🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Yamaha

Model:

XV250 Virago

Model Nickname:

V-Star 250 (later model years in some markets)

Generation:

First Generation

Production Years Covered By Manual:

1988-2005

Chassis Code:

XV250

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Entry-level cruiser motorcycle

Target Demographic:

Beginner riders, riders seeking an accessible and stylish cruiser

Competitors:

Honda Rebel 250, Kawasaki Vulcan 500 (larger displacement but similar styling)

Styling:

Classic V-twin cruiser styling with ample chrome, low seat height, relaxed riding position

Engine Layout:

Air-cooled, 70-degree V-twin engine

Reliability:

Known for Yamaha's robust engineering and reliability

Accessibility:

User-friendly for new riders due to its manageable power and weight

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Delivery Format:

Digital Download (PDF, ZIP, RAR, EXE)

Page Count:

291 Pages + 1 fold-out

File Size:

Up to 5 GB (varies by compression)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, cylinder head, cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, lubrication system

Fuel System:

Carburetor(s) (Mikuni VM22), fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable), air filter

Ignition System:

CDI ignition, spark plugs, ignition coils, timing

Transmission:

Gearbox, clutch assembly (wet multi-plate), shifting mechanism, final drive (chain)

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals), instrumentation

Braking System:

Front disc brake, rear drum brake, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures

Suspension:

Front telescopic forks, rear swingarm with dual shock absorbers, fork oil specifications, adjustment

Chassis And Frame:

Frame inspection, steering head bearings, wheel bearings

Bodywork And Trim:

Fenders, fuel tank, seat, side covers, exhaust system, chrome components

Maintenance:

Regular servicing, oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug inspection/replacement, chain adjustment and lubrication, brake system checks

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common starting, running, and electrical issues

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly

Rebuilding:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, carburetor overhauls

Diagnostics:

Component testing, electrical troubleshooting using diagrams

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds)

Detail Level:

Illustrated with clear step-by-step instructions, exploded views, and diagrams

Target Audience:

Professional Technicians, Mechanics, DIY Enthusiasts

📊 Manual Specifications

Primary Format:

PDF

Additional Formats:

ZIP, RAR, EXE (for compressed/self-extracting archives)

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within PDF (dependent on original source)

Printability:

Printable without restrictions

Illustration Quality:

Zoomable illustrations, detailed component explosions, exploded views

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC, 70° V-twin

Displacement:

234 cc (234 cubic centimeters)

Bore X Stroke:

45.0 mm x 74.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.1:1

Horsepower:

Approximately 18-20 HP at 7,500 RPM (estimated, varies slightly by year/market)

Torque:

Approximately 19-20 Nm (14-15 lb-ft) at 6,000 RPM (estimated)

Carburetion:

Dual Mikuni VM22 constant velocity carburetors

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 9.5 Liters (2.5 US gal)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Constant mesh 5-speed

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate

Final Drive:

Chain drive

Gear Ratios:

Detailed in manual, specific ratios vary by year but consistent across generation

Transmission Fluid Type:

Yamaha Motorcycle Gear Oil (API GL-1 or GL-2) or equivalent SAE 80W-90 gear oil

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approx. 2,255 mm (88.8 in)

Overall Width:

Approx. 770 mm (30.3 in)

Overall Height:

Approx. 1,105 mm (43.5 in)

Seat Height:

Approx. 710 mm (28.0 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1,485 mm (58.5 in)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 148 kg (326 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 158 kg (348 lbs)

Maximum Load Capacity:

Approx. 180 kg (397 lbs), including rider and luggage

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Not applicable for motorcycles in the same way as cars; adherence to road safety standards is implied.

Active Safety Features:

Responsive braking system, stable chassis geometry, rider ergonomics designed for control

Passive Safety Features:

Durable frame construction, rider protection via riding gear (not part of vehicle specification)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Not applicable (basic instrumentation)

Instrument Cluster:

Analog speedometer, tachometer (on some models), odometer, trip meter, neutral indicator, high-beam indicator, turn signal indicators

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 km (2,000-3,000 miles) or 6 months

Air Filter Cleaning Interval:

Every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles)

Spark Plug Inspection Interval:

Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles)

Valve Clearance Check Interval:

Every 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles)

Engine Oil Type:

Yamalube 4 (or equivalent) SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher motorcycle oil

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 1.4 Liters (1.5 US qt) without filter change; Approx. 1.6 Liters (1.7 US qt) with filter change.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Fork Oil Type:

Yamaha Fork Oil 10W (or equivalent SAE 10W motorcycle fork oil)

Fork Oil Quantity:

Approx. 307 ml (10.4 US oz) per fork leg

Common Wear Items:

Clutch plates, brake pads, chain and sprockets, fork seals, wheel bearings

Potential Issues:

Carburetor synchronization may require periodic adjustment; charging system components (regulator/rectifier) can be prone to failure over time; some early models might have carburetor jetting sensitive to altitude.

Recommended Upgrades:

Some owners opt for aftermarket exhaust systems for improved sound and slight performance gains; braided steel brake lines for improved feel.

📚 Vehicle History

Yamaha Heritage:

Yamaha Motor Company is a Japanese manufacturer of motorcycles, marine products, and other motorized products. Renowned for quality, performance, and innovation.

Xv250 Evolution:

The XV250 Virago was introduced in the mid-1980s as Yamaha's entry into the popular small-displacement cruiser market. It remained largely unchanged throughout its production run from 1988 to 2005, highlighting its successful and well-received design and engineering. It was later rebadged and updated as the V-Star 250 in some markets.

Production Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan.

Significant Updates During Coverage:

Minimal mechanical or aesthetic changes across the 1988-2005 model years. Updates were generally focused on minor regulatory compliance or color schemes.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Recognitions:

While specific 'awards' are not widely documented for this model, its longevity and enduring popularity in the entry-level cruiser segment speak to its success and positive market reception.