Any of you considered V-Star/Virago 250?

[Water Warrior 2]

Pete. Just to help the decision process try asking yourself a couple questions. Which one will fill my riding requirements better ? Do I need a bigger tank for less fill ups or greater distance on a ride where gas availability is questionable. Most comfy on a longer ride is a biggy in my books. Which bike will be easiest and cheapest to maintain ? Do you know if there are any accessories available for the bikes and would you need to make your own ?

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Pete7874

I can't even imagine how weak it'd feel if I modified the front sprocket.

Well, you see, it doesn't work like that.

A thumper doesn't really rev up that fast.....but it has good low end torque.
Gearing it so that it can rev higher makes if FEEL puny at the low end.
Gearing it higher makes better use of the low end torque and it FEELS like it has more guts......and you can stay in each gear longer without shifiting.

NOW......once you reach the upper HP limit in top gear, that is where it feels weak.

[Pete7874]

Thanks all.

Ended up with an '06 GZ250 after all, just because I found one that appears to be in good shape. All in all, I do value the better seating position on the Suzuki (vs the Virago), and as many of you pointed out, neither of these bikes is particularly fast, so buying one based on its performance didn't really make much sense.

Looking forward to the riding...

[Water Warrior 2]

Good for you Pete. Saddle bag brackets and a windshield are a bonus. You have a fine start on a mini-touring bike.

[burkbuilds]

Nice looking bike Pete, how many miles?

[Pete7874]

Thanks. 4300 miles.

[Fish Baseball]

good looking bike, seemingly in good condition too! Keep it upright!

[JWR]

I traded my 2002 GZ for a 2006 Virago.

Plus and minus for both bikes.

The Virago will do an honest 80+ mph, and pulls hills without a downshift.

[IceBreaker]

Welcome to the forum....good to see more riders from Chicagoland! I haven't rode a Yamaha V-Star/Virago 250, but rode a Honda Rebel in my Basic rider course. From my experience the Rebel is a very good bike as well for the beginners. Why I chose the GZ over a Rebel...probably because of the looks of a GZ...it looks more like a bigger cruiser than the Rebel or the Virago. I like the bigger wheels and the fender in the front. Both bikes suits me perfectly well in terms of seat height as I'm only 5'6". Rebel feels like it has a bit more torque than the GZ. But the looks of the GZ won the upper hand in my decision! Ride safe! I'm from Des Plaines, near O'Hare airport.

[Pete7874]

Cool! I'm in Addison, so not too far from you.