2002 Yamaha Virago 250 Review

Years Available: 1981-2007

Pros: Great looks and a good kick out of her when above 250cc

Cons: Early models has starter problems. Cornering can be tricky if your taller than average

Note: The writer of this review earned $15, and so can you. Details about writing a review here.

Price Range: $700-$1,500 (Depends on year of bike)

In 1981, the Yamaha Virago was introduced to the world. It graced the headlines of biker magazines and newspapers when journalists grappled to see the first ever V-Twin motorcycle produced by a Japanese company. The bike is a cruiser style motorcycle, which were and still are extremely popular among bikers.

The bike has a slung back design with handlebars right up on the tank and the seat curving downwards right behind that grumbling engine. This gives the rider a laid back look with legs slightly bent, knees up by the gas tank. Viragos come in almost any colour depending on what production year you go for. Popular choices include black, red and turquoise. The Virago is deserving of strong, bold colors that make it stand out from the other cruisers of the era. Chrome only ads to the effect, with many featuring a double-barrel exhaust pipe and a shiny pair of headlights.

The engine too, is also a glistening dream to look at and hear. Initial models were only made with a 750cc engine. However when Harley Davidson pushed for tariffs on any imported bikes over 700cc, Yamaha dropped the engine capacity to 699cc. The fact that the Virago was making Harley-Davidson, the most famous motorcycle producer in the world, worry, is a testament to the Viragos appeal and success throughout the years. Nowadays, viragos can be found in almost any engine size from 125cc right up to 1100cc. However I’d suggest starting off with something on the bigger side of 250cc to really get that grumble from the V-Twin, not to mention the lack of power the 125cc has if your in anyway offensive to a set of weighing scales or in windy conditions.

The riding experience on a Virago is exceptional, especially one from the late 80s early 90s (anything before ’85 and you may have starter problems). It’s comfortable over long journeys especially for a pillion passenger with that great sissy bar to lean back on. Turning is good so long as your under 6’2”. One final thing that I’d like to add about the Virago is that she’s a great workhorse (the word Virago literally means warrior – they got that right!). I’ve put carrier bags loaded with tonnes of stuff and she just gobbled up the road in front like they weren’t even there.

All things considered this is a great bike especially for learners looking to take that first step into motorcycling. Parts are easy to find on the rare occasion anything goes wrong with her. Viragos are also easily customizable with dozens of websites and companies selling aftermarket lights, mirrors, seats and tanks. The final bike to roll of the production line carrying the Virago name was the 250cc 2007 model. However, fear not! The model was simply renamed V-Star for the 2008 onwards production.

The opinions and observations stated  are solely of the writer of this article. Seattle-Motorcycles.com makes no warranty as to its accuracy; if you’re interested in a Yamaha Virago you should do your own research before buying.

The fellas at whybike.com have written an article giving tips about buying your next bike at an auction. You can get a truly great deal IF you know what to look for and what to avoid.

Attend the pre-sale to go over the bike very well. Bikes sold at auction are as-is with zero refunds, and if you don’t know enough about motorcycles or what to look for, that price you pay could just be a down payment with further payments to be made to the mechanic to fix what was wrong.

Also, don’t forget that buyers usually have to pay a premium commision – usually 5% to 10% over the ‘hammer price’ – what the final bid is – that you need to figure for in your final price.

In my travels through the internet tubes, I came across my dream gig: a licensed motorcycle shop / coffee joint. Although it’s in San Francisco, MotoJava is the spot where my other self must be working.

I asked the co-owner of MotoJava this important question, and his reply follows:

Q: What’s the biggest tip you could give folks to keep their ride in the best condition?

MotoJava: Tire pressure and oil level. I know these seem too basic to be considered something to do to keep it in good shape, but you’d be amazed how often bikes arrive here with 14 lbs of pressure in the tires. We’ve also seen several bikes with motors that died an early death from running low on oil.

Next on my list would be oil changes ever 3k miles or at *least* once a year. Another thing that most people don’t think about is that bikes like to be ridden on a regular basis, oh and they hate to live outside in SF weather. If a bike has to live outside, it should at least be covered at night. This will help keep people from messing with it too.