Market Segment:
Entry-level cruiser, popular for new riders and city commuting
Target Audience:
DIY motorcycle enthusiasts, mechanics, and owners seeking to maintain and repair their Virago 250
Key Competitors:
Honda Shadow 400/750 (though slightly different displacement), Kawasaki Vulcan 500, Suzuki Intruder 250
Manual Advantage:
Provides professional-level repair and maintenance information, empowering owners to perform tasks typically done by dealerships.
Value Proposition:
Cost-effective solution for motorcycle maintenance and repair, saving money on labor costs.
Engine:
Full engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, tuning, troubleshooting
Fuel System:
Carburetor service and adjustment (Mikuni VM series), fuel tank, fuel lines, petcock
Ignition System:
CDI, spark plugs, ignition timing, troubleshooting
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gear shifting mechanism, transmission disassembly and assembly, lubrication
Drivetrain:
Final drive (chain drive), sprocket inspection and replacement, chain maintenance
Suspension:
Front fork (telescopic) overhaul, oil replacement, seal replacement, rear shock absorber inspection and replacement
Brakes:
Front disc brake system, rear drum brake system, hydraulic fluid replacement, pad/shoe replacement, caliper/drum service
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, battery maintenance, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, troubleshooting
Cooling System:
Air cooling system specifics, heat dissipation considerations
Exhaust System:
Muffler and pipe inspection, gasket replacement
Bodywork And Frame:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat, fenders, fuel tank removal/installation
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, chain adjustment, tire pressure checks, brake adjustments
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic charts for common starting, running, and electrical issues
Disassembly And Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for major component overhauls
Part Replacement:
Detailed guidance on replacing wear items and faulty components
Tuning And Adjustment:
Carburetor synchronization, ignition timing adjustments, valve clearance adjustments
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics
Depth Of Coverage:
Full workshop level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, V-twin, four-stroke
Bore X Stroke:
49.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Valve Train:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Cooling Method:
Forced air cooling (with cylinder fins)
Horsepower Approximate:
16.5 HP @ 7500 rpm (typical for early models, may vary slightly)
Torque Approximate:
17.0 Nm @ 6000 rpm (typical for early models, may vary slightly)
Carburetor Type:
Mikuni VM22SS (dual carburetors)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
9.5 Liters (2.5 US gal)
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Spark Plug Type:
NGK DPR7EA-9 (or equivalent)
Lubrication System:
Wet sump
Engine Oil Capacity:
1.7 Liters (with filter change)
Recommended Engine Oil:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent) SAE 10W-40 API SE or SF
Transmission Type:
Constant mesh, 5-speed
Clutch Type:
Wet, multiple disc
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific gear ratios (e.g., 1st: 2.750, 2nd: 1.875, 3rd: 1.375, 4th: 1.090, 5th: 0.916)
Final Drive Ratio:
2.800 (e.g., 14/42 teeth)
Transmission Oil Type:
Yamaha Gear Oil (or equivalent) API GL-4 SAE 80W-90
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.9 Liters
Safety Certification:
Meets relevant road safety standards for its production era.
Braking System:
Front: Disc brake, Rear: Drum brake
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals
Infotainment Features:
N/A (Basic motorcycle electronics)
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A
Connectivity Features:
N/A
Instrument Panel:
Analog speedometer, odometer, trip meter, neutral indicator, high beam indicator, turn signal indicators.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000 km (1,800 miles) or 6 months
Oil Filter Replacement:
Every 6,000 km (3,600 miles) or 12 months (concurrently with oil changes)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles)
Chain Lubrication And Adjustment:
Every 1,000 km (600 miles) or as needed
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2 years or as recommended
Engine Oil Specification:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent) SAE 10W-40 API SE or SF
Transmission Oil Specification:
Yamaha Gear Oil (or equivalent) API GL-4 SAE 80W-90
Fork Oil Type:
SAE 10W (or refer to manual for specific viscosity and quantity)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific recommendation)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads/shoes, fork seals, chain and sprockets, carburetor diaphragm (on some models).
Carburetor Issues:
Can be prone to clogging if fuel is not fresh or if stored improperly, requiring regular cleaning.
Electrical Issues:
Older wiring can degrade; corrosion at connections can cause intermittent issues. Charging system components (stator, rectifier) can fail over time.
Yamaha History:
Yamaha Motor Company, a Japanese manufacturer, has a long and successful history in motorcycle production, known for innovation and performance across various segments.
Virago Lineage:
The Virago line was Yamaha's entry into the cruiser market, with the 250cc model serving as a user-friendly and accessible option.
Key Design Elements:
Classic cruiser styling, V-twin engine, low seat height, accessible ergonomics.
Production Start Year:
1988
Production End Year For Manual Coverage:
2005
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with potential assembly in other regions.
