Market Segment:
Entry-level to mid-range cruiser motorcycle market.
Target Audience:
New riders, riders seeking a reliable and stylish cruiser with manageable power.
Key Competitors:
Honda Shadow 500, Kawasaki Vulcan 500, Suzuki Intruder 700 (in broader cc range, but direct competitors in styling and use).
Design Philosophy:
Classic cruiser styling with a focus on usability and affordability.
Engine Configuration:
Compact, air-cooled V-twin engine, a hallmark of the Virago line.
Engine System:
Full coverage including disassembly, inspection, assembly, troubleshooting, and specifications for the V-twin engine.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Mikuni VM series) tuning, cleaning, overhaul, and specifications.
Ignition System:
CDI ignition system diagnosis, component testing, and timing specifications.
Transmission System:
5-speed transmission operation, internal components, clutch service, and lubrication.
Braking System:
Front disc and rear drum brake system maintenance, fluid replacement, caliper/master cylinder overhaul.
Suspension System:
Front telescopic forks and rear twin shock absorber maintenance, oil levels, and adjustments.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing (lights, starter, charging system), battery maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Cooling System:
Air-cooled engine specifications and maintenance.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal/installation, seat, fuel tank, and fender service.
Wheel And Tire:
Tire pressure recommendations, wheel bearing service, and spoke tension checks.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, chain adjustment, brake adjustments, and general inspection procedures.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic trees and common problem identification for electrical, fuel, and engine issues.
Component Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for rebuilding carburetors, brake calipers, and engine components.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of all critical fastener torque values for engine, chassis, and bodywork.
Wiring Diagrams:
Full, color-coded wiring diagrams for accurate electrical troubleshooting.
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification of specific tools needed for certain maintenance and repair tasks.
Emission Control Systems:
Information on any emission-related components and their maintenance.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic rider maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures for electrical and mechanical systems.
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed rebuild procedures for major components like the engine and transmission.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
249 cc (248.7 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
49.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
Approx. 20.4 HP @ 8000 RPM
Torque:
Approx. 19.3 Nm (14.2 ft-lb) @ 6000 RPM
Carburetor Type:
Mikuni VM Series (single carburetor, often VM26 or similar)
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 10 Liters (2.6 US gallons)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SE or SF classification motorcycle oil.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.4 Liters (with filter change)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is typically assessed through independent testing and rider skill, not government crash ratings like cars).
Braking System:
Front: Single Disc, Rear: Drum.
Lighting System:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light, incandescent turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel cradle frame for stability.
Ergonomics:
Low seat height and forward-mounted foot controls for comfortable, upright riding posture.
Infotainment System:
N/A (Basic motorcycle of its era, no integrated infotainment).
ABS:
N/A (Anti-lock Braking System not available on this model).
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity).
Gauge Cluster:
Analog speedometer, tachometer (on some versions), fuel gauge (on some versions), and indicator lights.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 4,000 km (2,500 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
Every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or 12 months, concurrent with oil changes.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Inspect every 4,000 km (2,500 miles), clean as needed or every 8,000 km (5,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Inspect every 4,000 km (2,500 miles), replace as needed or every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).
Valve Clearance Check:
Initial check at 1,000 km (600 miles), then every 8,000 km (5,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24 months or as needed.
Chain Lubrication And Adjustment:
Lubricate every 500-1000 km (300-600 miles), adjust as needed.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 10W-40 API SE or SF motorcycle oil.
Front Fork Oil:
Yamaha Fork Oil or equivalent (e.g., Showa SS-8, Golden Spectro Medium), viscosity 10W. Capacity: 197 ml (0.21 US qt) per fork leg.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air-cooled engine)
Carburetor Issues:
Can be prone to gumming up if not used regularly; requires periodic cleaning and adjustment. Synchronization of the V-twin cylinders is critical for smooth running.
Electrical Connections:
Older models may develop corroded electrical connections, leading to intermittent issues with lights or ignition.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch plates can wear over time, especially with aggressive riding, requiring replacement.
Rear Shock ABSorbers:
Original rear shocks can lose damping effectiveness over time.
Yamaha Motorcycles:
Yamaha has a rich history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for innovation and performance across various segments.
Virago Line:
The Virago line introduced stylish, V-twin cruisers to a broad audience, with the 250cc model serving as an accessible entry point.
Production Period:
The XV250 Virago was produced for many years, with significant iterations and variations. This manual covers key early models.
Route 66 Variant:
The Route 66 variant often featured distinctive styling elements, such as paint schemes and badging, but shared the core mechanicals of the Virago 250.
