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.