Frequently Asked Questions about the Yamaha V Star 250

The V Star 250 is a great motorcycle for cruising around town and commuting to the office on surface streets. It’s considered a “beginner” motorcycle so there are many common questions about it.

Who makes the V Star line of motorcycles?

Yamaha is the manufacturer of the V Star lineup of motorcycles. They have been making them since the late 1990s but originally began making them as the XV series in 1980s.

How fast is the V Star 250?

The top speed of the stock V Star 250 is 80-85 miles per hour. You may be able to get it going a bit faster with the wind behind you or removing some of the weight off the bike.

Is it chain, belt, or shaft driven?

The V Star 250 is a chain driven motorcycle. Maintenance is required but it is an efficient system.

I’m 5’5”, is this a good bike for me?


The 250 is going to be a great fit for you. The seat height is low at 28 inches, so you should be able to touch the ground at a stop.

I’m 6’2”, how’s the fit?


I’m about 6’2” and the V Star 250 fits me snuggly.

If possible, I’d try to raise the seat height. I think that would help with the angle of your hips and make it a more comfortable ride.

What’s the insurance cost of a V Star 250?

I pay $35 per month for my 2009 V Star. I don’t have any tickets and have taken an MSF course.

I’m in California and have a clean driving record of 15 years.

How long has the V Star 250 been made?

Yamaha has been making the 250 since the 80s. In the late 2000s, they changed the name from Virago 250 to a V Star 250.

It is also called a model XV250.

What kind of battery does it take?

I put an AGM 12V 11AH battery in my V Star 250. I haven’t had any issues with it.

There is no maintenance and has been reliable for the past 6 months.

This is the CalTric AGM battery in my bike.

Can I put 91 octane gas in my V Star 250?

Yes, but it won’t improve how it You’ll be paying more for no gains.

Which carburetor is on the V Star 250?

It has a Mikuni 38mm carb.

Does the V Star 250 have two carbs?

Great question. No, despite being having 2 cylinders, since it is a V Twin, the single carb feeds both cylinders.

The carburetor is located between the cylinders underneath the gas tank.

Which spark plugs go on the V Star 250?

I use NGK C6HSA spark plugs as recommended in the Yamaha service manual. I change them every 5,000 miles.

Can you put LED turn signals on it?

Yes, but you will need to replace the flasher for an LED Flasher and install a diode kit.

Here are the videos you’ll need to make the upgrade.

Installing the LED Flasher

Next you’ll need to install the diode kit.

Diode Kit install

These two steps will fix the flashing turn signals on your bike.

Conclusion

These are just some of the frequent questions I hear about the V Star 250. They are all great questions. This is going to be Part 1 in a series of covering the common information on the V Star 250.