Yamaha V Star 250 Highway Climb and Simple Mods
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- čas přidán 21. 05. 2015
- A ride from Nancy Greene Lake to Rossland BC over Strawberry Pass. With some information on the bike reaction in 5th gear towards the pass then a list of simple modifications I made to the bike on the other side of Strawberry Pass.To see my website for modifications and accessories purchase point look under the "Modifications and Accessories" menu at sites.google.com/site/kootena...
Quick links to narration:
Simple Modifications start here: 0:08:40 - Auta a dopravní prostředky
These are lovely bikes, I had one for 10 years and it was utterly indestructible! I got back into biking lately after a 10 year gap and I've a bigger bike now, but I find myself thinking about my old 250 a lot.
i downsized from a 650 i4 Suzuki to a virago 250 and i couldn't be happier, tough as nails, excellent mpg, and plenty fast enough.
This is proof that a Yamaha 250 is all you need to see the USA !!! Killer video.
Thank you
I found a 2018 V Star 250 in black nearer to me. 150M one way anyway. 5,094M on it. Real nice, torquey bike. working on getting the muscle memory back after 50 years! But it makes me smile! Was a good thing to spend an old investment on. Keep the shiny side up!
Great information on the XV250. I'm taking one out of storage that I bought on 2001. Its a 1990 "Route 66". The tires and brakes are getting replaced and the gearing is the next step. I'm glad I drained the gas and oiled the cylinders, it fired right up with fresh gas and a new battery.
That was a long time to wait to get out of storage. Glad it runs good hope you have fun, take care.
Good work mate
I like how those who has around 40years like to edit clips and show us little bikers a how to and show accessories to change on motorcycle. BIG RESPECT for you mann. Keep enjoying in your life.
Thank you
I completely enjoy my Yamaha Star 250. Sure, it's not an extremely powerful bike, but ridden properly, it will get the job done. It's light and economical and very dependable. It's really fun to ride. Q
This is the best review I have seen on the Yamaha V STAR 250 to date and I have watched a lot.
Thank you
Thinking about purchasing one of these, after a lot of research I can't find a better all around and economical motorcycle.
It's nice to see your video is still alive and bringing knowledge and joy to us motorcycle jocks.
I really enjoyed your motorcycle journey and felt like I was there with you.
I'm 71 years of age and had been away from bikes for over 20 years.
Well, I just purchased a used 2017 with under 2000 miles in excellent condition.
Will be doing the sprocket upgrade 17-40. I'm at sea-level without hills and think that this will be my first modification.
I'm sure I will be adopting a few more of your mods in the future.
Safe riding and journeys ti to your.
You should have no problems with the sprockets on mostly level land. With what I had it seemed to run and have good power for hills. And the engine didn't seem to be screaming at highway speed. Lots of fun with add ons. Have fun ride safe.
Great to see you make another video, Steve. Glad things have warmed up, up there. Cheers!
Nicely done video. Lots of very useful modifications to make the bike more livable and practical. Good work!
Best review since the invention of the wheel.
The guy at 15:50 passing you on a double line..
The V Star 250 looks like the perfect bike for those who don't want a Harley and those who don't want Sport Bikes. It's a great median that has me wanting one. I have been wanting a bike for years but didn't know what (was looking to a Rebel or vintage Indians but decided against). This video is great to reaffirm my interest and also helpful with simple mods.
They are the perfect bike
Thanks for the vid and commentary Steve. Great country.
Your motorcycle is awesome Steve! Thanks man.
Fantastic video, just what i was looking for. Thank You for this video Sir !
Steve,
I went 17/40 and it bumped my highway speed up to steady cruising between 70-75 mph with no problem. The bike was sold at 21k with no mechanical issues outside of shocks. Paid $600, sold for $1000 two years, 6k later.
If I lived in flater terrain I would have bumped my gearing up more but I found it a balance for me at 17/ 42. And yes these little gems hold there price quite well.
Man, I ride a Buell Blast in the city. This video is just unfair! What beautiful scenery. Perfect for a V-Star.
+J Boy Yes the area where I live called the Kootenays in Southern British Columbia has some of the finest motorcycle routes around. One route along Kootenay lake is about 75 km 60 miles long and the speed limit is 60 km or 40 mph and you have to stay pretty close to that speed as it is a great leisurely cruiser road but has lots of sharp and funny sloped corners and some quick ups and downs.
