2022 Yamaha V Star 250 Buyer’s Guide [Specs, Price, and Photos]

If you’re looking for a retro cruiser, you find anything more authentic than the 2022 Yamaha V Star 250. The air-cooled V-twin is fed by a 26mm Mikuni carburetor that relies on a petcock, the rear brake is a drum (no ABS to be found), there are two shocks, and the final drive is via chain—features that have all but disappeared from 21st-century cruisers. The motorcycle is not substantially changed from the Virago 250 introduced in 1988.

2022 Yamaha V Star 250 Buyer's Guide: Price and MSRP

Despite the age of the design, this small-displacement cruiser is still a credible motorcycle for new riders. It weighs just 326 pounds with the 2.5-gallon fuel tank topped off with regular, and the seat height is a pavement-hugging 27 inches. The long-stroke twin puts out good torque off idle. This makes the motorcycle incredibly agile, and hard to beat for new riders or experienced riders wanting a stylish ride in heavily trafficked urban areas. It will even do battle on big city freeways for short hops.

2022 Yamaha V Star 250 Buyer's Guide: For Sale and Specs

The suspension is rudimentary, yet fully sorted out. Handling is far better than you might expect, and the budget-minded Cheng Shin tires are more than up to the task of nearly 20 horsepower than little mill produces. While the ergonomics are compact, they are comfortable for a broad range of rider sizes.

With a price tag well under $5k, the 2022 Yamaha V Star 250 is reliable and retro-stylish transportation that gets an estimated 78 mpg. It’s almost a bonus that it is enjoyable to ride.

We have tested the Yamaha V Star 250

2022 Yamaha V Star 250 Specifications

ENGINE

  • Type: 60-degree V-twin
  • Displacement: 249cc (15ci)
  • Bore x stroke: 49 x 66mm
  • Compression ratio: 10.0:1
  • Valvetrain: SOHC, 2 vpc
  • Fueling: Mikuni 26mm carburetor
  • Cooling: Air
  • Transmission: 5-speed
  • Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS

  • Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 33mm fork; 5.5 inches
  • Rear suspension; travel: Spring-preload adjustable shocks; 3.9 inches
  • Tires: Cheng Shin
  • Front tire: 3.00 x 18
  • Rear tire: 130/90 x 15
  • Front brake: 282mm disc
  • Rear brake: 130mm drum

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES

  • Wheelbase: 58.7 inches
  • Rake: 32 degrees
  • Trail: 4.7 inches
  • Seat height: 27.0 inches
  • Fuel capacity: 2.5 gallons
  • Estimated fuel economy: 78 mpg
  • Wet weight: 326 pounds
  • Color: Raven

2022 Yamaha V Star 250 Price: $4599 MSRP

2022 Yamaha V Star 250 Photo Gallery