🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Yamaha

Model:

Virago XV500K

Year Of Coverage Start:

1983

Model Code:

XV500K (specific 'K' designation typically denotes a particular year or market variant within the Virago series)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size cruiser motorcycle.

Target Audience:

Riders seeking a reliable, stylish, and relatively easy-to-maintain cruiser, suitable for both commuting and touring.

Key Competitors:

Honda Shadow series, Kawasaki Vulcan series, Suzuki Intruder series, and other Japanese and American motorcycles in the 400-600cc cruiser segment of the era.

Design Philosophy:

Yamaha's signature blend of performance, reliability, and distinctive styling. The Virago line was known for its V-twin engine, often featuring shaft drive and a comfortable riding posture.

Value Proposition:

Offers a substantial ownership experience with a focus on user-serviceability, contributing to long-term cost savings.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for the Yamaha Virago XV500K.

Secondary Coverage:

Troubleshooting, diagnostics, rebuilding, and restoration procedures.

Estimated Pages:

Likely 300-500 pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era).

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English (Standard for most globally distributed manuals).

Format:

Downloadable (likely PDF).

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components including cylinder head, valves, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, oil pump, and timing.

Fuel System:

Carburetor tuning, cleaning, and overhaul (likely Mikuni carburetors), fuel pump operation, fuel filter replacement.

Ignition System:

CDI ignition system testing, timing adjustment, spark plug specifications, coil testing.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Clutch operation, inspection, and replacement; gearbox disassembly, inspection, and repair; final drive (shaft drive) inspection and fluid service.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, starter motor, alternator/generator, lighting system, fuse box, switches, and indicators.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system inspection, pad/shoe replacement, caliper/master cylinder overhaul, bleeding procedures, brake fluid specifications.

Suspension:

Front fork disassembly, seal replacement, oil specifications, and damping adjustments; rear shock absorber inspection and replacement.

Cooling System:

Air-cooled engine (no coolant, but oil cooling system details might be present).

Exhaust System:

Inspection and replacement of mufflers and pipes.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel bearing maintenance, tire pressure recommendations, tire replacement.

Frame Chassis:

Frame inspection, steering head bearing maintenance.

Bodywork:

Panel removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, fenders.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, chain/drive maintenance, lubrication points, valve clearance checks.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for complete component disassembly, repair, and reassembly.

Adjustments:

Carburetor synchronization, ignition timing, clutch and throttle cable adjustments, brake lever adjustments.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Testing of electrical components using multimeters, tracing circuits.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of any required specialized tools for specific procedures.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostic trees and component testing methods.

Restoration Support:

Detailed specifications and procedures suitable for full restoration projects.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format) typically.

Searchability:

Searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution scans or digital creation, allowing for clear printing of diagrams and text.

Binding:

Not applicable for a digital download, but would typically be spiral-bound or perfect-bound if printed.

Paper Type:

Not applicable for a digital download, but original manuals often used durable, semi-gloss paper.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V-twin, four-stroke, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (likely 2 per cylinder for the XV500K, SOHC 2-valve is more common for this era).

Displacement:

Approximately 499 cc (499cc is correct for the XV500K).

Bore X Stroke:

Typical for this era might be around 70mm x 64mm, but specific values would be in the manual.

Compression Ratio:

Likely around 9.0:1 to 10.0:1.

Cooling System:

Air-cooled, with potential oil cooling via an oil cooler.

Horsepower:

Estimated 30-40 HP at peak RPM (specific figures would be in the manual).

Torque:

Estimated 30-40 lb-ft at peak RPM (specific figures would be in the manual).

Carburetor:

Twin Mikuni carburetors (e.g., Mikuni BS34 or similar).

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 12-14 liters (3.2-3.7 US gallons).

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 2.5-3.0 liters (specific to oil filter change).

Oil Type:

Yamalube or equivalent motorcycle-specific 10W-40 or 20W-50 API SE/SF or higher.