Hello; I have changed the front sprocket to the 17 tooth, and the rear sprocket I ordered a 38 tooth. Will keep the stock one just in case, there are no hills or mountains where I live.
great vid! so much cool info if you're not a veteran rider...thx for posting-- :D
Very useful information and well presented , top stuff mate !
Thank you
The V star 250 is an odd bike in my opinion, glad to see it getting some appreciation.
Great videos of the bike! Maybe one day ill get one for myself.
Krzysztof Blach Thank you for the comment. These are fun bikes, easy to manage and maintain.
That is one cool bike!
Great video and mods to your virago 250. Your tutorial was very informative and helpful. I currently have a honda shadow 750cc and have ridden a 250 like yours. Seriously considering down sizing. 1
Thank you for your comment
Believe it or not, I purchased a “used” 2005 Virago250 (same thing as the V-Star) in 2016 with only 1100 miles on it (for $1500 or $1600) and did the exact same mods you did! Well almost! My sprocket swap was 17/38 , and I have the floor boards (like your wife’s)? I don’t have the handlebar thermometer but did install slashed drag pipes (with baffles) and re-jetted the carb (had to go two sizes bigger to run right) but it sounds great! The baffles are still installed and I can’t imagine ever removing them because the drag pipes are already pretty loud. My mpg dropped from 72 to 60 due to the pipes and jetting, I have to twist the pet-cock valve (for the reserve 1/2 gallon of gas) at around 100 to 110 miles on the trip meter. Before the pipes I’d be about 20 to 30 miles more before switching to reserve but gas stations are never far apart where I ride so no big deal!
I have a driver’s seat backrest on mine (a guy in Akron, Ohio does “custom” driver’s seat backrests.) He does big bikes and had never done a Virago250 but I shipped him the seat (during the off-season) and he only had it for about a week).
I ride just for shear pleasure! Don’t need it to commute and usually ride an hour on average and yes, I also purchased a seat cushion so we have another thing in common .... sore butts on the stock seats! Even with the padded “tush”, an hour ride is about perfect for me!
Anyhow, thanks for sharing ! I love hearing from fellow “Piglet” riders! (Baby Hogs! LOL!)
WOWj nice bike had a 250 with bull hand bar great for control great on hills just a good bike miss her
Yes I sold mine some years ago now. It was a fun motorcycle.
Nicely done.
Thank you Geri
thank you so mush ! i have one 2014
Thanks! That’s are good advices!
Really liked your video and information. I am shipping myself my 250 Virago to the Philippines and not my Sportser . The 250 will just be a better bike for the island . I like how you have equipped your 250 and I think I will do the same. The sprockets will remain stock because there is just no room for speed.
Wow you must like your bike a lot. I would think that the cost of shipping would be getting up towards the cost of the bike but I don't know your circumstances. If I lived in a country like the Philippines I may have opted for something like the Hyosung GV250 because of the bling factor and it would be easier to put on additions. But I am not saying the Hyosung is a better bike, just something I like about its appearance.
@@stevesplace3290 I can buy a super low mileage Yamaha 250 here for $1000 to $2000 Cdn. I never seen the Hyosung GV250 here yet but I am researching it now. I hope the big fender model is still available because of so much rain. Thanks for info
Informative video. I'm likely gonna change the sprockets on my bike to 17/42 also. I have a 2004 Virago 250. Do you happen to know if the parts are interchangeable and in what capacity? Important ones but also accessories, if I want to add a luggage rack on the back, etc. Can you give me some details on your saddlebags? I REALLY need some but am not super handy that I could bend bars for mounting and such yet like you did.
Usually the parts are the same for the sprockets. I ordered mine through Ebay and it has a year range for sprockets. As for the saddle bags they are Viking bags and usually they come with enough hardware to make due with mounting. I just added some support for mine. And since yours is a 2004 the mounting may be slightly different than mine. The only thing I really had to make was a little piece of flat bar with a 90 degree bend on either end to bolt to the license plate bracket for a signal light holder. Because I had to move the signal lights back to clear the saddle bag mount. Remember also that some of these bags can be just throw over the seat types for easy removal/use.
