Segment:
Cruiser / Entry-level Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Beginner riders, customizers, those seeking a reliable and stylish small-displacement cruiser.
Competitors:
Honda Rebel 250, Suzuki Marauder GZ250, Kawasaki Vulcan 500 (larger displacement but similar cruiser intent).
Style:
Classic V-twin cruiser styling, low seat height, comfortable riding position, chrome accents.
Reliability:
Known for Yamaha's robust engineering and reliability, making it a dependable choice.
Handling:
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, suitable for urban riding and open roads.
Covered Years:
1988, 1990, 1995-2005 (with specific focus on 1998)
Covered Models:
Yamaha Virago 250 (XV250), Yamaha Route 66 (XV250)
Estimated Page Count:
400-500 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Type:
Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, carburetor tuning and rebuilding, ignition system, cooling system (air-cooled), lubrication system, valve adjustment, piston and cylinder inspection.
Transmission:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gear shift mechanism, transmission overhaul, lubrication, troubleshooting transmission issues.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams for all model years, battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter system, lighting circuits, ignition switch, indicators, fuses, troubleshooting electrical faults.
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame inspection, front fork overhaul and seal replacement, rear shock absorber replacement and adjustment, steering system maintenance, wheel bearing replacement.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake pad replacement, brake fluid flush and bleeding, caliper maintenance, brake lever and pedal adjustment, troubleshooting brake performance.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank removal and cleaning, fuel petcock operation and repair, fuel filter replacement, carburetor synchronization (if applicable), jetting information.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler inspection, gasket replacement, noise reduction systems.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fender removal and installation, seat removal, fuel tank cover removal, side covers, instrument cluster removal and repair.
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, chain lubrication and adjustment, tire pressure checks, brake adjustments), pre-ride inspections.
Repair:
Component-level repair for all major systems, engine rebuild procedures, carburetor cleaning and rebuilding, electrical fault diagnosis and repair, suspension component replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common starting, running, and electrical issues, identification of potential causes and solutions.
Technical Adjustments:
Valve clearance adjustment, carburetor synchronization, ignition timing checks, idle speed adjustments, chain slack adjustment.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and component overhauls. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic procedures.
Digital Quality:
High-resolution scans, text-searchable (OCR'd if available), clear diagrams and images.
Print Readability:
Designed for clear printing, with legible text and diagrams.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Type:
4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC, V-twin
Displacement:
248 cc (15.1 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
49.0 mm x 66.0 mm (1.93 x 2.60 in)
Compression Ratio:
20.7:1 (typical, some variations may exist)
Valve Train:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Rating:
Approx. 16-20 HP @ 7,500 RPM (varies by model year and market)
Torque Rating:
Approx. 18-20 Nm @ 5,500 RPM (varies by model year and market)
Top Speed:
Approx. 110-120 km/h (68-75 mph)
Fuel Economy:
Typically 30-40 MPG (US) / 7.0-7.8 L/100km
Carburetor:
Dual Mikuni carburetors (e.g., VM26SS or similar, specific models vary)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
9.5 Liters (2.5 US gallons)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)
Crash Test Ratings:
Not applicable for motorcycles of this era in the same way as cars.
Brakes:
Front: Single disc brake with 2-piston caliper; Rear: Drum brake.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, front and rear turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel cradle frame for stability.
Tire Specifications:
Front: MT90-18 M/C 57P; Rear: 140/90-15 M/C 70P (specific sizes may vary slightly by year/market)
Wheel Type:
Spoked wheels
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or as needed based on conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or as recommended by manual.
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Every 500-1,000 km (300-600 miles) and after washing or riding in rain.
Engine Oil Type:
Yamaha's recommended 10W-40 or 20W-40 API SG or higher, JASO MA certified (consult manual for exact specifications).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.8 Liters (1.9 US quarts) without filter change, 2.0 Liters (2.1 US quarts) with filter change.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, meeting FMVSS 116 standards.
Coolant Type:
Not applicable (air-cooled engine).
Fork Oil Type:
SAE 10W (refer to manual for specific viscosity and capacity).
Carburetor Issues:
Can be prone to clogging if fuel is left standing for extended periods, requiring cleaning and synchronization. Diaphragms can degrade over time.
Charging System:
Regulator/rectifier units can sometimes fail, leading to battery charging problems. Stator output can degrade with age.
Oil Leaks:
Potential for minor oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or base gaskets due to age and material degradation. Engine seals can also be a source.
Drive Chain Wear:
Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent premature wear of the drive chain and sprockets.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion in electrical connectors can lead to intermittent issues, especially in humid or coastal environments.
Yamaha Motorcycles:
Yamaha Motor Company, founded in 1955, has a rich history in motorcycles, known for innovation, performance, and reliability across various segments including sportbikes, dirt bikes, and cruisers.
Virago Lineage:
The Virago line was Yamaha's entry into the cruiser market, characterized by its V-twin engines and classic styling. The 250cc model (XV250) was a popular and accessible option for many years.
Route 66 Variant:
The 'Route 66' designation often referred to special editions or models with slightly different styling cues, maintaining the core XV250 mechanicals.
Production Years:
1988 - 2007 (for the first generation XV250)
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Japan
