Virago 250 or 650

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surf2jim · #1 Unread post by **surf2jim** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:39 pm

Am thinking about getting my first bike. After reading through a review on the V-star 650 and the XV250 have a couple of questions.

Is the XV250 too small for a 6 foot guy to comfortably ride?

Is the V-star 650 too big for a beginner?

Have very limited riding experience on mates farms and dirt bikes, very laid back rider, just wanting a cruiser.

Any other suggestions you think I should consider?

Thanks, Jim

jack30021 · Mon Jul 10, 2006 11:00 pm

Get the 650. You will most likely out grow the 250 (lack of power). But, it depends on the type of riding you do. I ride to work on my VStar 650 every day, great ride.

surf2jim · #3 Unread post by **surf2jim** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 11:28 pm

Cheers Jack

#4 Unread post by **bok** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 2:44 am

the 650 isn't too big to start on.
the 250 may be absolutely comfortable for you.

suggestions as to bikes or suggestions in general?

for bikes you could probably consider a 750 or 800cc cruiser type since that is what you are looking at.

riding on the street isn't the same as bombing around on the farm though, so i would suggest some form of motorcycle training Basic Rider Course to help teach you some collision avoidance techniques and such.

also buy some good gear, and take it easy out there when you are learning.

Sabredude · #5 Unread post by **Sabredude** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 5:25 am

Surf2jim get the 650. I started my 15 year old son on the 250 simply because it was the largest bike he could ride by law. The 250 was O.K. but after a while you'll want more power. I traded the 250 in on a 650 now that he is almost 18. Now I've upgrade again to a 03 Sabre. We kept the 650 though and that's what he rides. The 650 is definitely not to big to get started on. Also from a maintenance stand point, we were constantly tightening the chain on the 250, 650 is shaft driven, very nice. This is just my experience, you must get what best fits and suits your needs. Come back and let us know what you decided.
Mike

BAJACRUISER · Sun Jul 23, 2006 1:26 pm

surf2jim wrote: Any other suggestions you think I should consider?

Check and test the Suzuki Boulevard M50, is a little bit expensive than the virago 650, but it worths.....

I was like you, and after see the options that I can afford, I decided for the M50.....

jstark47 · #7 Unread post by **jstark47** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 2:33 pm

Go to the Blogs section of the forum and check out the blog of member "Blues2Cruise" from Vancouver. She started out on (and still rides) a VStar 650. You can read the story at the beginning of her blog, and I'm sure she'd be happy to respond to questions.

I'm sure you'd be fine on a VStar 650. I've sat on a Virago 250 before, and it seemed pretty compact....(I'm 6'1").

Sun Jul 23, 2006 2:45 pm

Thanks jstark. Yes, I would be happy to answer any questions I could.

I had never ridden a bike before and I felt like the Virago 250 was too small for a tall person so I bought the 650 V-Star. As a middle aged woman just learning I found it to be quite manageable.

Randy · #9 Unread post by **Randy** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 5:49 pm

get a 650 just about anything in the 600 to 750 range. Take it easy and have fun.

I don't think you will feel like a 750 is way to much bike.

Innerdichotomy · Sat Aug 05, 2006 6:09 am

I learned on a '89 Virago 535 without any problems. The V-Star 650 replaced Yamaha's 535 Virago line so they're fairly similar, obviously the 650 has a little more power but if you're careful I don't think you should have a problem with it. I really liked that bike, the engine was a little finicky, but it was great for cruising and could get like 60+ mpg. Good luck whichever you choose!

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