Yamaha V Star 250 Engine Diagram

This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the Yamaha V Star 250, also known as the XV250.

The Yamaha V Star 250 is a very old-school bike, with old components, but with a modern visual design.

This year's V Star 250 is functionally identical to the one released in 2008, which was really a re-badge of the earlier Virago 250. You can see that maintenance schedule — it's identical, but on a separate page because people will go looking for their Virago! Even in 2021, the V Star 250 is still carburettor-fed. Quite the dinosaur. But it works.

So this maintenance schedule applies to the V Star 250 (XV250) from 2008 onward, through to 2021 and for the foreseeable future until it's discontinued.

The V Star 250 has (and always has had) a 249cc air-cooled V-twin engine that produces… well, it's not about how much power. It's the fact that it's a super cool looking V-twin that anyone can ride.

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What you need to service the V Star 250

Firstly, you need some basic motorcycle maintenance tools. But aside from that, you also need

Yamalube 10W-40 — Consumables for Yamaha XV250

KN-145 oil filter — Consumables for Yamaha XV250

Product	Image	Description
Oil	Yamalube 10w-40	The manual suggests Yamalube 10W-40 or Yamalube 10W-50 (if you ride in heat over 100F/40C). You need 1.4L without changing the oil filter, or 1.6L with changing it, so one gallon/4L should be good for two changes. Tighten the oil drain bolt to 34 Nm (25 ft-lb).
Oil filter		Replace the oil filter every time you change the oil. Standard Yamaha part is 5JX-13440-00-00, or you can use a KN-145. Tighten to 10Nm (7.2 ft-lb) The benefit of the K&N is you don't need a special tool to remove it (you can use a regular wrench).
Spark plugs		Use NGK spark plugs with code C6HSA (sold individually). Make sure they're gapped to 0.6-0.7mm with an appropriate spark plug gapping tool, and tightened to 13 Nm (9.4 lb-ft) with an appropriate torque wrench.
Air filter		Standard Yamaha part number is 2UJ-14451-00-00. You can also use the K&N part YA-2588 which is more available.
Chain lube		Motul chain paste is a highly-regarded chain lubricant to use on the chain (the V Star 250 doesn't have a belt, unlike nearly all its bigger siblings). You might also need a chain cleaner brush.
Brake pads	EBC FA179HH Brake Pads	The front brake pads have parts code 4HM-W0045-00-00, and the rear brake shoes have parts code 19D-W253E-00-00.
Brake Fluid		You can use any DOT 4 brake fluid (the one we recommend is a high-grade synthetic one)

Yamaha V Star 250 Maintenance Schedule

Below is the maintenance schedule for the Yamaha V Star 250.

The maintenance for the Yamaha V Star 250 is broken into two sections: periodic maintenance for emission control systems, and general maintenance and lubrication. But they're combined below for ease of use.

Notes:

Mileage is from US-based manuals, and kilometres are from Europe/Australia manuals. The numbers don't quite align mathematically (but they're order-of-magnitude similar)
Keep following the same periodic maintenance schedule at the end of the indicated distance/time periods.
Yamaha only wants you to change the oil, lube the chain, and grease a few parts. They say "Items marked with an asterisk require special tools, data and technical skills, have a Yamaha dealer perform the service" (but we both know you're going to do it yourself)
Air filter: The air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.
Hydraulic brake system:
- When disassembling the master cylinder or caliper cylinder, always replace the brake fluid. Check the brake fluid level regularly and fill as required.
- Replace the oil seals on the inner parts of the master cylinder and caliper cylinder every two years.
- Replace the brake hoses every four years or if cracked or damaged.

