very similar and that’s good news for owners: the long-running Virago branch of the Yamaha family has a great reputation. The little Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star is just as good and, if your heart’s set on a smaller capacity cruiser, you’ll find it hard to beat.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Taken from the 250cc Virago and tweaked to adhere to new emissions controls, it’s a proven air-cooled, V-twin, four stroke number which, whilst lacking welly at the top end, has enough poke to see you around town with ease. Cruising twisty roads is fun on the Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star. Very reliable.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star's handling is quite a surprise: far better than you’d expect. Suspension, brakes and gearbox are all good and, overall, the Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star's riding package is stable, easy going and relaxed. There’s no protection though so long treks on motorways are out. Great leverage on those bars means town work’s a doddle although that seat’s a bit low for a good view…

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star is a big machine for a 250, it looks right at home in any cruiser line up. The “dash” is a tank-mounted analogue speedo with lights and trips: pretty basic but it looks smart. Pillions aren’t well catered for on the Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star: a small perch and only a strap to hang on to. Chrome pipes, wire spoked wheels and wide mirrors are all good and the Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star's seat’s so low, anybody can ride it.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Unquestionable. Yamaha’s cruisers have a reputation for being mechanically reliable and very well built and the Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star is no exception. Chrome and paintwork are superb and Yamaha XVS250 Drag Stars tend to stay that way. Finish is excellent and Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star parts are easy to come by. Buy a lot of polish though; you’ll need it.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

It was reasonably priced from the outset plus the Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star has the advantages of low insurance costs, high miles per gallon figures and accessible parts. Used Yamaha XVS250 Drag Stars are unlikely to have been thrashed and many will boast “one lady owner” as they’re very popular with women. They last well which makes a Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star a trusty second hand buy. Find a Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star for sale

Insurance group: 7

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2000: Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star launched to replace the 250cc Virago which no longer met emissions laws. Very similar spec but there are cosmetic changes and the DragStar weighs around 10kg more. Minor changes only until Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star was discontinued in 2004.

Yamaha XVS125 Dragstar: Took over from the Yamaha XV125S Virago in 2000 and has the same (but re-worked) engine. Like all Viragos and DragStars, very well built and finished. Weighs 135kg, power and torque are 13bhp and 7ftlb. Discontinued in 2004.

Specifications

Top speed	80mph
1/4-mile acceleration	15.5 secs
Power	21bhp
Torque	15ftlb
Weight	147kg
Seat height	670mm
Fuel capacity	11 litres
Average fuel consumption	65mpg
Tank range	160 miles
Insurance group	7

Engine size	249cc
Engine specification	4v V-twin, 5 gears
Frame	Steel double cradle
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	282mm disc
Rear brake	Drum
Front tyre size	80/100 x 18
Rear tyre size	130/90 x 15