Virago XV

How to replace the battery on a V Star 250

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by

Greg
in ,

Dead batteries are an annoying problem. Choosing and buying a replacement was just as annoying. 

I had trouble finding the correct battery that would work for me V Star 250. 

I will give you everything you need to know about how to choose the right battery and how to properly replace it on your motorcycle.

Here is a quick video on the process:

Which battery should I buy for my V Star 250 or Virago 250? 

I recommend buying an AGM battery. They are powerful batteries that don’t require any maintenance. 

If you aren’t going to ride for a while, put it on a battery tender but besides that you won’t have to think about your battery until it dies of old age. 

This is the part number, CB1-0LA20-00-00, according to Partzilla. They are a great website and I have purchased parts from them before, so I trust them.

The dimensions in inches are:

Height: 5.71 

Width: 3.5 

Length: 5.28 

The other numbers to remember are:

Volts: 12

Amp-Hour: 10

With this information, we can choose exactly what we need.

Battery Choices for the V Star 250

There are a few options of battery for the V Star 250. You’ll see batteries in different types and sizes. 

Here are my recommendations. Each of these would fit in your motorcycle, without any modifications.

Caltric AGM Battery for the Yamaha XV250

This battery fits the dimensions and battery specifications needed for your motorcycle. If you are in California, where they are based, it should be delivered to your house in a few days.

Their customer service are great and will be happy to answer any of your questions.

It’s odd they don’t include the model years 2005-2023 on their compatibility list. 

Zipp Battery YTX7L-BS 

I have this in my motorcycle right now. The bad thing about this battery is it’s size. 

It’s physical size is small, so it will fit with ease in the battery holder under your seat. 

The bad size number is the Amp Hours, 6 Amp Hours. That is half the recommended for the V Star 250. 

Amp Hours tell us how long a battery lasts before it needs to be charged. A 6 Amp Hours battery could provide 1 Amp for 6 hours, or 2 Amps for 3 hours.

The original electronics on the V Star 250 were designed with a 10 Amp Hour battery in mind. If you have made the change over to LED turn indicators or headlight, you could get away with the 6 Amp Hours battery. 

The LED upgrades you made draw less power than the OEM parts they replaced. 

NOCO 250A 12V LiFePO4 Battery 

I don’t have experience with Lithium Ion batteries but I have heard great things. Their light weight compared to other batteries of the same physical size is a plus. 

The V Star 250 is a small motorcycle. Cutting any weight where possible is always a great idea.

This battery weighs 2.44 pounds.

Compare that to the other batteries on our list:

CalTri AGM 12V 11AH – 7 lbs

Zipp 12V 6 AH – 4.73 lbs

You will be paying more for the weight savings. For my next battery I am planning to purchase this one. I like the weight savings. 

It’s easier for the motorcycle to lose weight than myself. 

Guide to Replacing the Battery on Your V Star/Virago 250 Motorcycle

Replacing the battery on the V Star 250 should take you less than 10 minutes. Here is the shirt list of tools you’ll need:

  1. Remove the two Allen bolts below the seat
    1. Located on the sides
  2. Pull the seat up and back to remove it
  3. Identify the Positive (Red) and Negative (Black) terminals of the battery
  4. Undo the screw on the Negative connector
    1. Set the connector aside without touching any metal
  5. Undo the screw on the Positive connector
  6. Remove the battery
  7. Install the new battery
  8. Connect the Positive connector
  9. Without touching any metal, connect the Negative connector
  10. Make sure your connector are secure
  11. Put the key in the ignition and turn to ‘On’

Did the lights turn on? Any pops or odd noise? No, good!

Fire it up!

If you did hear a pop or anything, it was likely a fuse. That’s an easy fix, don’t sweat it.

Conclusion

Having options is great when it comes to projects and first motorcycles. You can go for the cheaper but weighty option or splurge for the expensive lightweight option.

If you plan to keep your motorcycle for more than a year, then I would recommend getting the Lithium Ion option. You will get to enjoy the weight savings and get your my money back over time.

If you plan to fix it up, ride it for a few months and then sell it, I recommend the CalTric AGM battery. It is a solid battery that is reliable and won’t cut into your budget. 

I hope that helps you find the right choice for your motorcycle and situation. Handling batteries can be intimidating, I hope you have you the confidence to take care of it yourself. 

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