Yamaha V Star 250 specifications, dimensions and price
Yamaha · Cruiser
Yamaha V Star 250
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2026 |
| Class | Cruiser |
| Engine | 15-cubic-inch (249cc) air-cooled, SOHC 60° V-twin, 2 valves |
| Displacement | 249cc |
| Bore x stroke | 49.0x66.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel system | Mikuni® 26mm carburetor |
| Transmission | 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Front suspension | 33mm fork |
| Front suspension travel | 5.5 in |
| Rear suspension | Dual shocks, adjustable preload |
| Rear suspension travel | 3.9 in |
| Front brake | Hydraulic disc, 282mm |
| Rear brake | 130mm drum |
| Front tire | 3.00-18 CHENG SHIN C-916 |
| Seat height | 27.0 in |
| Wet weight | 324 lb |
| Wheelbase | 58.7 in |
| Rake (caster angle) | 32.0° |
| Trail | 4.7 in |
| Fuel capacity | 2.5 gal / CA model 2.4 gal |
| Ground clearance | 5.7 in |
| Fuel economy (estimated) | 78 mpg |
| Ignition | TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition |
| Length x width x height | 86.2x28.0x41.7 in |
| Starting MSRP | $4,799 |
| Destination charge | $650 |
Total Motorcycle says the V-Star 250 welcomes novice riders with manageable power, a smooth-shifting five-speed transmission, light clutch pull and a low 685 mm (27-inch) seat. The reviewer calls the 249cc V-twin a perfect powerplant for new riders who want an authentic V-twin feeling, and says the most intriguing reason to look at it is that authentic V-twin, meaning full-size rumble and styling in an easy, lightweight bike.
What the small size means
At 324 lb wet the V-Star 250 is light for a cruiser, and the 27 in seat lets most riders put both feet flat. Assess the V-Star 250 against the intended route, load and operating conditions.
A 249cc displacement alone does not establish a safe cruising speed or suitability for every road. Its air-cooled engine keeps maintenance cheap, which is a real advantage for a new rider on a budget.
Against the Rebel 300 and Eliminator
Honda's Rebel 300 is the direct rival, and Kawasaki's Eliminator is a newer, faster alternative. The V-Star's differentiator is the V-twin engine, which neither of them has.
Because the engine is a real V-twin with a long stroke, it feels different from the parallel-twin and single-cylinder learner bikes: the delivery is lazy and torquey in low gears rather than peaky, which is forgiving for a rider still learning clutch control. Check the fit by sitting on it, since a 27 in seat suits shorter riders best.
The V-Star 250 suits a novice or a smaller rider who wants a cruiser's look, a low seat and cheap upkeep.
A rider who plans to travel on highways should look at a larger bike.
V-Star 250 against the Rebel 300 and Eliminator
Honda's Rebel 300 and Kawasaki's Eliminator are the closest small cruisers.
Yamaha V Star 250 — specification referenceThe V-Star 250 is Yamaha's small V-twin cruiser for new riders, with a light clutch, five-speed gearbox and 27-inch seat. Total Motorcycle calls it the only V-twin in its class, and Yamaha asks $4,799.
Its 2026 page says the V Star 250 is the only V-twin in its class, with smooth, torquey and controllable power, and describes an air-cooled 249cc 60-degree V-twin with a long 66 mm stroke that produces plenty of bottom-end torque and smooth roll-on power. Motoryk lists low maintenance costs, no coolant system and a simple reliable engine well suited to beginners.
At 324 lb wet the V-Star 250 is light for a cruiser, and the 27 in seat lets most riders put both feet flat. It is a learner bike and a commuter, not a highway tourer, because a 249cc engine runs out of breath at freeway speeds. Its air-cooled engine keeps maintenance cheap, which is a real advantage for a new rider on a budget.
Total Motorcycle says it welcomes novice riders with manageable power, a smooth five-speed gearbox, a light clutch pull and a 27-inch seat.
Yes. Total Motorcycle says it is the only V-twin in its class, an air-cooled 249cc 60-degree engine with a long 66 mm stroke.
Motoryk lists low maintenance costs and no coolant system, because the 249cc V-twin is air-cooled, which suits beginner riders on a budget.
Other models in this reference: Yamaha WR125R, Yamaha TW200, Yamaha WR250F.