🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Yamaha

Model:

Virago 250 Route 66

Model Code:

XV250

Generation Designation:

First Generation (XV250)

Production Years:

1988-1990 (for this manual's coverage)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Yamaha Virago 250 Route 66 was positioned as an accessible, stylish cruiser, catering to riders looking for classic styling and manageable performance in a lightweight package.

Target Audience:

Beginner to intermediate riders, custom bike enthusiasts, those seeking a reliable, low-maintenance cruiser.

Competitors:

Honda Rebel 250, Kawasaki Vulcan 500 (though larger), various smaller displacement cruisers from Japanese and European manufacturers.

Styling:

Classic cruiser aesthetics, V-twin engine, low seat height, teardrop fuel tank, chrome accents.

Route 66 Edition:

Specific cosmetic package often including unique paint schemes and badging, celebrating Americana and the open road.

Powertrain:

Reliable and torquey 249cc V-twin engine known for its smooth power delivery.

Benefit:

Empowers owners and technicians with the factory-level knowledge to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Virago 250 Route 66 effectively.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service, Repair, Workshop Operations

Included Regions:

Global (factory specifications apply to North American, European, and Japanese markets where applicable, with model-specific notes if present in original documentation)

Estimated Page Count:

Refer to product listing for exact page count (typically 300-600 pages for comprehensive service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English (standard for factory manuals of this era)

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, and repair of the 249cc V-twin engine.

Fuel System:

Carburetor (Mikuni VM Series) tuning, cleaning, overhaul, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable).

Ignition System:

CDI ignition, spark plugs, ignition timing, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier).

Transmission:

5-speed gearbox, clutch assembly (wet multi-plate), drive chain, troubleshooting.

Chassis:

Frame, swingarm, suspension (front telescopic forks, rear twin shocks), steering.

Brakes:

Front disc brake, rear drum brake, hydraulic system, brake pad/shoe replacement, bleeding.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, lighting (headlight, taillight, signals), starter motor, horn, instrument cluster.

Cooling System:

Air-cooled engine; focus on heat dissipation and component cleanliness.

Exhaust System:

Mufflers, exhaust pipes, sealing, maintenance.

Maintenance:

Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, brake checks, basic tune-ups.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues across all systems.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component replacement and major repairs.

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values.

Diagrams:

Exploded views of components, wiring diagrams, schematics.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text (if original manual was digitized with OCR)

Image Resolution:

High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

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

Displacement:

249 cc (249 cubic centimeters)

Bore X Stroke:

49.0 mm x 66.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1 (typical, verify with manual)

Valvetrain:

SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

Approximately 18-21 HP (at crankshaft, actual figures may vary by market and specific model year)

Torque:

Approximately 19-20 Nm (at crankshaft, actual figures may vary)

Carburetor:

Single Mikuni VM26SS (or similar VM series) downdraft carburetor

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 9.5 Liters (2.5 US gallons)

Oil Type:

Yamalube 4 (or equivalent API SG, JASO MA certified 10W-40 or 20W-40 motorcycle oil)

Oil Capacity With Filter Change:

Approximately 1.6 Liters (1.7 US quarts)

Ignition Type:

CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)

Spark Plug Type:

NGK CR7E or Denso U22FS-U (verify with manual for specific model/year)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Constant mesh, 5-speed

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate

Final Drive:

Chain drive (e.g., 520 O-ring chain)

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios detailed in manual (e.g., 1st: 2.833, 2nd: 1.777, 3rd: 1.333, 4th: 1.045, 5th: 0.870)

Transmission Oil:

Yamalube 4 (or equivalent API SG, JASO MA certified 10W-40 or 20W-40 motorcycle oil)

Transmission Oil Capacity:

Approximately 1.2 Liters (1.3 US quarts) (verify with manual)

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approximately 2195 mm (86.4 in)

Overall Width:

Approximately 760 mm (29.9 in)

Overall Height:

Approximately 1095 mm (43.1 in)

Seat Height:

Approximately 700 mm (27.6 in)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 1490 mm (58.7 in)

Dry Weight:

Approximately 139 kg (306.4 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approximately 146 kg (321.9 lbs) (with oil and full fuel tank)

Weight Distribution:

Designed for low center of gravity, typical cruiser bias towards front wheel for stability.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycles are not typically rated by consumer safety organizations like NHTSA or Euro NCAP).

Braking System:

Front: Single Disc, Rear: Drum Brake. Focus on proper brake fluid maintenance and pad/shoe wear.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight (in some later versions or aftermarket), standard turn signals.

Frame Construction:

Steel, double-cradle frame designed for stability and rider comfort.

Ergonomics:

Low seat height and forward-mounted foot controls contribute to an accessible riding position.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (Motorcycle of this era did not feature infotainment systems).

Rider Aids:

N/A (No electronic rider aids such as ABS or traction control).

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No Bluetooth or smart device integration).

Instrument Cluster:

Analog speedometer, tachometer (often integrated or optional), odometer, trip meter, neutral indicator, high-beam indicator, oil pressure warning light.

🔧 Maintenance

Initial Service:

Typically at 1000 km (600 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Routine Maintenance:

Intervals of 6000 km (3750 miles) or 12 months for oil changes, filter replacements, and general inspection. Engine valve clearance checks usually at longer intervals (e.g., 24,000 km or 15,000 miles).

Chain Lubrication Adjustment:

Every 1000 km (600 miles) or as needed based on riding conditions.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 10W-40 or 20W-40 (API SG or higher, JASO MA certified)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (glycol-based) hydraulic brake fluid

Coolant Type:

Air-cooled; no coolant required.

Fork Oil Type:

Yamaha Fork Oil (or equivalent SAE 10W) - check manual for specific grade and quantity.

Carburetor Performance:

Can become slightly finicky with age; requires periodic cleaning and adjustment for optimal performance. Clogged pilot jets are common.

Cam Chain Tensioner:

Automatic tensioner can sometimes wear, leading to a rattling noise from the engine.

Electrical Connections:

Corrosion on connectors, especially around the stator and regulator/rectifier, can lead to charging issues.

Starter Clutch:

Can become noisy or slip with high mileage.

Oil Filter:

Yamaha 3AH-13440-00 (or equivalent aftermarket filter like KN-145)

Air Filter:

Yamaha 3 DM-14451-00 (or equivalent aftermarket filter)

📚 Vehicle History

Yamaha Motorcycle Division:

Yamaha Motor Corporation is renowned for its innovation, quality, and racing heritage, consistently producing reliable and performance-oriented motorcycles across various categories.

Virago Lineage:

The Virago line, introduced in the early 1980s, represented Yamaha's foray into the cruiser market, known for its V-twin engines and classic styling. The 250cc model offered a smaller, more manageable displacement within this popular segment.

Virago 250 Development:

The XV250 was designed to be an entry-level cruiser, offering classic V-twin appeal and ease of use. It remained in production for a significant period with minor updates.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Japan and Indonesia.

Model Years Covered:

1988, 1989, 1990

Route 66 Special Edition:

The 'Route 66' designation typically refers to a special edition with unique paint and graphics, evoking the spirit of American road trips.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

N/A (Specific industry awards for the Virago 250 Route 66 from 1988-1990 are not widely documented. Its success was more in market penetration and rider satisfaction).

Owner Satisfaction:

Generally high for reliability and ease of use within its class. Praised for its approachable nature and classic styling.

Emission Standards:

Designed to meet prevailing emission standards for its production era (e.g., EPA in the US, Euro standards in Europe). Manual would detail specific testing procedures if applicable.