Thanks for Your help. I purchased a leftover 2012 2 weeks ago and love it. I did swap the front sprocket for a 17 tooth and it makes a world of difference. What windshield do you have on your bike? Doug
The windshield I have was one bought from the Yamaha dealer. I think it was called National or something like that. I don't know where they ordered it from. It is a pretty solid unit but I didn't like the chrome band (which most of them have) around the middle as it blocks some view and collects mashed bugs. :)
NICE!!! Going to your website now. Thanks for the videos!
This is going to be my first motorcycle
So my wife just bought 18 v star 250 n we wana chg sprockets 17 in front and u started with a 42 rear.we live in new mexico in the gateway to mtns is 42 ok did u say u went t0 40? She will mainly ride to work 4miles each way small town ..maybe just a 17 in front only? Any help would be kind thx
I own a 2020 HD with a 114 C.I. engine. I can have as much, if not MORE fun on a 250 cc bike than I do on my huge gizzer glider.
Excellent!
Thank you
Awesome video, extremely informative. Thanks. How hard was the tachometer to install? Got my learner's permit, and getting my license in July after taking the MSF course. This bike is on the top of my list as a first bike. Liked the tachometer, passenger seat back, and saddle bag mods.
The tach wasn't too bad an install. Just make sure you have a tach that works for the V Star ignition which I believe is dual fire. For wiring I spliced into the wires just before they go into the coil terminals. I did that just to have a short distance to the tach. I think what took me the longest was trying to decide where to place the tach so I could see it decently.
Steve Coe Where did u get the tach from? Do u have a link to where u got it?
Adam N I purchased it off of ebay and the link to this product is now not on ebay but there is another one the same from Sam power sport on ebay and it is called "MINI TACH TACHOMETER CHROME FITS YAMAHA W/ CLAMP VTWIN"
Steve Coe awesome, thanks
Super moto.
nice work
Thank you
Steve Coe i am deciding between the 200 Bergman and your 250 ......
Where did you find the add on lights for the headlight and the LEDs for them?
The small bullet lights were bought at Canadian Tire. And then the halogen bulbs were retrofitted with LED bulbs from China. (The wattage on the halogens were way to heavy for the little battery on my bike). Sorry but I do not think that Canadian Tire has these lights anymore. There is a lot of newer style LED that put out a lot of light that are compact on Ebay or Amazon.
What did you have to do to install the Tachometer? I have a V Star 250 and want to do it too.
I'll just give you a basic run down of what you want. Get a hold of a wiring diagram first off.Make sure you get a wiring diagram that matches the wiring color codes of your bike. Most tachometers are wired up similarly. It has a power input, positive and negative, from the battery and a signal wire from #1 cylinder spark plug coil input and a light input. You can tie directly back to your battery for the power input. If you do it this way put a fuse inline. I like to protect my wiring incase it shorts melts and melts all the other wires around if it didn't have a fuse. Next find your driving light circuit, usually easiest in the back of the headlight and tie the light into there. The tach light may also have a need for a separate negative or ground wire. As for the connection to the coil or trigger circuit It is located under the front of the gas tank and would probably be easiest to lift the gas tank to cut into the coil input wire as they come out of the wrapped harness pretty close to the coil or out of the trigger unit.
Hi Steve, I have about 600 miles on my engine. More and more I hear a rattle in the engine when idling. It comes and goes through out the ride. I have heard it is the cam chain and is a normal situation. Your thoughts please. Doug
That is a pretty general question so I can't make much more then a general answer. Is this a new bike or rebuilt engine? With my engine there is some cam noise and other noise but yours could be a lot of different things even noise transfer from some other part. Since it is getting louder I wouldn't go too much farther without checking what is definitely making the noise or you may create problems. Sounds like something coming loose or out of adjustment. Try to find someone with the same motor to compare noise. If yours is really noisy you should try to isolate where the noise is coming from then take it apart and check clearances and adjustments. One simple check you could make before anything is your valves, clearance may change with break in (but I doubt that is it). Valve clearances have changed over the years so make sure your engine has the right specs for that year.
Steve,
Great video. Just picked up a 2015 Vstar 250 for my son who is just starting to ride. Curious about your wife's floorboards. Did you need a specific adapter to mount them on the stock holder?
These floor boards were specific for the Vstar 250. The arm that came down was stock then the portion past the pin was the adapter that came with the floor boards. Just one item on floor boards, if you are not used to them they can seem a bit odd when putting your feet down when coming to a stop. My wife liked them but it took her a bit to get used to them.
