Yamaha 2003 Virago 250 Owner's Manual

PRINTED IN JAPAN2002.05-0.5×1 CR(E)PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.2UJ-28199-1BLIT-11626-16-21XV250RXV250RCOWNER’S MANUAL

SAFETY INFORMATION11-24. Many motorcycle accidents involve inexperienced operators. In fact, many operators who have beeninvolved in accidents do not

SAFETY INFORMATION11-3Protective apparelThe majority of fatalities from motorcycle accidents are the result of head injuries. The use of a safetyhelme

SAFETY INFORMATION11-4LoadingThe total weight of the operator, passenger, accessories and cargo must not exceed the maximum loadlimit of XV250: 432 lb

SAFETY INFORMATION11-5a. Accessories fitted to the handlebar or the front fork area can create instability due to improperweight distribution or aerod

SAFETY INFORMATION11-6a. The engine and exhaust system may be hot, therefore, park the motorcycle in a place where pe-destrians or children are not li

SAFETY INFORMATION11-7EAU02977Location of important labels Please read the following important labels carefully before operating this motorcycle. E_U2

SAFETY INFORMATION11-85 California only124 California only3E_U2UJ1B.book Page 8 Wednesday, May 29, 2002 1:56 PM

2-12EAU000262-DESCRIPTION Left view 1. Headlight (page 6-32)2. Steering lock (page 3-8)3. Fuel tank (page 3-4)4. Battery (page 6-29)5. Fuses (page 6-3

DESCRIPTION2-22Right view 11. Tail/brake light12. Rear turn signal light13. Rider seat (page 3-8)14. Air filter element (page 6-11)15. Front turn sign

DESCRIPTION2-32Controls and instruments 1. Clutch lever (page 3-3)2. Left handlebar switches (page 3-2)3. Speedometer unit (page 3-2)4. Indicator ligh

EAU03438

3-13EAU000273-INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONSEAU00028Main switch The main switch controls the ignitionand lighting systems. The various mainswitch po

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS3-23EAU00095Speedometer unit The speedometer unit is equipped witha speedometer, an odometer and atripmeter. The speed

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS3-33EAU04822Engine stop switch “ENGINE STOP” Set this switch to “RUN” before startingthe engine. Set this switch to “O

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS3-43EAU00158Brake lever The brake lever is located at the righthandlebar grip. To apply the frontbrake, pull the lever

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS3-53NOTE:_ The fuel tank cap cannot be closed un-less the key is in the lock. In addition,the key cannot be removed if

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS3-63ECA00104CAUTION:_ Use only unleaded gasoline. Theuse of leaded gasoline will cause se-vere damage to internal engi

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS3-73RESThis indicates reserve. With the fuelcock lever in this position, the fuel re-serve is made available. Quickly

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS3-83EAU02934Steering lock To lock the steering 1. Turn the handlebar all the way toright.2. Open the steering lock cov

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS3-93To install the rider seat1. Insert the projection on the front ofthe rider seat into the seat holderas shown. 2. P

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS3-103EAU00300Adjusting the shock absorber assemblies Each shock absorber assembly isequipped with a spring preload adj

EAU00002INTRODUCTIONCongratulations on your purchase of the Yamaha XV250/XV250C. This model is theresult of Yamaha’s vast experience in the production

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS3-113EW000044WARNING@ The motorcycle must not be riddenwith the sidestand down, or if thesidestand cannot be properlym

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS3-123CD-01EWith the engine turned off:1. Move the sidestand down.2. Make sure that the engine stop switch is set to “R

4-14EAU011144-PRE-OPERATION CHECKSThe condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unex

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS4-24NOTE:_ Pre-operation checks should be made each time the motorcycle is used. Such an inspection can be accomplished in a verys

5-15EAU003725-OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTSEAU00373WARNING@ ●Become thoroughly familiarwith all operating controls andtheir functions before r

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS5-25EAU04683Starting and warming up a cold engine In order for the ignition circuit cut-offsystem to enable start

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS5-356. After starting the engine, move thestarter (choke) back halfway.ECA00055CAUTION:_ For maximum engine life,

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS5-45EAU00423Shifting Shifting gears lets you control theamount of engine power available forstarting off, acceler

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS5-55EAU00427To decelerate 1. Apply both the front and the rearbrakes to slow the motorcycle.2. Shift the transmis