Ignition Type:

Transistor Controlled Ignition (TCI) or CDI.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed constant mesh gearbox.

Final Drive:

Shaft drive.

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate clutch, cable-actuated.

Transmission Oil Type:

Yamalube Gear Oil or equivalent motorcycle gear oil, SAE 80W-90 API GL-4.

Transmission Oil Capacity:

Approximately 1.0-1.2 liters.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2250-2300 mm (88.6-90.6 in).

Width:

Approx. 800-850 mm (31.5-33.5 in).

Height:

Approx. 1100-1150 mm (43.3-45.3 in).

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1520-1550 mm (59.8-61 in).

Dry Weight:

Approx. 180-190 kg (397-419 lbs).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified for motorcycles, but refers to the maximum permissible weight.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 195-205 kg (430-452 lbs).

Front Tire Size:

Typically 100/90-18 or 3.50-18.

Rear Tire Size:

Typically 130/90-15 or 140/90-15.

Front Wheel Size:

18-inch spoke wheel.

Rear Wheel Size:

15-inch spoke wheel.

Front Brake Type:

Single disc brake, hydraulic, possibly dual piston caliper.

Rear Brake Type:

Drum brake or single disc brake, depending on exact model variant.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Not applicable (motorcycles are not subject to the same crash testing standards as cars).

Braking System:

Hydraulic front disc brake provides good stopping power for its class. Rear brake provides additional stopping capability.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight for visibility, taillight, brake light, and turn signals.

Frame Design:

Steel frame provides rigidity and stability.

Ergonomics:

Comfortable rider triangle, low seat height for easy maneuvering at low speeds.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

None (standard for motorcycles of this era).

Display:

Analog speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, and indicator lights (turn signals, high beam, oil pressure).

ABS:

None (ABS was not a common feature on motorcycles of this vintage).

Traction Control:

None.

Bluetooth:

None.

Usb Ports:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Oil Filter Change Interval:

At every oil change.

Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:

Inspect every 3,000-6,000 km (1,800-3,600 miles); clean or replace as needed.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Inspect every 6,000-10,000 km (3,600-6,000 miles); replace as needed.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years or as specified.

Engine Oil:

Yamalube 4-stroke motorcycle oil 10W-40 or 20W-50 API SE/SF or higher.

Transmission Oil:

Yamalube Gear Oil SAE 80W-90 API GL-4.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Fork Oil:

Yamaha Fork Oil (SUS 20W) or equivalent.

Typical Wear Items:

Clutch plates, brake pads/shoes, fork seals, wheel bearings, tires, spark plugs, air filter.

Carburetor Issues:

Carburetor gumming/clogging due to fuel varnish if left sitting; synchronization drift.

Electrical Concerns:

Corrosion on connectors, aging wiring insulation, rectifier/regulator failure (common on older bikes).

Shaft Drive Maintenance:

Regular inspection and lubrication of the shaft drive system is crucial for longevity.

📚 Vehicle History

Yamaha Legacy:

Yamaha Motor Company, established in 1955, is renowned for its musical instruments and motorcycles, consistently innovating in engine design, performance, and rider experience.

Virago Lineage:

The Virago line, introduced in the early 1980s, was Yamaha's answer to the growing cruiser market, known for its stylish V-twin engines, often with shaft drive, and a more modern interpretation of classic cruiser styling.

Xv500K Positioning:

The XV500K was part of the earlier generation of Viragos, offering a balance of size, performance, and affordability within the cruiser segment. The 'K' designation typically refers to a specific model year or market variant within the XV500 series.

Production Period:

The XV500 was produced through the 1980s, with the XV500K likely representing a specific year within this period.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Reviews:

The Virago line generally received positive reviews for its styling, comfortable ride, and reliable V-twin engine. Specific awards for the XV500K model are not widely documented, but the Virago series as a whole was a successful and popular line for Yamaha.