@@Timealongtheway Thanks.
Hi Steve, thanks for the great XV250 vids. I have a 2008 XV250 and am interested in specific mods you have on your bike, such as the make/model of your windshield, handlebars, and saddlebags. Any details you care to share would be appreciated. Thanks!
Kamfong Chinho The windshield was a dealer stocked item. I do not remember the make but saw similar models on E-bay. The handlebars are factory items that came with the bike. So if yours is different you could possibly order newer model bars to replace. The saddle bags were bought through Viking Bags online. They have many models and sizes. I believe I had ordered the smaller size for my bike. Hope that helps a little.
I have a website with some extra info sites.google.com/site/kootenayrideloops/
Nice saddlebags. How did you mount saddlebags on your motorcycle? Could you show the hardware?
I took a metal bar roughly 3/4 x 1/8 as long as the back of the saddle bags. Then I drilled it out to bolt onto existing bolts on the fender and frame. I then drilled out the bar to line up existing holes on the saddle bags. I put spacers to move the bags out a bit so they were not right against the wheel.
Very good.
Thank you
When you replaced the sprockets, does the chain use rivets or a chain clip? Could you still use the same chain or did you have to buy a new chain?
This particular gear set did not require a different size chain for my bike. As I went up on the driver 16-17 and down on the driven 45-42 for size and the ratio was sort of similar. But if I went less on the driven I would have had to change my chain size to be able to have the same tightening adjustment as I started with. As for chain lengthening or shortening, it seems to be the norm to rivet the chain. There are removeable master links you can buy but I haven't seen much in the way of dialogue on why we shouldn' t use them. In the industrial plants master links are normally used but possibly there is something I am not aware of on motorcycles. Hope this helps.
what windshield back rest and lugage rack are you using, just got a 2014 my self
I got the combo from the dealership in Canada. I don't know the manufacturer but it was somewhere in USA
what brand tachometer did you use and how do you install?
I bought it on ebay but I don't remember where. It was specifically made to work with the Yamaha VStar 250
It seemed that in a few shots you had a different handlebar on the bike. The bar appeared to be from a pre-2012 Vstar 250 rather than the later dragbar style of the 2012 and later. This was apparent when you showed the thermometer and the clock and also these shots also had the tach located in a different spot. Can you clarify?
That was my wife's 2010 V Star with the different handlebars. I had added a few different shots just for accessories that you can get.
Steve Coe oh ok, thanks for clarifying
Link where you bought the parts. I think these are great and would love to find the parts for my bike!
Hey Logan I have a web page that has some links to where I bought parts at sites.google.com/site/kootenayrideloops/home/modifications-and-accessories
Hope this helps
MC Enterprises floorboards with a heel to toe shifter was a great addition to my 250. So much better for the feet, and easier shifting.
+Tom Loes floorboards are a great added feature.
Concerning the back pressure on the exhaust,
The only reason you'd lose power, is if due to de-restricting the exhaust, the engine will run leaner than it's optimal value.
When losing power due to a freeflow exhaust, all you need to do is up the main jet by 1 to 5 numbers. (eg: 130 to 132 or so, should help).
Rejetting it to have more power, doesn't always mean your MPG will go down.
Only when you're running richer than the optimal 14:1 air/fuel ratio.
Yes I realize that changing jets will improve where the engine runs at optimum but I was trying to get a little more sound out of it without modifying anything, other than drilling holes. On my bike it did seem to improve performance very slightly without changing the spark plug color at all. Though I know it would be slightly leaner. Thanks for your comment.
I'm trying to do the same on a Suzuki S40.
What's your top speed, feet on passenger pegs if possible, and leaning forward?
My Rebel 250 does 87MPH indicated, but I recently learned that it's about 5MPH optimistic there.
Just wondering if the +16cc of the yamaha makes any difference or not?
The Rebel has been running rock solid for hours at Wide Open Throttle, without anything breaking or failing...
+Muranaman ---- I think there are too many variables to compare the two as the engines may be the same size but they are of a different mechanical makeup. Plus mine has different ratio sprockets than stock. The power curves of the Suzuki and Yamaha would be different with each having its best point along the curve. Therefore I don't think you can make a top speed comparison on whether or not it is a few cc's larger.
Yes these bikes are quite reliable and rattle proof.
Have a good ride.