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS5-65EAU00452*0–1,000 km (0–600 mi)Avoid prolonged operation above1/3 throttle.1,000–1,600 km (600–1,000 mi)Avoid

EAU00003IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATIONParticularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:The Safety Alert Sym

6-16EAU004626-PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIREAU01790Safety is an obligation of the owner.Periodic inspection, adjustment and lu-brication will

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-26EAU00468Owner’s tool kit The service information included in thismanual and the tools provided in theowner’s

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-36EAU00471Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system * Since these items require special tools,

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-46EAU00472General maintenance and lubrication chart No. ITEM ROUTINE TYPEINITIAL ODOMETER READINGS600 mi(1,000k

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-56* Since these items require special tools, data and technical skills, have a Yamaha dealer perform the servic

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-66EAU03329Checking the spark plugs The spark plugs are important enginecomponents, which are easy to check.Sinc

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-76To install a spark plug1. Measure the spark plug gap with awire thickness gauge and, if neces-sary, adjust th

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-86EAU00499Canister (for California only) This model is equipped with a canisterto prevent the discharging of fu

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-962. Start the engine, warm it up forseveral minutes, and then turn it off.3. Wait a few minutes until the oil

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-1064. Remove the oil filter element coverby removing the bolts.5. Remove and replace the oil filterelement and

IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATIONEW000000WARNING@ PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL AND THE “YOU AND YOUR MOTORCYCLE: RIDINGTIPS” BOOKLET CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY BE

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-1169. Start the engine, and then let it idlefor several minutes while checkingit for oil leakage. If oil is lea

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-1262. Remove the air filter element cov-er by removing the screws.3. Remove the air filter element byremoving t

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-1366. Pull the sponge material over theair filter element frame.7. Insert the element into the air filtercase,

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-146EAU00637Adjusting the valve clearance The valve clearance changes with use,resulting in improper air-fuel mi

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-156EW000083WARNING@ Proper loading of your motorcycleis important for several characteris-tics of your motorcyc

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-166EAU00685Spoke wheels To maximize the performance, durabil-ity, and safe operation of your motor-cycle, note

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-176EAU00694Adjusting the clutch lever free play The clutch lever free play should mea-sure 10–15 mm (0.4–0.6 in

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-186EAU00696Adjusting the brake lever free play The brake lever free play should mea-sure 2–5 mm (0.08–0.20 in)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-1961. Loosen the locknut at the brakepedal.2. To raise the brake pedal, turn theadjusting bolt in direction a.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-206EAU00713Adjusting the rear brake light switch The rear brake light switch, which is ac-tivated by the brake

IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATIONAFFIX DEALERLABEL HEREEAU04247XV250R/XV250RCOWNER’S MANUAL©2002 by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.1st edition, April 2002

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-216EAU04502Rear brake shoesThe rear brake is provided with a wearindicator, which allows you to check thebrake

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-226●Brake fluid may deteriorate paint-ed surfaces or plastic parts. Al-ways clean up spilled fluidimmediately.●

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-2362. Shift the transmission into the neu-tral position.3. Move the rear wheel by pushingthe motorcycle to loca

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-246NOTE:@ Using the alignment marks on eachside of the swingarm, make sure thatboth chain pullers are in the sa

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-256EAU03006Lubricating the drive chain The drive chain must be cleaned andlubricated at the intervals specified

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-266EAU04034Checking and lubricating the throttle grip and cable The operation of the throttle grip shouldbe che

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-276EAU03165Checking and lubricating the sidestand The operation of the sidestand shouldbe checked before each r

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-286EAU00794Checking the steering Worn or loose steering bearings maycause danger. Therefore, the operationof th

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-296EAU01071Battery A poorly maintained battery will cor-rode and discharge quickly. The elec-trolyte level, bat

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-306EW000117WARNING@ ●Electrolyte is poisonous anddangerous since it contains sul-furic acid, which causes sever

EAU00009TABLE OF CONTENTSSAFETY INFORMATION ...1-1Safe riding ...