	Miles	600	4000	8000	12000	16000	20000
	Kms	1000	10000	20000	30000	40000	–
	Months	1	6	12	18	24	30
Fuel line *	• Check fuel and vacuum hoses for cracks or damage. • Replace if necessary.		•	•	•	•	•
Spark plugs *	• Check condition. • Adjust gap and clean. • Replace (R)		•	R	•	R	•
Valve clearance *	• Check and adjust valve clearance when engine is cold.	•	•	•	•	•	•
Crankcase breather system *	• Check breather hose for cracks or damage. • Replace if necessary.		•		•		•
Idle speed *	• Check and adjust engine idle speed.		•	•	•	•	•
Exhaust system *	• Check for leakage. • Tighten if necessary. • Replace gasket(s) if necessary.		•	•	•	•	•
Evaporative emission system * (CA only)	• Check control system for damage. • Replace if necessary.			•		•
Air filter*	• Clean with solvent. • Replace if necessary.		•	•	•	•	•
Battery*	• Check specific gravity and breather hose for proper operation.		•	•	•	•	•
Clutch*	• Check operation. • Adjust or replace cable.	•	•	•	•	•	•
Front brake*	• Check operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. • Adjust brake lever free play and replace brake pads if necessary.	•	•	•	•	•	•
Rear brake*	• Check operation. • Adjust brake pedal free play and replace brake shoes if necessary.	•	•	•	•	•	•
Brake hose*	• Check for cracks or damage.		•	•	•	•	•
	• Replace.			Every 4 years.
Brake fluid*	Replace (note: omitted from manual in later years, but still do it)			Every two years
Wheels*	• Check runout, spoke tightness and for damage. • Tighten spokes if necessary.	•	•	•	•	•	•
Tires*	• Check tread depth and for damage. • Replace if necessary. • Check air pressure. • Correct if necessary.		•	•	•	•	•
Wheel bearings*	•Check bearings for smooth operation. • Replace if necessary.		•	•	•	•	•
Swingarm pivot bushes*	• Check bush assemblies for looseness. • Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.		•	•	•	•	•
Drive chain	• Check chain slack, alignment and condition. • Adjust and thoroughly lubricate chain (Protect all cable life)			Every 300 mi (500 km) and after the chain gets wet
Steering bearings*	• Check bearing assemblies for looseness. • Moderately repack (R) with lithium-soap-based grease	•	•	•	R	•	•
Chassis fasteners*	• Check all chassis fitting and fasteners. • Correct if necessary.		•	•	•	•	•
Brake lever pivot shaft	• Apply silicone grease lightly.		•	•	•	•	•
Brake pedal pivot shaft	• Apply lithium-soap-based grease lightly.		•	•	•	•	•
Clutch lever pivot shaft	• Apply lithium-soap-based grease lightly.		•	•	•	•	•
Shift pedal pivot shaft	• Apply lithium-soap-based grease lightly.		•	•	•	•	•
Sidestand pivot	• Check operation. • Apply lithium-soap-based grease lightly.		•	•	•	•	•
Sidestand switch*	• Check operation and replace if necessary.	•	•	•	•	•	•
Front fork*	• Check operation and for oil leakage. • Replace if necessary.		•	•	•	•	•
Shock absorber assemblies*	• Check operation and for oil leakage. • Replace if necessary.		•	•	•	•	•
Engine oil	• Change (warm engine before draining.)	•	•	•	•	•	•
Engine oil filter element	• Replace.	•		•		•
Front and rear brake switches*	• Check operation.	•	•	•	•	•	•
Control and meter cables*	• Apply cable lubricant thoroughly	•	•	•	•	•	•
Throttle grip*	• Check operation. • Check throttle grip free play and adjust if necessary. • Lubricate the throttle grip housing and cable.		•	•	•	•	•
Lights, signals and switches*	• Check operation. • Adjust headlight beam.	•	•	•	•	•	•

Yamaha V Star 250 Maintenance Schedule Table

About the Yamaha V Star 250

Introduced in 2008, the V Star 250 replaced the Virago 250, but was essentially the same bike spec-wise.

It's still an ultra light and nimble cruiser with enough torque to get around town, and a nice low seat to help keep your feet on the ground. And the best part is it only kept getting better looking over time — every time I see a 2020 model I do a double take, thinking "wow, nice looking bike".

The V Star 250 is a good entry-level bike and with a 250 cc engine that has fuel economy rated at 78 mpg, it is a contender for your choice of an economically sound cruiser.

In 2012, there was a minor redesign that changed the shape of the 2008 handlebars and mirrors. You can see the change in the two pictures below.