Mine also have a different set of sprockets from stock. Can gain 5MPH easily by just changing the hopelessly undergeared fucker to a normal gearing!
Stock the speedo on my Rebel goes to 83MPH.
Modified to 87MPH.
You can't find many bikes that are closer than a Rebel and V-Star (both 250's).
How do you like the brakes on these? I have heard the bikes are great but the brakes are bad, disk on front and drum in rear. Seems little old way of doing it.
I never had any problems with my brakes for very quick stops but I never had to do an outright emergency stop. So I am not sure how they would respond in that situation. I do not know why they still have drum brakes, may be many factors here. Maybe send Yamaha a email they may respond on why they decided to keep doing it that way. Have a great safe ride.
Those are very good bikes for the money. Hey steve do u recommend 20w50 oil. For the hot summers.
I am not sure how hot your area is. Take a look in the manual as it will give a pretty good idea. I kept what the bike came with oil viscosity all year long but that was probably a little thick for the cold days. A little thicker oil would do better for the real hot areas.
Yes 20W50
Hi, Thank you for this video! Is your V-Star a 2015 model? If so, what is the brand/model of your saddlebags and metal brackets? I am looking for saddlebags (and brackets) for my 2015 V-Star 250, and I have not been successful so far.
Natascha Reich My bike was a 2014 which is probably the same. Saddlebags are from Viking bags in the USA. My bags were the smaller size . I added some made up brackets and spacers to position the bags where I wanted them. But you can probably just use the supplied hardware.
Thank you for your reply! Unfortunately, in my experience, the 2014 and the 2015 model are very different when it comes to measures for accessories...But I will go on searching :)
Have a look at a small Website I made. Look under Modifications. sites.google.com/site/kootenayrideloops/
great looking bike what brand of floorboards are those?
I went back in some info but could not find what brand the floor boards are. I think I bought them on Amazon around 2014. Sorry, but there should be a better selection on Amazon now.
where the heck did you find saddle bags for yours? I've been struggling to find anything for my 2022 vstar
Viking bags, I had to add a bit of custom metal pieces to support them but here is a link. www.vikingbags.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjw_MqgBhAGEiwAnYOAen74WWd8bcgWmX7b4p0LwGPqnkuM_gg58yE99QAk94RH6EitpXU6YxoCW0kQAvD_BwE
for the back rest and rear rack, what make and model did you buy. and did you have to drill any hole?
sonny fire I don't remember the make as I bought them from the Yamaha dealer. Sorry. I didn't have to drill any holes to install these items they fit not to bad either.
thank you for taking the time to answer me
Where did you get your highway bars brother?
Joe Phinney I believe I bought it through Ebay. And that was a while ago so I don't remember a lot of detail. I remember there was different sizes and the one I purchased was made for the V Star 250. I do not remember price and of course that changes anyway. Hope that helps
Is it true it is very small? How do you feel when you have a passenger? How tall are you?
I am 6' 1" tall. If it was two small people doubling up then probably alright but it would not be very comfortable with two bigger people like me. I didn't have any problem riding by myself and the bike didn't seem to small to me.
good informational real life commentary ... I've been thinking about getting a cruiser ...
my ego tells me to get a Harley ... superlow 883 ... but I am new at this ... I mean I owned motorcycles in the past but always enduro type ... never a crusier, and im a little insecure that I would be able to handle it ...
the vstar 250 seems like a really good choice ... not to mention that its priced in about as half as the superlow.
im interested in your opinion ... what do you think its best just get a vstar250 ... or go "big" and get the Harley ...? I see you own 2 vstars so im assuming your very happy with the brand and model.
tks for ur time I hope u can give me some pointers..
