Segment:
Lightweight cruiser / entry-level motorcycle
Target Audience:
New riders, urban commuters, budget-conscious enthusiasts
Key Competitors:
Honda Rebel 250, Suzuki GZ250 Marauder, Kawasaki Vulcan 500 (older models for comparison)
Vehicle Appeal:
Torquey engine, classic styling, beginner-friendly handling, fuel efficiency, reliability.
Value To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance, diagnose issues, and carry out repairs, saving money and extending vehicle lifespan. Provides dealership-level diagnostic and repair capabilities.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Electrical Schematics, Specifications
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine:
Detailed overhaul, inspection, and repair of engine components including cylinder head, valves, piston, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled specific maintenance).
Fuel System:
Carburetor adjustment, cleaning, and overhaul; fuel pump operation and testing; fuel tank maintenance.
Transmission:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gear shifting mechanism inspection and repair, transmission fluid checks and changes.
Chassis:
Frame inspection, suspension (front fork and rear shock absorber) service, steering system maintenance, wheel and tire service, bearing checks.
Brakes:
Brake lever and pedal adjustment, brake pad replacement, brake fluid checks and bleeding, caliper and master cylinder service.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system service, ignition system troubleshooting, battery maintenance and testing, starter motor operation, charging system (alternator/stator) testing.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler inspection, gasket replacement, torque specifications for exhaust mounting.
Bodywork And Trim:
Body panel removal and installation, seat servicing, fender maintenance, handlebar replacement, cable routing.
Maintenance:
Routine checks, lubrication points, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, chain adjustment, oil changes.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault finding charts.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and reassembly.
Diagnostics:
Electrical system diagnostics, engine performance analysis, carburetor tuning procedures.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic rider maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical system diagnostics.
Level Of Detail:
Factory-level detail with clear illustrations and diagrams.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, SOHC, V-twin
Displacement:
249 cc (15.2 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
49.0 mm x 66.0 mm (1.93 in x 2.60 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Lubrication System:
Wet sump
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Horsepower:
Approx. 18-20 HP @ 7500 RPM
Torque:
Approx. 14-15 lb-ft @ 6000 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor
Carburetor Model:
Mikuni VM26 (single)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
3.2 US gal (12 L)
Engine Oil Type:
Yamaha Genuine Yamalube 4-stroke oil or equivalent SAE 20W-40 API SG or higher
Engine Oil Capacity W Filter:
1.70 US qt (1.6 L)
Spark Plug Type:
NGK CR9E / CR9EIX or Denso U27ETR / U27ETR-Z
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is assessed differently than automobiles, focus on design and component safety).
Braking System:
Front: Disc brake, Rear: Drum brake
Suspension Type:
Front: Telescopic fork, Rear: Swingarm (with dual shocks)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, incandescent turn signals
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 6 months
Spark Plug Check Replace:
Check every 6,000 miles (10,000 km), replace as needed
Air Filter Cleaning:
Clean every 3,000 miles (5,000 km), replace as needed
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or 12,000 miles (20,000 km)
Clutch Adjustment:
As needed, check free play regularly
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Lubricate every 600 miles (1,000 km), adjust as needed for proper slack
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific recommendation)
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air-cooled engine)
Fork Oil Type:
Yamaha Genuine Fork Oil 10W or equivalent
Fork Oil Capacity:
399 ml (13.5 US oz) per fork leg
Common Complaints:
Carburetor icing in cold weather, occasional clutch cable adjustment needed, potential for wear on older suspension components.
Preventative Measures:
Regular cleaning and servicing of the carburetor, proper chain maintenance, periodic inspection of all cables and linkages.
Manufacturer History:
Yamaha Motor Corporation, established in 1955, is a leading global manufacturer of motorcycles, musical instruments, and other powered products.
Virago Lineage:
The Virago line was known for its V-twin engines and cruiser styling, with the 250cc model serving as an accessible entry point.
V Star Rebranding:
Yamaha rebranded many of its cruiser models under the 'V Star' name, with the Virago 250 becoming the V Star 250, maintaining its core mechanicals but with updated styling cues.
Initial Production Year:
1988 (as Virago 250)
Discontinuation Year:
Still in production in many markets as V Star 250, with minor updates.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
