Virago XV

What to Look for When Buying a Used Yamaha V Star 250 Motorcycle

Nov 2, 2023 — by Greg in XV250

Shopping for a motorcycle is an exciting time. I’ve bought 3 Yamaha V Stars and Viragos in the past year. Let’s go over what I look for when shopping for this motorcycle.

General Checklist

Overall Condition of the Motorcycle

Start by stepping back and taking in the entire bike. Look for obvious damage, missing parts, or signs of neglect. Don’t just focus on the shiny chrome or fresh wax — look underneath for hidden issues.

If you’re not familiar with how the V Star 250 should look in stock condition, bring a printed reference photo or pull one up on your phone. This helps you spot non-original parts or modifications more easily.

Ask the seller about any visible changes. Custom touches can add personality, but cheap or poorly installed mods often signal shortcuts or past damage. On beginner-friendly bikes like the V Star 250, aftermarket parts can mean the bike’s been dropped.

Check underneath for any oil spots, fuel drips, or coolant leaks. Fluids on the ground are red flags that could point to bigger problems.

Finally, write down anything that seems off. These notes become negotiation points later — especially if the seller didn’t mention them upfront.

Odometer

The odometer shows how many miles the motorcycle has traveled — a key indicator of engine wear and overall use.

On a Yamaha V Star or Virago 250, the odometer is a mechanical dial located in the center of the speedometer. It typically features 6 digits, with the far-right number showing tenths of a mile.

For example, if the odometer reads 002344, that translates to 234.4 miles. It’s a simple but important detail, especially when confirming low-mileage claims.

Note that some older motorcycles, like vintage BMWs, may not include the tenth-mile digit — so be aware when comparing across brands.

Battery / Does it run or start?

The battery is the heart of your motorcycle’s electrical system — and it’s one of the most common causes of a no-start condition.

If the bike has been sitting and isn’t on a battery tender, you may hear a click, a series of clicks, or nothing at all when trying to start it. That’s a likely sign of a dead battery.

But a dead battery might just be the tip of the iceberg. On a V Star 250, a drained battery often comes with gummed-up carburetors from sitting too long.

If the seller can’t start the bike, you’re in a strong position to negotiate. Don’t be swayed by the common “just needs a carb clean and new battery” excuse. If it were truly that simple, they would’ve done it to raise the asking price.

Assume you’ll need to do the work — and adjust your offer accordingly.

Paint

Paint fades over time — especially when a motorcycle is left uncovered and exposed to the elements. Faded paint is often a sign the bike lived outdoors.

A poor-quality respray may be hiding damage, or simply the result of an inexperienced owner trying to refresh the look. Either way, both are valid reasons to negotiate a lower price.

If you're planning a restoration, don’t worry too much about the paint — you’ll likely want to repaint it anyway.

The Yamaha V Star 250 came in classic cruiser colorways:

Exotic colors (like white, teal, or matte finishes) aren’t stock. They could be a sign of a custom build — or a poor attempt at hiding damage. Ask questions if the paint doesn't match factory options.

Tires

Tires are your only contact point with the road — and old or damaged ones are a safety hazard. If a tire fails while riding, it could be catastrophic.

Check the age, condition, and tread depth of the tires. Age is the biggest concern. Rubber hardens over time, even if the tread looks brand new.

A good rule of thumb: don’t ride on tires more than 5 years old, even if they look “like new.” They might get you home, but they’re not reliable long term.

Look at the sidewall for a 4-digit date code. It’s stamped as the week and year of manufacture. For example:

On a 2009 Yamaha V Star 250, tires stamped “3908” are likely original — meaning they’re 15+ years old and absolutely need replacing.

Even if the tire is under 5 years old, check for:

Plan to budget around $300 for tires, inner tubes, and installation labor if replacement is needed.

Exhaust Pipes

The stock exhaust on the V Star 250 delivers a nice, mid-pitch sound. If it sounds louder or deeper — especially with a low rumble — the exhaust system may have been modified.