Recursos Humanos Wow this is a hard thing to comment on as these bikes are quite different. As you say the status symbol goes along with a Harley. But casting the status symbol aside what are you using the bike for and how much can you afford. As for handling, though the Harley weighs more it is balanced well so shouldn't be a problem to learn the little subtle differences between enduros and cruisers. First off these bikes have two big general differences. One is weight and the other power. I look at things in a frugal easy to manage view. I like the 250 because it is light , nimble and very cheap to run. For me to run a Harley would cost more than my SUV for insurance, where as my 250 is around half that cost of my SUV. Plus fuel is quite a bit cheaper as I get 3.2 L/100 Kilometers where the Harley get (manufacturers specs) 4.6. I find the lightness good for around town as I can move around and park it easily and it doesn't feel like the weight will push me over. (The Harley weights about 255 kilos where the V Star 250 weighs 147). I have found that the 250 surprisingly can hold at top end highway speed pretty good. But with no extra power and suffers on the long steep inclines, as in mountain passes. You also have to plan a little to pass other vehicles at higher speeds. One added point is that though Harley's have come along way in reliability, the V Star 250 (predecessor Virago) has proven to be quite a reliable machine. I could go on and on but I think it breaks down to what you need and want it for. And when the status symbol wears off what do you want to be riding. I hope this helps you in some way. Have a good safe ride. :)
Steve Coe tks Steve ... quite helpful indeed ... have a good one !!!
+Recursos Humanos The best V-twin is a Hyosung DOHV 8 valve EFI 25HP 250cc sadly they dont make anything between 350-500 except a rip off 400cc thumper by yahama. If you indeed have a very esmalla pennies, get the Hog.
@@Timealongtheway These thoughts about status are interesting. I think Yamaha is gaining in status when I see the sell prices listers are choosing. Also I'd speculate a splurged-on Yamaha looses half rather than two-thirds value, compared to Harley. I bet your 250 sips gas, i have a yamaha 250cc in my Morphous, which- is a whole can of plump pink worms. Someone who wants to enjoy status would well served to buy an American Janus, enjoy it in town, and have another highway bike.
Would be nice to see the speedo
Steve I would like to chat with you re: I am 6ft 170lbs... rode lots in my teens - thirties... looking at a V-Star 250 but wonder about my height for this small bike?
First off I don't have any problem riding my 250. I am 6' 1 1/2 inches tall and somewhere around 200 lbs. The bike has a few extras so that adds a little weight also. I don't have any problem with my size for this bike, but others may. If you consider that other bikes like a HD Sportster is almost the same size it doesn't really matter as long as you feel the power is good enough for you to get around.
The Sporty is quite a bit bigger... and is more "top-heavy"...Not just the power. Have you ridden the Sporty?
+NorthWest NW I meant that the sportster is about the same length but a lot more bulk and heavier for that machine.
I am returning to motorcycles after many years. Do feel this vehicle has enough power for interstate passing?
Depending on what type of interstate. If you are going just over 90 kph or 60 mph up you need a bigger engine to be able to give you the extra zip to get by. At those speeds you do not have the power for quick acceleration to protect yourself or pass properly on frenzied freeways. Plus the bike is light and you may get buffeted more. I think a good test is to see if you can try a 250 out on your interstate to get a feel of how much power is left over at higher speeds.
I really want this bike to street ride and back roads. I may have to jump on the interstate for a few exits. WillI be able to do at least 65-70 mph. I am only 155 pounds and don't plan to load up on accessories. Thanks!
I am over 190 lbs and my 250 had a bunch of accessories. I went over a fairly steep mountain pass around 7% grade for long stretches. I was able to maintain 110 kph or 70 mph but I had no extra power to do anything. On the flat you may have a little bit extra but not much. Hopefully this may give you an idea of what it can do.
Where can I buy saddle bags for my 2014 v star 250?
jeremy hernandez The bags I got came from Viking Bags (online). I believe I bought the smaller bags to not look to out of place.
I purchased the stand-off brackets for a Yamaha V-Star 650 (you’ll need stand-off brackets so the bags can’t rub your wheels)
then had to modify them a little which basically meant I put one end in a vise and bent the ends in about an inch so they’d match up with the bolt holes on my fender. This also requires moving the rear turn signals to the license plate location which requires purchasing another license plate bracket made for turn signal mods! I purchased some really cheap hard cased saddle bags (with keyed locks) on Amazon for around $60 The bags are plastic with a little chrome strip running down the side. They also have a small taillight at the back. I believe the bulbs inside the plastic housings are equivalent to an #1157 bulb. #1157’s have two filaments, one for running lights and another for brake lights but I just wired up for the brake lights so I’d be noticed better when slowing down. I then purchased and replaced the filament #1157 bulbs with LED #1157’s that had some type of built-in circuitry in (the base) so they don’t hyper-flash. Hyper-flashing is a common problem if you replace turn signal filament bulbs with LED bulbs, (the flasher “relay” doesn’t recognize the lower voltage correctly and causes the turn signals to flash maybe four or so times faster than they normally would. Of course I was using them for the saddlebag brake lights so didn’t need the “special” built-in circuitry but they were about the same price so why not? The “cheapo” plastic bags actually look really good on my 2006 Virago. They’re not very big but the Virago250 (Yamaha changed the name to V-Star in 2008 (I think). This is a small bike so little bags look perfect and not out of proportion on it. The bags are more “water-resistant” than “waterproof” so put everything in zip-lock bags if you want to keep things dry but hey, $60!
