Platform Name:
Virago 250
Vehicle Type:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Product Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Manual Title:
Yamaha XV250 Virago 1988-2009 Factory Service Repair Manual
Applicable Years:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
Segment:
Entry-level to mid-range cruiser motorcycle segment.
Target Audience:
New riders, casual riders, those seeking an accessible and stylish cruiser.
Key Competitors:
Honda Shadow 400/750, Kawasaki Vulcan 500, Suzuki Intruder 400/800.
Design Philosophy:
Classic cruiser styling with a V-twin engine, user-friendly operation, and Yamaha's reputation for reliability.
Model Appeal:
Accessible performance, low seat height, comfortable riding position, V-twin exhaust note.
Diy Enablement:
Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance and significant repairs, saving on service costs and extending the motorcycle's lifespan.
Technical Accuracy:
Provides factory-level accuracy and detail essential for correct diagnosis and repair, crucial for motorcycle longevity and safety.
Primary Coverage:
Complete mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the Yamaha XV250 Virago.
Engine Coverage:
Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, timing, carburetor tuning, cooling system.
Transmission Coverage:
Gearbox inspection, maintenance, disassembly, assembly, clutch service.
Chassis Coverage:
Frame, suspension (front fork, rear shock absorber), steering, wheels, tires, brakes (front and rear).
Electrical Coverage:
Ignition system, lighting, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, battery, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures.
Fuel System Coverage:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, carburetors (Mikuni VM24), fuel lines, filters.
Bodywork Coverage:
Body panels, seat, fuel tank, fenders, exhaust system.
Special Tools:
Listing of Yamaha-specific and recommended general tools for servicing.
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era and model scope).
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Management:
Ignition timing, valve clearance adjustment, spark plug specifications, piston and cylinder inspection.
Cooling System:
Air-cooled system maintenance, inspection of cooling fins.
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor cleaning and synchronization, fuel pump operation, jetting specifications.
Drivetrain:
Clutch adjustment and replacement, final drive maintenance (chain/belt depending on variant, though XV250 uses shaft drive).
Braking System:
Hydraulic brake system service (master cylinder, calipers, brake lines), disc and pad inspection/replacement, brake fluid specifications.
Suspension And Steering:
Front fork oil change and seal replacement, rear shock absorber inspection and adjustment, steering bearing maintenance.
Electrical System:
Battery testing and charging, starter system, generator/alternator output, lighting circuit troubleshooting, fault diagnosis with wiring diagrams.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, chain adjustment, lubrication points, tire pressure checks.
Major Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component rebuilds.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all systems.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.
Special Adjustments:
Carburetor synchronization, idle speed adjustment, clutch and brake lever adjustments.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and chassis rebuilding.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed troubleshooting sections to identify and resolve mechanical and electrical faults.
Component Analysis:
Specifications for wear limits, clearances, and functional tests of various components.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, V-twin
Displacement:
249 cc (248 cc actual)
Bore X Stroke:
49.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Valve Train:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approximately 18-20 HP @ 7,500 RPM (varies slightly by year/region)
Torque:
Approximately 19 Nm (14 lb-ft) @ 6,000 RPM (varies slightly by year/region)
Top Speed:
Approximately 110-120 km/h (70-75 mph)
Fuel Induction:
Dual Mikuni VM24 constant velocity (CV) carburetors
Fuel Tank Capacity:
8.0 Liters (2.1 US gal)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (or higher)
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Spark Plug Type:
NGK DR8EA or similar
Crash Safety:
N/A (Motorcycle crash safety ratings not standardized like cars).
Braking Performance:
Adequate for its class; front disc provides good stopping power. Rear drum may require more effort.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, turn signals.
Ergonomics:
Low seat height and relaxed riding position contribute to rider confidence and control.
Infotainment System:
None (Basic motorcycle design).
Driver Assistance Features:
None (Basic motorcycle design).
Connectivity Features:
None (Basic motorcycle design).
Instrument Cluster:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge (on some models), odometer, trip meter, indicator lights.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
Replace with oil changes.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or as specified in the manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or as needed based on condition.
Carburetor Cleaning Sync:
Recommended annually or every 5,000-10,000 km, or if performance issues arise.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years or as per manual recommendations due to hygroscopic nature.
Engine Oil Type:
Yamaha Genuine Yamalube 4 (or equivalent) SAE 10W-40 API SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, or higher.
Engine Oil Capacity:
1.8 Liters (1.9 US qt) without filter change, 2.0 Liters (2.1 US qt) with filter change.
Fork Oil Type:
Yamaha Fork Oil 10W or equivalent.
Fork Oil Capacity:
Approximately 164 ml (5.5 US oz) per fork leg.
Carburetor Issues:
Clogged jets, vacuum leaks, synchronization drift leading to poor idle or acceleration.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, faulty regulator/rectifier, weak battery connections leading to charging or ignition problems.
Valve Adjustment:
Can become noisy if not adjusted according to schedule, affecting performance and longevity.
Rear Brake Wear:
Drum brake may require more frequent adjustment and eventual relining/replacement of shoes.
Corrosion Control:
Regular cleaning and lubrication, especially in humid or coastal environments, to prevent frame and component corrosion.
Yamaha Legacy:
Yamaha Motor Company, established 1955, renowned for motorcycles, musical instruments, and other engineered products. Strong reputation for performance and reliability.
Virago Lineage:
The XV250 Virago is part of Yamaha's cruiser line, known for its V-twin engines and classic styling. It served as an accessible entry point into the cruiser segment for decades.
Design Period:
Introduced in the mid-1980s, the XV250 Virago maintained its core design and powertrain for an extended production run, undergoing minor updates and emissions compliance changes.
Production Span:
Approximately 1988 to 2009 (as indicated by manual coverage).
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan and potentially other Yamaha facilities globally.