This could mean aftermarket pipes or stock pipes with the baffles removed. Some riders do this for sound, but it’s important to consider local laws. For example, in California, excessively loud pipes could earn you a ticket.

Ask the seller if they still have the original exhaust system. Swapping back to stock is often preferred for noise compliance or resale.

Note: Slip-on exhausts are not common on the V Star 250. In fact, they’re rare — most mods involve full pipe swaps or baffle alterations.

Now that the basics are covered, let’s move into components that directly impact safety and your future maintenance budget.

Brake Fluid

Speed is exhilarating, but stopping safely is just as important. Brake fluid is a small but critical part of that system.

On the V Star 250, the front brake fluid reservoir (the master cylinder) is located on the right handlebar. It’s a cube-shaped casing with a small circular sight glass for inspection.

The fluid inside should appear clear or light yellow. If it’s brown or black, it’s old and needs to be replaced.

Fresh brake fluid ensures strong, predictable braking. It’s an easy job and costs under $15 — cheap insurance for your safety.

Brake Pads

The front brake pads do most of the stopping on the V Star 250. The rear brake is a drum, which tends to last much longer and typically requires less attention.

You can visually inspect the front pads without disassembly — just look at them from the top of the caliper. If there’s plenty of material left, you're likely good.

But if you’re unsure, or if you plan on riding aggressively or commuting daily, it’s worth replacing them. Front brake pads are affordable and contribute heavily to your safety.

Sprockets

The sprockets are key components of the drivetrain. On a V Star 250, you’ll find both a front and rear sprocket, connected by a chain. While the front sprocket is hidden behind a cover, the rear sprocket is exposed as part of the rear wheel assembly.

Rear Sprocket Condition

The teeth should look like uniform mountains. If they appear slanted or look like shark teeth, they’re worn out and need to be replaced.

Sprockets typically last between 10,000 to 20,000 miles, depending on riding habits and maintenance.

Ask the seller if the sprockets were replaced, and if so, get the specs. The stock configuration for the V Star 250 is 17 teeth (17T) on the front and 45 teeth (45T) on the rear.

We’ll cover how sprocket sizes affect performance in a future article.

Chain

The chain transmits power from the engine to the rear wheel — without it, the bike won’t move. A rusty, dry, or overly slack chain is a red flag and can quickly wear out your sprockets.

Rust typically means the motorcycle has been stored outdoors or in damp conditions. At that point, it’s better to replace the chain rather than attempt cleaning — the internal O-rings are likely brittle or cracked.

Slack (too much up-and-down play) suggests the chain is stretched, which is a natural result of wear. Poor installation is another possibility — especially if the rear axle isn’t aligned properly, or the chain wasn't tensioned to factory specs.

The stock chain size is a 520 chain with 114 links. JT is a reliable brand known for quality chains, and they even offer different color options for styling.

Hoses and Rubber

Over time, rubber components like fuel and air hoses dry out and begin to crack. Exposure to the elements speeds this up, so outdoor-stored bikes are more likely to have brittle hoses.

Cracked hoses can lead to leaks. While gas leaks are an obvious safety concern, air leaks can be just as problematic. They can cause the engine to run lean, which could lead to overheating or internal damage.

Inspect rubber fittings like the intake boot under the carburetor. If it's cracking or hardened, plan to replace it along with the hoses.

Rust

Rust is common on project bikes — especially in the gas tank. When gasoline sits too long, it breaks down and allows water to form rust inside the tank.

Thankfully, surface rust in a gas tank can be cleaned. Several methods involve chemical treatments and sealers to stop future corrosion. White vinegar is a popular DIY method, while products like EvapoRust offer faster results.

Check the rest of the bike for rust, especially where paint has chipped away. Surface rust on chrome or exposed steel can often be cleaned with #0000 steel wool.

What you need to avoid is structural rust on the motorcycle frame. Deep rust on load-bearing areas can compromise safety and should be considered a dealbreaker.

Conclusion

Use this checklist and your eyes to judge condition and negotiate. Don't ignore red flags, and always ask questions. Good luck finding your V Star 250!