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Yamaha XV 250S Virago

Make Model	Yamaha XV 250 Virago
Year	1994 - 96
Engine	Four stroke, V-Twin cylinder, SOHC, 2 valve per cylinder
Capacity	249 cc / 15.2 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	49 x 66 mm
Cooling System	Air cooled
Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Induction	BDS26 Mikuni carburetor
Ignition	CDI
Starting	Electric
Max Power	23 hp / 17.1 Kw @ 8000 rpm
Max Power Rear Tyre	20.8 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque	2.2 kgf-m / 15.9 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Front Suspension	Telescopic forks
Front Wheel Travel	140 mm / 5.5 in
Frame	Camshaft Valvetrain Configuration
Rear Suspension	Dual shocks
Rear Wheel Travel	100 mm / 3.9 in
Front Brakes	Single 282mm disc
Rear Brakes	130mm drum
Front Tyre	3.00-19
Rear Tyre	130/90-15
Wheelbase	1495 mm / 58.9 in
Seat Height	685 mm / 27.0 in
Ground Clearance	145 mm / 4.7 in
Dry Weight	137 kg / 302 lbs
Wet Weight	145 kg / 319.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity	9.5 Liters / 2.5 US gal
Consumption Average	23 km/lit
Braking 60 - 0 / 100 - 0	14.9 m / 42.6 m
Standing ¼ Mile	17.0 sec / 120.8 km/h
Top Speed	136.2 km/h

The Yamaha XV250S Virago is a trusty, reliable and easy to ride option on which to hone your biking skills. If you fancy a big cruiser later on, the Yamaha XV250S Virago is a great place to start: it’s got the looks and appears bigger than a 250, so you won’t feel left out down at the Ace. The Yamaha XV250S Virago's engine’s peachy and it doesn’t suffer the wallow and bad handling many associate with cruisers.

The Yamaha XV250S Virago's riding position is traditionally cruiser: (very) low seat, high bars and forward pegs. Suspension’s quite hard at the rear, softer up front and, overall, handling’s great. The Yamaha XV250S Virago’s light weight makes for easy steering but get carried away and the pegs touch down early. Brakes are good and the ride is smooth.

The surprisingly torquey engine has been running these little Yamaha XV250S Viragos far longer than the bikes have been available in the UK. Great for cruising in the midrange, it has to be revved harder to stay at the top end. Gentler riding on A and B roads is where the Yamaha XV250S Virago is most at home and there’s more go in it than you’d think. Long treks on motorways are probably best avoided.

Mechanically sound, the Yamaha XV250S Virago’s got that proven engine. As for the finish, it’s universally regarded as top notch: well put together, plenty of shiny chrome and excellent paintwork. Many Yamaha XV250S Viragos are used as commuters and they still seem to survive pretty well, despite harsh winters. They certainly need polishing, though.