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Cruisers

1996Yamaha XV 250 Virago

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The 1996 Yamaha XV 250 Virago is an accessible cruiser perfect for beginner and smaller-framed riders. Its lightweight 139kg frame and manageable 21hp V-twin engine deliver predictable handling and low-seat comfort. Known for affordability and reliability, it remains an ideal entry-level cruiser for riders seeking classic styling without complexity.

Capacity
248.0 ccm
Engine
V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
139.0 kg
Seat height
685 mm
Power
21.0 HP

What’s new for the 1996 Yamaha XV 250 Virago

vs the 1995
Spec19951996
Engine capacity 248.00 ccm (15.13 cubic inches) 248.0 ccm (15.13 cubic inches)
Power 21.00 HP 21.0 HP
Torque 20.60 Nm (2.1 kgf-m or 15.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 21.0 Nm (2.1 kgf-m or 15.5 ft.lbs) @ 6500 RPM
Weight 137.0 kg (302.0 pounds) 139.0 kg (306.4 pounds)
Compression 10.0:1
Other years 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 16Agility 61Comfort 55Off-road 10Touring 30Road manners 55
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering40%
City riding70%
Daily riding65%
Touring30%
Two-up25%
Track10%
Best for
It's built for relaxed cruising and commuting rather than performance riding, with its small V-twin favoring smooth, unhurried torque delivery over outright speed.
Built for
It has a classic cruiser feel with laid-back ergonomics, a low center of gravity, and an easygoing, non-intimidating demeanor.
Not ideal for
It's not a good fit for riders seeking highway-speed touring comfort, aggressive cornering performance, or any kind of off-road capability.

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 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1996 Yamaha XV 250 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 →

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
248.0 ccm
Power
21.0 HP
Torque
21.0 Nm (2.1 kgf-m) @ 6500 RPM
Engine type
V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.1511 HP/kg
Bore x stroke
49.0 x 66.0 mm
Compression
10.0:1
Cooling system
Air
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
2
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Dimensions & weight
Seat height
685 mm
Dry weight
139.0 kg
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 198919921995199619972000
Capacity 249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) 249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) 248.00 ccm (15.13 cubic inches) 248.00 ccm (15.13 cubic inches) 248.00 ccm (15.13 cubic inches) 248.00 ccm (15.13 cubic inches)
Dry weight 137.0 kg (302.0 pounds) 139.0 kg (306.4 pounds) 139.0 kg (306.4 pounds) 137.0 kg (302.0 pounds)
Seat height 685 mm (27.0 inches) 685 mm (27.0 inches) 685 mm (27.0 inches) 685 mm (27.0 inches)
Fuel capacity 9.50 litres (2.51 gallons) 9.50 litres (2.51 gallons)

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 Virago?

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

What engine power does the Yamaha XV 250 Virago have?

The 1996 Yamaha XV 250 Virago has a Power of 21.0 HP.

How many gears does the Yamaha XV 250 Virago have?

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

What is the torque of the Yamaha XV 250 Virago?

The 1996 Yamaha XV 250 Virago has a Torque of 21.0 Nm (2.1 kgf-m or 15.5 ft.lbs) @ 6500 RPM.

How much does the Yamaha XV 250 Virago weigh?

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

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