Companies can spend big bucks developing a proper retro bike. The 2018 Yamaha V Star 250 earns its retro badge the honest way—it is barely changed since its debut nearly 30 years ago.
Sure, the name has changed—it has been a Yamaha Route 66, Yamaha Virago 250, and Star V Star 250—but the same basic motorcycle continues.
As it turns out, that’s not a problem, as it is still a fun motorcycle to ride for a variety of reasons. The long-stroke V-twin puts out good torque for its size, and the 326-pound wet weight helps make the most of the power.
The seat height is just 326 pounds, while Luddites will love the 26mm Mikuni carburetor, air-cooled motor with two-valve heads, and rear drum brake.
There’s a nice amount of chrome, and the V Star 250 still has wire-spoked wheels—they aren’t an affectation. Needless to say, the price is also refreshingly retro and thrifty riders will celebrate the claimed 78 mpg fuel consumption.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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