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-316EC000099CAUTION:@ If the breather hose is positioned insuch a way that the frame is ex-posed to electrolyte

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-326EAU04187Replacing the headlight bulb This motorcycle is equipped with aquartz bulb headlight. If the headlig

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-336EC000105CAUTION:_ Do not touch the glass part of theheadlight bulb to keep it free fromoil, otherwise the tr

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-346EAU03239Front wheel To remove the front wheel EW000122WARNING@ ●It is advisable to have a Yamahadealer servi

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-3565. Tighten the wheel axle to thespecified torque.6. Tighten the front wheel axle pinchbolt to the specified

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-366EAU04850Rear wheel To remove the rear wheel EW000122WARNING_ ●It is advisable to have a Yamahadealer service

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-376EAU04851To install the rear wheel 1. Insert the wheel axle from theright-hand side, and then installthe driv

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR6-386EAU01562Troubleshooting chart EW000125WARNING@ Keep away open flames and do not smoke while checking or work

7-17EAU034307-MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGECare While the open design of a motorcyclereveals the attractiveness of the tech-nology, it also makes it mor

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE7-27●Do not use any harsh chemicalproducts on plastic parts. Besure to avoid using cloths orsponges which have been inconta

TABLE OF CONTENTSAdjusting the throttle cable free play ...6-13Adjusting the valve clearance ...6-14Tires ...

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE7-37After cleaning1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamoisor an absorbing cloth.2. Immediately dry the drive chainand lubricate

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE7-47Storage Short-termAlways store your motorcycle in a cool,dry place and, if necessary, protect itagainst dust with a por

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE7-576. Lubricate all control cables andthe pivoting points of all levers andpedals as well as of the sidestand/centerstand.

8-18EAU010388-SPECIFICATIONSSpecifications CS-01EModel XV250/XV250CDimensionsOverall length 2,190 mm (86.2 in)Overall width 815 mm (32.1 in)Overall he

SPECIFICATIONS8-28FuelType UNLEADED GASOLINE ONLYFuel tank capacityXV250 9.5 L (2.1 Imp gal, 2.5 US gal)XV250C 9.2 L (2.0 Imp gal, 2.4 US gal)Fuel res

SPECIFICATIONS8-38Maximum load*XV250 196 kg (432 lb)XV250C 195 kg (430 lb)Tire air pressure (measured on cold tires)Up to 90 kg (198 lb)*Front 175 kPa

SPECIFICATIONS8-48Bulb voltage, wattage × quantityHeadlight 12 V, 60/55 W × 1Tail/brake light 12 V, 8/27 W × 1Front turn signal / position light 12 V,

9-19EAU010399-CONSUMER INFORMATIONEAU02944Identification numbers Record the key identification number,vehicle identification number and mod-el label i

CONSUMER INFORMATION9-29EAU01804Model label The model label is affixed to the frameunder the rider seat. (See page 3-8 forrider seat removal and insta

CONSUMER INFORMATION9-39EAU01051REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury

11-11-SAFETY INFORMATION EAU03633MOTORCYCLES ARE SINGLE TRACK VEHICLES. THEIR SAFE USE AND OPERATION ARE DE-PENDENT UPON THE USE OF PROPER RIDING TECH

CONSUMER INFORMATION9-49EAU01053MOTORCYCLE NOISE REGULATION TAMPERING WITH NOISE CONTROL SYSTEM PROHIBITED:Federal law prohibits the following acts or

CONSUMER INFORMATION9-59EAU03052Maintenance record Copies of work orders and/or receipts for parts purchased and installed on your motorcycle will be

CONSUMER INFORMATION9-6922,000 mi(36,000 km) or42 months25,000 mi(41,000 km) or48 months28,000 mi(46,000 km) or54 months31,000 mi(51,000 km) or60 mont

CONSUMER INFORMATION9-79EAU02918YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A. STREET AND ENDURO MOTORCYCLE LIMITED WARRANTY E_U2UJ1B.book Page 7 Wednesday, May 2

CONSUMER INFORMATION9-89E_U2UJ1B.book Page 8 Wednesday, May 29, 2002 1:56 PM

CONSUMER INFORMATION9-99EAU01063YAMAHA EXTENDED SERVICE (Y.E.S.) E_U2UJ1B.book Page 9 Wednesday, May 29, 2002 1:56 PM

CONSUMER INFORMATION9-109E_U2UJ1B.book Page 10 Wednesday, May 29, 2002 1:56 PM

PRINTED IN JAPAN2002.05-0.5×1 CR(E)PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.2UJ-28199-1BLIT-11626-16-21XV250RXV250RCOWNER’S MANUAL