Segment:
Cruiser / Custom Motorcycle
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, owners seeking detailed maintenance and repair knowledge
Competitors:
Honda Shadow 250, Kawasaki Vulcan 500 (different displacement but similar market)
Design Philosophy:
Classic V-twin cruiser styling with Yamaha's reliability engineering
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance and complex repairs, saving on labor costs and extending vehicle lifespan
Applicable Years:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
Estimated Pages:
N/A (Digital PDF, variable rendering)
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, performance tuning, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled specific considerations)
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning and overhaul (VM series likely), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance
Transmission:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, gear selection mechanisms
Drivetrain:
Final drive (shaft drive), bearing maintenance, seal replacement
Electrical System:
Ignition system (CDI, spark plugs), charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, starter system, battery maintenance, wiring diagrams
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork overhaul and adjustment, rear shock absorber replacement, steering head bearing service, frame inspection
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system maintenance, hydraulic components, caliper overhaul, pad replacement, fluid bleeding
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure, tire inspection, wheel bearing maintenance, spoke tensioning (if applicable)
Bodywork And Trim:
Panel removal and installation, seat maintenance, fender care
Preventive Maintenance:
Regular service checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults and malfunctions across all systems
Disassembly Reassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Specifications Settings:
Torque values, valve clearances, ignition timing, carburetor settings
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and electrical diagnostics)
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, V-twin, SOHC
Displacement:
248 cc (15.1 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
49.0 mm x 66.0 mm (1.93 in x 2.60 in)
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Compression Ratio:
22.2:1 (Typical)
Valve Actuation:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Valve Clearance Intake Cold:
0.03 - 0.07 mm (0.001 - 0.003 in)
Valve Clearance Exhaust Cold:
0.03 - 0.07 mm (0.001 - 0.003 in)
Idle Speed:
1300 ± 100 rpm
Horsepower Approx:
21 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque Approx:
18.7 Nm (13.8 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor
Carburetor Model:
Likely Mikuni VM series (e.g., VM26 x 2)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum octane rating 87 (91 RON)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
9.0 L (2.4 US gal)
Fuel Reserve Capacity:
Approximately 2.0 L (0.5 US gal)
Fuel Filter:
Internal to fuel tank/petcock
Lubrication System:
Wet sump
Oil Capacity W Filter Change:
1.6 L (1.7 US qt)
Oil Type:
API SE, SF or SG class SAE 10W-30 or 20W-40 motorcycle oil
Transmission Type:
Constant mesh 5-speed
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Gear Ratios:
Typically: 1st: 2.750, 2nd: 1.875, 3rd: 1.375, 4th: 1.125, 5th: 0.960 (Exact ratios may vary by specific model year)
Final Drive Type:
Shaft drive
Final Drive Ratio:
3.000 (Example: 36/12)
Transmission Oil Type:
Yamalube GL-4 Gear Oil SAE 80W-90
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.55 L (0.58 US qt)
Crash Test Data:
N/A (Motorcycle, typically not subject to automotive crash testing standards)
Braking System:
Front: Disc brake; Rear: Drum brake (Models may vary, later models might have rear disc)
Suspension Damping:
Telescopic front forks, Swingarm rear suspension with dual shocks
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, tail lamp, brake lamp, turn signals
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer, tachometer (on some models), odometer, trip meter, neutral indicator, turn signal indicators, oil pressure warning light, high beam indicator
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Headlight Type:
Halogen bulb
First Service:
1,000 km (600 miles) or 6 months
Subsequent Service:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 12 months
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 12 months, or more frequently under severe conditions.
Air Filter Inspection:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or as needed
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air-cooled)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, tires, carburetor jets, steering head bearings
Potential Problems:
Carburetor synchronization issues, minor electrical connection corrosion, fuel line degradation over time
Maintenance Tips:
Regularly check and clean the air filter, ensure proper carb synchronization, use high-quality fuel and oil.
Manufacturer Origin:
Japan
Yamaha Motorcycles:
Yamaha Motor Company is renowned for its innovation and performance in motorcycles, musical instruments, and other recreational products.
Virago Lineage:
The Virago line was Yamaha's entry into the cruiser market, known for accessible styling and manageable performance.
Xv250 Specifics:
The XV250 was a long-running model, appreciated for its beginner-friendliness and classic aesthetics, maintaining a consistent design across its production run.
Production End:
2009 (for the specific covered range)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primary)