XV 250 Virago

1996 Yamaha XV 250 Virago Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by Yamaha for the custom - cruiser motorcycle segment, the 1996 Yamaha XV 250 Virago pairs a 248 cc (15.1 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 21 HP (15.3 kW) at 8,000 rpm while maximum torque reaches 21 Nm (15.5 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 84.7 HP per liter and a 1,500 rpm working window between peak torque (6,500 rpm) and peak power (8,000 rpm), the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the XV 250 Virago measures 139 kg (306 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.15 HP/kg (6.62 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 685 mm (27 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops.

Within MotoLibrary's Yamaha archive, this model family spans 6 indexed model years from 1989 to 2000, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.