Market Segment:
Lightweight cruiser motorcycle, popular for entry-level riders and city commuting due to its manageable size and approachable power.
Key Competitors Era:
Honda Rebel 250, Kawasaki Eliminator 125, Suzuki GZ250 Marauder.
Design Philosophy:
Combines classic cruiser styling with Yamaha's reliable engineering, offering a comfortable riding experience.
Engine Layout:
V-twin engine, providing a distinct character and sound profile often associated with larger cruisers.
Target Audience:
New riders, urban commuters, those seeking a stylish and easy-to-handle motorcycle.
Covered Years:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Estimated Page Count:
300-400
Manual Type:
Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of engine components including cylinder head, valves, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, and timing system.
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning, cleaning, and overhaul; fuel tank inspection and cleaning; fuel line maintenance.
Ignition System:
Spark plug service, ignition coil testing, CDI unit diagnostics, timing adjustment.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, and repair; clutch operation, adjustment, and replacement; shift mechanism maintenance.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system maintenance, hydraulic fluid replacement, pad/shoe inspection and replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul.
Suspension:
Front fork servicing, rear shock absorber maintenance and replacement, linkage inspection.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, lighting system, starter motor, charging system (alternator/stator), instrument cluster diagnostics.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, wheel bearing maintenance.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fender, fuel tank, seat, and other body panel removal and installation procedures.
Preventative Maintenance:
Detailed schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, chain lubrication, brake checks, and general inspection.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common performance issues and malfunctions.
Repair Instructions:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation with torque specifications.
Overhaul Procedures:
Comprehensive guides for major component overhauls, such as engine and transmission rebuilds.
Adjustments:
Specific procedures for adjusting throttle, clutch, brake levers, and suspension settings.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic information for electrical and mechanical systems, including troubleshooting flowcharts.
Rebuild Detail:
Provides detailed diagrams and instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for experienced mechanics.
Parts Identification:
Illustrations and part numbers for identification and ordering of genuine Yamaha components.
Print Quality Description:
High-resolution scans of original factory manual pages, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams for printing.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Searchable Text:
Yes (OCR processed for keyword searching)
Hyperlinked Sections:
Likely, common in high-quality PDF manuals for navigation.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
249 cc (250cc class)
Bore X Stroke:
49.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.7:1 (typical)
Carburetion:
Single Mikuni BS26 (or similar, specific model may vary slightly)
Horsepower:
Approximately 17-20 hp @ 7,500 rpm (varies by region and specific model year)
Torque:
Approximately 18-20 Nm @ 6,000 rpm (varies by region and specific model year)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (or higher)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
9.5 Liters (2.5 US gallons)
Transmission Type:
Constant mesh, 5-speed
Clutch Type:
Wet, multiple-disc
Drive Method:
Chain drive
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual, generally optimized for city riding and cruising.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Yamaha Yamalube 4 (or equivalent SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher motorcycle oil)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 1.4 Liters (1.5 US qt) when disassembled, 1.2 Liters (1.3 US qt) when only changing oil.
Safety Ratings:
Motorcycle safety is primarily determined by rider skill and adherence to road laws. Specific crash test ratings are not typically applied to motorcycles in the same manner as automobiles.
Braking System:
Front: Disc brake; Rear: Drum brake (specific braking systems may vary slightly by market/year).
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals, compliant with road regulations.
Frame Construction:
Steel diamond frame for rigidity and rider support.
Ergonomics:
Low seat height and forward-mounted footpegs contribute to a stable and comfortable riding position.
Infotainment System:
N/A (Basic motorcycle design from its era)
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A (Focus on core motorcycle mechanics)
Instrument Cluster:
Analog speedometer, tachometer (optional on some models), odometer, trip meter, and indicator lights (turn signals, high beam, oil pressure).
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000 km (2,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
Recommended at every oil change, or as per manual instructions.
Spark Plug Check Replace:
Inspect every 6,000 km (4,000 miles), replace as needed (NGK CR9E or equivalent).
Air Filter Cleaning:
Inspect every 3,000 km (2,000 miles), clean or replace as needed.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, or as per manual specifications.
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Lubricate every 500 km (300 miles), adjust chain slack every 1,000 km (600 miles).
Engine Oil Specification:
Yamalube 4 (or SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Coolant Type:
Not applicable (air-cooled engine)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, fork seals, spark plugs, and chain/sprockets are common wear items.
Carburetor Performance:
Some models may experience carburetor jetting issues or require cleaning due to age and fuel deposits, affecting idle stability or throttle response.
Electrical Connections:
Older motorcycles can develop corroded electrical connectors or loose wiring, leading to intermittent issues with lights or ignition.
Yamaha Motorcycles:
Yamaha Motor Company, established in 1955, has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, innovative, and reliable motorcycles across various segments.
Virago Lineage:
The Virago line was Yamaha's foray into the cruiser market, with the 250cc model serving as an accessible entry point, evolving through minor updates over its production run.
Production Years:
The Yamaha Virago 250 (XV250) was produced from 1988 to 2007, with the manual covering the majority of this period (1988-2005).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan, with some assembly potentially occurring in other regions.
