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Cruisers

1996Yamaha XV 250 S Virago

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The 1996 Yamaha XV 250 S Virago is an entry-level cruiser ideal for new riders and commuters seeking an affordable, manageable bike. Its lightweight 139kg frame and low 685mm seat height make it accessible to riders of various heights. Known for reliability and simplicity, this V-twin delivers adequate power for urban riding and short-distance cruising.

Capacity
248.0 ccm
Engine
V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
139.0 kg
Seat height
685 mm
Power
21.0 HP (15.4 kW) @ 8000 RPM

What’s new for the 1996 Yamaha XV 250 S Virago

vs the 1995
Spec19951996
Torque 20.6 Nm (2.1 kgf-m or 15.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 RPM 21.0 Nm (2.1 kgf-m or 15.5 ft.lbs)
Dry weight 137.0 kg (302.0 pounds) 139.0 kg (306.4 pounds)
Other years 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 16Agility 56Comfort 55Off-road 10Touring 30Road manners 55
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering40%
City riding70%
Daily riding65%
Touring30%
Two-up25%
Track5%
Best for
Built as an entry-level cruiser, it's best suited for relaxed neighborhood rides, learning the basics, and short commutes rather than performance riding.
Built for
It has the laid-back cruiser stance and V-twin character of a classic Virago, delivering easygoing, unintimidating power rather than excitement.
Not ideal for
This is not the bike for highway touring, spirited cornering, two-up riding, or anyone seeking strong acceleration.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 685mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1996 Yamaha XV 250 S Virago, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
248.0 ccm
Power
21.0 HP (15.4 kW) @ 8000 RPM
Torque
21.0 Nm (2.1 kgf-m)
Engine type
V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.1511 HP/kg (dry)
Cooling system
Air
Valves per cylinder
2
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1490 mm
Seat height
685 mm
Dry weight
139.0 kg
Fuel capacity
9.50 litres
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes
Expanding brake

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 19951996199819992000
Capacity 248 cc 248 cc 248 cc 248 cc 248 cc
Dry weight 137 kg 139 kg 139 kg 148 kg 137 kg
Seat height 685 mm 685 mm 685 mm 685 mm 685 mm
Fuel capacity 9.5 L 9.5 L 9.5 L 9.5 L 9.5 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Yamaha XV 250 S Virago?

The 1996 Yamaha XV 250 S Virago has a Capacity of 248.0 ccm (15.13 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Yamaha XV 250 S Virago have?

The 1996 Yamaha XV 250 S Virago has a Power of 21.0 HP (15.4 kW) @ 8000 RPM.

How many gears does the Yamaha XV 250 S Virago have?

The 1996 Yamaha XV 250 S Virago has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Yamaha XV 250 S Virago?

The 1996 Yamaha XV 250 S Virago has a Torque of 21.0 Nm (2.1 kgf-m or 15.5 ft.lbs).

How much does the Yamaha XV 250 S Virago weigh?

The 1996 Yamaha XV 250 S Virago has a Dry weight of 139.0 kg (306.4 pounds).

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