2010 Star V Star 250

Introduction

To begin with, this baby features a 60-degree V-twin engine despite its 249cc displacement and that is pretty unique in this category. Combine that with the benefits of a low seat height, amazing fit and finish as well as an extremely low starting price and it sure invites to get a closer look at it and even a short spin, of course, on it.

The bike was designed to be extremely nimble so it only weighs 324 lbs wet and it features a low center of gravity. Also, stability around corners is ensured by a 58.7 inches wheelbase, 18-inch front and 15-inch rear wheel, making this small cruiser easy to toss around and confidence inspiring as well.

Although it does a very good job in appearing to be brand new, this bike is actually 21-years-old technologically and visually. Check out the history page and see the 1989 Yamaha Virago 250 for a fairly shocking confirmation. It’s amazing how this bike almost travels in time and manages to be as successful today as it was when it first rolled out the production line 21 years ago.

Yamaha V Star 250 History

Competition

Definitely, the best about the V Star is the 249cc, air-cooled, SOHC, 60-degree V-twin engine with 2 valves per cylinder. Now this is something that you’re not supposed to get in this category, and which powers Star as the incontestable leader of this category, although without offering the best mileage (78 mpg).

Honda sells the 2009 Rebel for an MSRP starting at $3,399, which is quite good, and even qualifies it as the best entry-level cruiser for the buck. That’s simply because the engine behind the affordable Honda cruiser is a 234cc air-cooled parallel twin-cylinder, SOHC; two-valves per cylinder unit. Although not a V-twin and a little bit smaller, this provides similar performances thanks to the 331 lbs wet weight. Mileage though raises a question mark: only 66 mpg?

The 2009 Suzuki GZ250, although considered and sold as a standard bike, features classic styling and even a pair of standard spoked wheels, making it ideal for this comparison. Powered by a fuel-injected 249cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, SOHC engine, the GZ can brag about an outstanding 82 mpg and that says pretty much all about it. The MSRP starts at $3,799.

Exterior

By simply taking a look at the 2010 Star V Star 250 and realizing that this cruiser has been around looking like this for the last twenty years and needing no serious change whatsoever, it’s easy to realize that any other bike in its class is simply a lame attempt to match the unprecedented success.

The great deal about the quarter-liter V Star is that it doesn’t just manage to look like a veritable cruiser, despite the obvious displacement and overall dimensions issues, but goes further than that and features a nice custom touch. Displaying an 18-inch front wheel and raised handlebars, the V Star 250 clearly indicates that the regular cruiser look doesn’t suit it well.

In opposition to the raised handlebars, the seat is positioned only 27 inches from the ground, while the footpegs are mounted way up front. This way, the comfort triangle is successfully achieved and the rest was just a matter of mounting the appropriate units on it. The teardrop tank looks awesome and so are the fenders covering that pair of tires that make the bike look well proportioned and built to be ridden, quite frankly.

The headlight and the signal lights are all rounded up, while the taillight is the rectangular-shaped one from the late 1980s. We appreciate the two-into-two exhaust as well as the beautifully chromed V-twin engine. Like on any veritable old timer, the V Star 250 comes with dual shocks rear suspension and drum rear brake that hits nostalgics straight in the heart.

Apart from the Raven paintjob, the 2010 model year doesn’t distinguish from the 2009 one at all. What, did you expect anything special? Next year maybe.

2008 Yamaha V Star Test Ride

Price

The main reason why Star doesn’t upgrade the V Star 250 is as simple as the bike itself. The money invested in technology such as a fuel-injection system, let’s say, would have to be paid back by the buyer and the whole idea of this bike is simplicity and affordability. So why complicate your life when, as a manufacturer, you can deliver the same carbureted bike for an unbeatable price. In this case we’re talking about an MSRP of $3,990.

Conclusion

Like always before, the V Star 250 manages to provide an accurate impression of what cruising means from the very first ride. This bike is very comfortable, incredibly reliable and has plenty of power and torque to keep on grunting underneath a rider even when this last has long put an end to the first stage of his learning process. That’s what getting the best out of a motorcycle means and with this great mileage it’s very hard to start looking for anything else than a Star when finally deciding to hit the next level.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

Type: 249cc air-cooled, SOHC 60-degree V-twin, 2 valves/cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 49 x 66mm
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Fuel Delivery: Mikuni® 26mm
Ignition: TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
Transmission: 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive: Chain

Chassis and Dimensions

Frame: Steel tube
Suspension/Front: 33mm fork; 5.5-in travel
Suspension/Rear: Dual shocks; adjustable preload,3.9-in travel
Brakes/Front: Hydraulic disc, 282mm
Brakes/Rear: 130mm drum
Tires/Front: 3.00-18
Tires/Rear: 130/90-15
Wheels: Spoke
Length: 86.2 in
Width: 32.1 in
Height: 44.9 in
Seat Height: 27.0 in
Wheelbase: 58.7 in
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gal
Fuel Economy: 78 mpg
Wet Weight: 324 lb

Other

Warranty: 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)

Features & Benefits

Key Features:

Engine:

Chassis/Suspension:

Additional Features: