YAMAHA XVS250 DRAGSTAR (2000 - 2004) Review

Item: YAMAHA XVS250 DRAGSTAR
Rating: 4
Author: MCN Staff

MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)

Owners' rating 3 out of 5 (3/5)

Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star motorcycle review - Side view

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£20
Power:	21 bhp
Seat height:	Low (26.4 in / 670 mm)
Weight:	Low (324 lbs / 147 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

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.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

4 out of 5 (4/5)

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…

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

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.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

5 out of 5 (5/5)

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.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

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

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

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.

Specs
Engine size	249cc
Engine type	4v V-twin, 5 gears
Frame type	Steel double cradle
Fuel capacity	11 litres
Seat height	670mm
Bike weight	147kg
Front suspension	None
Rear suspension	Preload
Front brake	282mm disc
Rear brake	Drum
Front tyre size	80/100 x 18
Rear tyre size	130/90 x 15

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	65 mpg
Annual road tax	£47
Annual service cost	£20
New price	-
Used price	-
Insurance group	7 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	21 bhp
Max torque	15 ft-lb
Top speed	80 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	15.5 secs
Tank range	160 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

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.

Other versions

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.

Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA XVS250 DRAGSTAR (2000 - 2004)

1 owner has reviewed their YAMAHA XVS250 DRAGSTAR (2000 - 2004) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your YAMAHA XVS250 DRAGSTAR (2000 - 2004)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	3 out of 5 (3/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	3 out of 5 (3/5)
Engine:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Value vs rivals:	3 out of 5 (3/5)
Equipment:	3 out of 5 (3/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£20

3 out of 5 Alright for a starter bike, but has its downfalls

26 March 2017 by Cal

Year: 2004

Annual servicing cost: £25

A mechanically decent bike, but falls short when it comes to how it rides. The bike is definitely not for fast roads, as it vibrates quite badly at high revs. It corners decent, and is comfortable on more town rides, but this follows on to another downside for the motorcycle. It has a very grabby clutch, making it difficult to perfect smooth change ups, and at speed can lead to jerky movements, and at low speed makes for a semi-frustrating experience. It's a nice starter bike, but trying to push this bike to its limit will show it doesn't go very far. Going two up on this style of bike with this engine size is also a very uncomfortable experience, and puts the fear of god into your passenger due to the small seat, and the odd angle of it.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

As above, its vibrations, and bouncy way of riding, paired with its grabby clutch, make the ride quite a forgettable experience. Although it doesn't tank badly, or look embarrassing due to its appearance, it still isn't something i enjoyed riding too much.

Engine 4 out of 5

Engine is solid.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Its a stunning looking bike, and is a relatively solid engine, its just the design of it that makes it fall short. It'll last, but remain inconvenient.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Running costs are cheap, and the motorcycle is a nice price for a first time buyer. It will hold its value, and is quite a rare find in motorcycle sales. Due to the small engine it is a cheap service, although i wouldn't chance doing the work myself as there is no main stand for the bike (or even one that can be adapted)

Equipment 3 out of 5

Not much available out there for the bike, but as with any custom, you can make the thing look as awful/awesome as you want. Crash bars, custom seats, tassles(?). But these are more towards the appearance of the bike, and theres nothing out there to help deal with the downsides for the motorcycle

Buying experience: Bought privately for £2000 in 2016 and sold in 2017 for £1900.