Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hello everybody,

I own a Yamaha Vino 125 scooter. I bought it to commute in the city, and has worked perfectly. But I never though it was going to be addictive.

I have taken a safety course and I'm planning on buying a bike. Since I already have factory finance with Yamaha I'm thinking about going with a V star 250 (former Virago 250).

Does anyone has experience with it?. I'll basically use it in the city and sometimes in the highway, up to 100 miles at 70 miles/hour, the most.

It will be my first bike. So I'm not sure if I should get a 250cc, specially for the highway part or maybe should I consider a 650cc. Should I get an used one??? Any advice?

Thanks in advance.

Luis.

For the freeway you would probably find a 650cc cruiser more suitable than the 250cc model. The 250cc cruisers are just about out of steam at freeway speeds. The 650 should be fine for a beginner, doubly so since you already have two-wheeled experience.

Also,

If you have a credit issue and can only get a loan from Yamaha, maybe you should hold off till you can get a used but bigger bike. First bikes normally only hold your interest for one to three seasons at best. So your going to want a bigger bike some time for the highway, especially if you start with a 250.

If you get a loan, you be far from owning it before you want to trade it in. A major loss on your part. That's why I would not let your credit source determine what bike you get and keep in mind, they do not care how tight you are at the end of the month. If it gets repo'd, you won't be getting any bike loans any time soon, from anyone.

Also being your first, you must assume you have a very good chance of dropping it sometime during your first season. So scratches, broken turn signals/levers/shifter and dents are a real possibility.

There are other good bikes out there around 500 to 650 cc but since its your first, buy used . Save your money for the next bike or add on's if you end up keeping it. Just don't put yourself into a financial jam.

I had a 125cc Riva (scooter), and my first MC is a 650cc Vstar. It seemed a little big at first, but now I'm really glad I didn't get the 250. And yeah, buy used if you can. Otherwise, at least get engine guards.

This is not your first ride, so you can go a little bigger. I'd consider a 500cc or so.

Vulcan 500: 400lb, 50HP
Honda VLX 600: 450lb, 40HP
Ninja 250 has the most HP of the 250s, if you really like a light bike, 320lb, 33HP

Vino: 230lb, ~12HP