2020 Yamaha V Star 250

Entrants into motorcycling desiring the sound and feel of a V-twin-powered cruiser might be intimidated by the beefier two-cylindered machines on the market, but Yamaha has a beginner-friendly bike to fulfill that niche. Enter the 2020 Yamaha V Star 250. This cruiser is one of the only 2020 models in the beginner cruiser class to be powered by the 249cc air-cooled V-twin engine. In addition to its smaller displacement, its low 27-inch seat height, light 326 pounds (claimed), and sub-$5K MSRP all round it out to be a beginner-friendly model that most riders can feel confident flat footing at stoplights while still keeping wallets (or the significant other) happy.

When it comes to entry-level cruisers there is Honda’s Rebel 300 that serves as the smaller-displacement competition. Other beginner cruisers include Royal Enfield’s INT650, Indian’s Scout Sixty, and Harley-Davidson’s Street 750.

Yamaha did not announce any major changes for its little retro-styled V-twin, even the price remains unchanged from last year at $4,349. The only available colorway is a simple Metallic Silver.