🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Yamaha

Model:

Virago XV500K

Model Variant:

XV500K

Production Years Covered:

1983 onwards

Model Code:

XV500K

👋 Introduction

Class:

Mid-size cruiser motorcycle.

Target Audience:

Riders seeking a comfortable, reliable, and stylish cruiser for touring and everyday riding.

Competitors:

Honda Shadow series, Kawasaki Vulcan series, Suzuki Intruder series of the same era.

Design Philosophy:

Classic cruiser styling with V-twin engine, emphasis on rider comfort and long-distance capability.

Distinguishing Features:

Yamaha's renowned engineering, V-twin engine character, comfortable ergonomics, often featuring shaft drive.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Model Specificity:

Vehicle/Model Specific

Estimated Page Count:

Detailed page count not specified in product information, but typical for a comprehensive service manual would be 300-600 pages.

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English (assumed based on product description)

Format:

Physical Print (implied by 'local dealerships' usage, but could be PDF - clarification needed)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul, tuning, diagnostics, component replacement (e.g., pistons, rings, valves, camshafts, crankshaft).

Fuel System:

Carburetor overhaul and adjustment, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance.

Ignition System:

Ignition timing, spark plugs, ignition coils, CDI unit, troubleshooting.

Transmission:

Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, clutch operation and adjustment, shift mechanism.

Drivetrain:

Drive shaft, universal joints, rear differential (if applicable for shaft-driven models).

Suspension:

Front forks (telescopic), rear shock absorbers, swingarm, bearings, adjustments.

Brakes:

Hydraulic front and rear brakes, disc brake components, caliper service, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications and bleeding.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator/stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting, indicators, horn, switches.

Cooling System:

Air-cooled engine operation and maintenance, cylinder head cooling fins.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust pipes, mufflers, mounting, gasket replacement.

Frame And Bodywork:

Frame inspection, fork yokes, handlebars, fuel tank mounting, seat, fenders, body panel removal and installation.

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel removal and installation, tire changing, wheel balancing, spoke adjustment (if applicable).

Controls:

Throttle, clutch lever, brake lever, gear shift lever operation and adjustment.

Maintenance:

Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable), lubrication points, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, fault finding charts, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Adjustments:

Carburetor synchronization, valve clearance adjustment, clutch and throttle cable adjustment, brake lever free play.

Diagnostics:

Electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics, component testing.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine performance data, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Likely printed manual, potential for PDF version available.

Quality:

Professional dealership quality (implied by description).

Binding:

Likely perfect bound or spiral bound for workshop use, allowing for lay-flat pages.

Paper:

Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments, potentially laminated pages for critical sections.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

V-twin, 4-stroke, air-cooled.

Displacement:

Approximately 499cc (exact displacement may vary slightly by specific VIN or market variant, but 500cc is the common descriptor).

Bore X Stroke:

Typical for this era and displacement would be around 72.0 mm x 61.0 mm, but exact figures require specific model verification.

Compression Ratio:

Typically around 9.3:1 to 10.0:1, requires specific manual data.

Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 2 valves per cylinder (common for this engine family).

Carburetion:

Dual Mikuni carburetors (e.g., Mikuni BS34 or similar), requiring synchronized tuning.

Horsepower:

Estimated range of 35-45 HP, depending on specific tuning and emissions regulations.

Torque:

Estimated range of 30-38 lb-ft, with a focus on low-end torque characteristic of cruisers.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (typically 87 octane minimum, check manual for specific recommendation).

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Typically around 12-14 liters (3.2-3.7 US gallons), providing good range.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed constant mesh, sequential manual transmission.

Drive Type:

Shaft drive (a key characteristic of many Virago models, reducing maintenance compared to chain drive).

Clutch:

Wet, multiple disc, cable-operated clutch.

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approximately 2200-2300 mm (varies by year/market).

Overall Width:

Approximately 750-800 mm (excluding mirrors).

Overall Height:

Approximately 1100-1200 mm (to handlebars).

Wheelbase:

Typically around 1500-1550 mm.

Dry Weight:

Around 170-190 kg.

Wet Weight:

Around 190-210 kg (with fluids).

Seat Height:

Typically around 720-750 mm, contributing to rider accessibility.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

Conforms to relevant motorcycle safety standards of the era.

Braking System:

Hydraulic disc front brake, drum or disc rear brake depending on the specific model variant.

Tires:

Tubeless or tubed tires appropriate for cruiser motorcycles, sizes typically 100/90-18 front and 130/90-15 rear. Specifics in manual.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Features:

N/A - This model predates modern infotainment systems. Features are focused on core motorcycle functionality.

Features:

N/A - No electronic driver assistance features.

Features:

N/A - No electronic connectivity features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 3,000-6,000 km (1,800-3,700 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Specific interval in manual.

Valve Clearance:

Initial check at 1,000 km (600 miles), then every 6,000-12,000 km (3,700-7,500 miles). Specific interval in manual.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 6,000-10,000 km (3,700-6,200 miles) or as needed based on inspection. Specific interval in manual.

Engine Oil:

Yamaha recommends specific viscosity grades and API classifications. Typically SAE 10W-40 or 20W-40 API SG or higher. Refer to manual for exact spec and capacity (approx. 2.2-2.5L).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (check manual for specific recommendation). Do not mix types.

Final Drive Oil:

If shaft drive, requires specific hypoid gear oil. Refer to manual for type and capacity (if applicable).

Carburetor Issues:

Varnish buildup in carburetors from fuel degradation, leading to hard starting or rough idling. Requires cleaning and synchronization.

Electrical Connections:

Corrosion or looseness in electrical connectors, particularly at the ignition switch, regulator/rectifier, and lighting circuits, can cause intermittent issues.

Suspension Leaks:

Front fork seals can degrade over time, leading to oil leaks. Rear shock absorber damping may also diminish.

Clutch Wear:

Clutch plates can wear over extended mileage, requiring replacement.

Oil Filter:

Specific part number to be found in manual, typically a cartridge type filter (e.g., Yamaha 5JX-13440-00-00 or equivalent aftermarket).

Air Filter:

Specific part number to be found in manual, typically a foam or paper element.

Spark Plug:

Commonly NGK CR9E or similar heat range. Specific plug number and gap in manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Yamaha Motorcycles:

Yamaha Motor Corporation, established in 1955, has a long and successful history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for innovation and performance across various segments.

Virago Lineage:

The Virago line was Yamaha's foray into the cruiser market, aiming to compete with American and Japanese rivals. It emphasized V-twin engines and classic styling. The XV500K is an early iteration of this successful series.

Manufacturing Location:

Likely manufactured in Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Specific Awards:

Specific awards for the XV500K are not widely documented, but the Virago line as a whole was well-received for its styling and comfort in the cruiser market.