Category:
Entry-level cruiser motorcycle
Target Audience:
New riders, commuters, those seeking a classic styling with user-friendly operation
Competitors:
Honda Shadow 400/750 (though larger displacement), Kawasaki Vulcan 500, Suzuki Intruder 400/800 (depending on market)
Styling:
Classic cruiser design, low seat height, V-twin engine configuration
Engine Type:
V-twin, 4-stroke
Drive Type:
Shaft drive (low maintenance)
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, Specifications, Adjustments
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Type:
Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, carburetor tuning, ignition system, cooling system (air-cooled), lubrication system
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel filter, carburetor (Mikuni VM Series) disassembly, cleaning, and adjustment
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gear shift mechanism, transmission disassembly and reassembly, lubrication
Drivetrain:
Final drive (shaft drive), swingarm, rear suspension
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system inspection, service, bleeding, component replacement (drum/disc)
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), ignition system, lighting, starter system, wiring diagrams
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork service, rear shock absorber inspection, frame inspection, steering head bearing maintenance
Wheels And Tires:
Tire inspection and replacement, wheel bearing service, spoke tension adjustment (if applicable)
Bodywork And Trim:
Fender removal/installation, seat, fuel tank, side covers, instrumentation
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment (if applicable), spark plug service, brake adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Component-level repair procedures, disassembly and reassembly of major systems
Adjustments:
Carburetor idle and mixture, clutch free play, brake lever free play, throttle cable slack
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and wiring diagrams
Engine Type:
4-stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
249 cc (248 cm³)
Bore X Stroke:
49.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1 (typical for this model)
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Horsepower:
Approximately 20-22 HP at ~7,500 rpm (varies slightly by year/market)
Torque:
Approximately 14-15 lb-ft at ~6,000 rpm (varies slightly by year/market)
Carburetor:
Single Mikuni VM Series (e.g., VM26 or similar)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor, Gravity Feed
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 1.7 - 1.9 Liters (check manual for exact specification)
Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 motorcycle specific (refer to manual)
Length:
Approx. 2,185 mm (86.0 in)
Width:
Approx. 730 mm (28.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,065 mm (41.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,485 mm (58.5 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 130 mm (5.1 in)
Seat Height:
Approx. 710 mm (28.0 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 132 kg (291 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 146 kg (322 lbs) (fully fueled)
Cargo Capacity:
N/A (Motorcycle)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle, not subject to automotive crash testing standards)
Braking System:
Front: Disc Brake, Rear: Drum Brake (some later models may have rear disc)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, turn signals
Frame Construction:
Steel cradle frame
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 5,000 km (3,000 miles), clean or replace as needed. Replace every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Inspect every 5,000 km (3,000 miles), replace as needed (typically every 10,000-15,000 km).
Brake Fluid:
Flush and replace every 2 years or as per manual recommendation (typically 12,000 miles / 20,000 km).
Valve Clearance:
Inspect and adjust every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, JASO MA, SAE 10W-40 motorcycle oil.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
Gear Oil:
SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil (for shaft drive).
Carburetor Issues:
Can become clogged with infrequent use or poor fuel quality, leading to rough idle or poor running. Requires regular cleaning and synchronization.
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion can occur at electrical connectors over time, leading to intermittent issues, particularly on older models.
Valve Seats:
Some owners report potential issues with valve seat recession over very high mileage, though less common on this specific engine variant compared to some others.
Rear Brake Drum:
Drum brakes require periodic adjustment and can wear over time; inspection and adjustment are key.
Brand Legacy:
Yamaha Motor Company, established in 1955, known for innovation and performance across motorcycles, marine products, and musical instruments.
Virago Lineage:
The Virago line, introduced in the early 1980s, established Yamaha's presence in the cruiser market. The 250cc model was designed as an accessible, smaller-displacement option appealing to a broader range of riders.
Route 66 Variant:
The 'Route 66' designation often indicated specific styling cues or color schemes, particularly in earlier years, aiming for a classic American road trip aesthetic.
Production Years:
The Virago 250 (XV250) was produced for an extended period, with significant production runs from the late 1980s through the early 2000s, indicating its market success.
