YAMAHA XVS250 DRAGSTAR (2000 - 2004) Review

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.

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…

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.

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.

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

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.