Segment:
Lightweight cruiser motorcycle.
Target Audience:
New riders, urban commuters, those seeking a stylish and manageable cruiser.
Competitors:
Honda Rebel 250, Kawasaki Vulcan 250, Suzuki Savage 400 (though slightly larger).
Engine Layout:
V-twin, air-cooled.
Design Philosophy:
Classic cruiser styling with a compact and user-friendly package.
Manual Utility:
Essential for owners and technicians performing maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics.
Years Covered:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Models Covered:
Yamaha XV250 Virago, Yamaha XV250 V-Star
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Overhaul:
Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of the engine.
Fuel System:
Carburetor(s) adjustment, cleaning, rebuilding, fuel pump, fuel lines.
Ignition System:
CDI unit, spark plugs, ignition timing, wiring.
Transmission And Clutch:
Clutch operation, adjustment, replacement, gearbox disassembly and assembly, gear shifting.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, starter motor, ignition switch.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearings, swingarm, suspension.
Front Suspension:
Fork disassembly, seal replacement, oil levels and types, spring specifications.
Rear Suspension:
Shock absorber inspection, adjustment, mounting.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system inspection, pad replacement, fluid bleeding, caliper maintenance.
Cooling System:
Air-cooled engine specific checks and maintenance.
Exhaust System:
Inspection and maintenance of exhaust pipes and mufflers.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing maintenance, tire pressure, rim inspection.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fender, tank, seat, and other cosmetic component removal and installation.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, chain adjustment, brake checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and symptom-based problem solving for common issues.
Component Rebuilding:
Detailed steps for rebuilding carburetors, brake calipers, and other wear items.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for easy diagnosis and repair.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners across all systems.
Clearances And Tolerances:
Specifications for valve clearances, piston-to-cylinder wall, etc.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes troubleshooting guides for identifying and resolving mechanical and electrical faults.
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed, step-by-step instructions for major component rebuilds.
Type:
4-stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
248 cc (15.1 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
49.0 mm x 66.0 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
22.5 : 1 (approx.)
Horsepower:
Approx. 18-20 HP @ 7,500 RPM (varies slightly by year and region)
Torque:
Approx. 19-20 Nm (14-15 lb-ft) @ 5,500 RPM (varies slightly by year and region)
Carburetor Type:
Mikuni VM34 (typically single downdraft carburetor, some variants may differ)
Fuel Delivery:
Gravity feed from fuel tank (may include a fuel pump on some models/years).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum octane rating of 87 (RON+MON)/2 (AKI).
Oil Type:
API SE, SF or SG class, SAE 20W-40 or 10W-30 motorcycle oil.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.4 Liters (1.5 US qt) without filter change; 1.6 Liters (1.7 US qt) with filter change.
Ignition Type:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Spark Plug Type:
NGK DPR7EA-9 or equivalent
Spark Plug Gap:
0.7 - 0.8 mm (0.028 - 0.031 in)
Overall Length:
Approx. 2,185 mm (86.0 in)
Overall Width:
Approx. 760 mm (29.9 in)
Overall Height:
Approx. 1,100 mm (43.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,490 mm (58.7 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 145 mm (5.7 in)
Seat Height:
Approx. 710 mm (28.0 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 130 kg (287 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 147 kg (324 lbs) (with all fluids and a full tank)
Fuel Capacity:
12 Liters (3.2 US gal), including a 2.5L (0.7 gal) reserve.
Front Tire Size:
3.00-18 4PR
Rear Tire Size:
130/90-15 M/C 66P
Front Brake Size:
210 mm (8.3 in) Disc
Rear Brake Size:
130 mm (5.1 in) Drum
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles are not subject to automotive crash testing standards).
Braking System:
Single front disc brake, rear drum brake for adequate stopping power.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake lights, turn signals for visibility.
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame for rigidity and rider support.
Ergonomics:
Low seat height and relaxed riding posture contribute to rider control and comfort.
Features:
N/A (This is a 1988-2008 model, lacking modern infotainment systems).
Features:
N/A (No electronic rider aids or driver assistance features typical of modern vehicles).
Features:
N/A (No Bluetooth, USB, or other connectivity options).
System:
Basic CDI ignition system and mechanical carburetor for fuel delivery. No ECU or sophisticated engine management.
Initial Service:
First service typically around 600 miles (1,000 km) for oil change, chain adjustment, and general inspection.
Regular Oil Change:
Every 2,000-3,000 miles (3,000-5,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:
Inspect every 3,000 miles (5,000 km); clean or replace as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Replace every 6,000-10,000 miles (10,000-15,000 km) or as per manual recommendation.
Valve Clearance Adjustment:
Inspect and adjust every 6,000-12,000 miles (10,000-20,000 km) or as indicated in the manual.
Brake Fluid Change:
Replace every 2 years or as recommended by the manual.
Engine Oil:
API SE, SF or SG class, SAE 20W-40 or 10W-30 motorcycle oil.
Transmission Oil:
API GL-4 SAE 80 or 90 hypoid gear oil.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 conforming to FMVSS 116.
Fork Oil:
Yamaha's recommended fork oil or equivalent SAE 10W (refer to manual for exact type and quantity).
Carburetor Issues:
Can be prone to fuel delivery issues if not maintained, leading to poor idling or acceleration. Carburetor synchronization (if applicable) is crucial.
Starter Clutch:
Some models might experience wear in the starter clutch mechanism over time, leading to slipping or grinding sounds.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion or loose connections in the electrical system can cause intermittent faults. Regular inspection of grounds and connectors is recommended.
Front Forks:
Fork seals can degrade over time, leading to oil leaks. Regular cleaning of fork tubes and inspection of seals is advised.
Manufacturer:
Yamaha Motor Company is a Japanese manufacturer of motorcycles, marine products, and other motorized products.
Foundation:
Founded in 1955, Yamaha has a long history of innovation in motorcycle design and engineering.
Introduction Year:
The XV250 Virago was introduced in the mid-1980s as a smaller displacement option within Yamaha's popular Virago cruiser line.
Model Line:
Part of the 'Virago' series, known for its V-twin engines and classic styling. Later versions were marketed as 'V-Star 250' in some markets, continuing the cruiser lineage.
Design Changes:
While the core design remained consistent throughout its production run (1988-2008 covered here), minor updates to styling, emissions controls, and potentially carburetor jetting occurred over the years.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan by Yamaha.
Production Run:
The XV250 platform has been in continuous production for a significant period, with this manual covering a substantial segment of its development.