MANYT MANY Good Mod ideas w/o any extra gab and no cursing (ha)
Thank you
They have plenty of power
I am 71 years old miss riding my motorcycles ,Still have my 1963 305 Honda Scrambler ! Not sure if I went to ride it as its would be hard to replace if it got hit ,but so would I !! Been looking at Yamaha Star 250 and 650 . Would like to know what bike would be best for a old fart like me ! To do just like you did here get out in the woods !
Now there is a trade off here. I am not a spring chicken either so when I was going to buy the bike I had to decide how I could handle this bike down the road and what was my intent on riding. I decided on the 250 because as I got older I could handle this bike much easier than a 650 or larger bike. Also I looked at where I was going to be riding it. I really only saw me riding mostly in town or on quiet highways so the 250 was my choice. The bike I really would have liked was the Bolt but it probably wouldn't have worked out well for me in the long run. And I really enjoyed riding my 250. :)
Nice video, nice scenery.
When I lived nearby, used to ride my 900 KZ Kawasaki up and kind of around Mt. San Jacinto in California on weekends. Loved i!
Personally thought the music was a bit loud, had to turn it down, but when you talked, had to turn it back up, besides, I like the sounds of engines, it relaxes me.
Thanks for considering in the future, and thank for taking time to make the video. Still watching...
I am planing the sprocket modification to perhaps 38, as I don't ride hills much, and hope to reduce my Brandon/Biden Gas Mileage.
Thank you for the comment. Sorry for the music inconsistency. This was my first video that was put together like this. I realize now that music can be left aside as everyone's tastes are different. It has been a number of years since I had the bike, but I leave this video up as a lot of people like the Yamaha VStar 250.
Steve, I would like to hear more about your engine guards. That's the size my wife would like.. So far I can't seem to locate them. Thanks G. Stearns.
I will get back to you on that soon just have to dig up my old ebay purchases 😊
Judy Stearns Where I purchased my highway bar doesn't exist anymore but there is a lot of the same item by other sellers just search for "Engine Guard Highway Crash Bar For Yamaha Virago Vstar V-Star XV 125 250 " hope this helps. 😊
My wife watched your video, and asks if you also changed wife's light. 🤣
yeah, really.
why drill both pipes when only one is real?the one that appears to come out of the rear cylinder is a dummy pipe.
Bruce Clark On my system both exhausts are joined inside by a connection piece. Yes the front chrome pipe down to the muffler is a dummy but the head of the mufflers are joined so they are both used.
Steve Coe thank you.it was my understanding from a yamaha salesmen that it was a eye piece only.i was a bit confused.needing a commuter type bike after moving to the ozarks and having a hyabusa on these roads would be a moot point in that a kid with good skills on a 250 ninja would never outrun you,but you would never get him out of your mirrors either.
P.S.very nice looking little bike.never knock a small bore(see C90adventures from Edward March)enjoy your ride and i hope you didn't take my comment as snarky.
Is a carbureted or. injected
+caleb mullins single carburetor
caleb mullins e
They get 80 mpg
You should probably downshift in the steeper slopes.
The whole point was to not downshift to try to give an example of what power there is on the highway with long inclines. Thanks for you comment
viajas sólo o con aconpañante
Yo iba solo. Con un pasajero que ralentizaría mucho más.
If I want to listen to music I would’ve went iTunes
The v star 250 is just a bit too light in my opinion . A 500 and above would be a better cruiser !
Absolutely right, it all depends on what you need. If you are out on the main highways a lot then a bigger bike is most likely a choice for you. As I see it there is a bit of a trade off. Since I did a lot of riding around town and on secondary roads I found the weight of a bigger bike to cumbersome to much of the time so I opted for a smaller nibble bike. If I were to get a bigger bike my next up bike of choice would have been the Honda VT750RS Shadow RS.
@@Timealongtheway Agreed. !