Market Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners, independent repair shops, motorcycle enthusiasts
Key Competitors Era:
Honda Shadow, Kawasaki Vulcan, Suzuki Intruder models of the early 1980s
Virago Distinctiveness:
V-twin engine, shaft drive, distinctive styling for its era, focus on comfortable cruising
Utility:
Essential for maintaining originality, diagnosing issues, and performing repairs on this classic model.
Primary Coverage:
Complete service and repair procedures for the 1983 Yamaha Virago XV500K
Estimated Page Count:
250-350 pages (typical for this era and model type)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Printed Booklet (original factory publication)
Engine:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair (including carburetor, ignition, cooling, lubrication)
Transmission:
Gearbox inspection, repair, and maintenance; clutch operation and adjustment
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, swingarm, front fork, steering head, rear suspension maintenance
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system maintenance, fluid replacement, caliper overhaul, and adjustment
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system troubleshooting, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, starting system
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable), carburetor tuning and overhaul
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler inspection and replacement
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure, wheel bearing maintenance, spoke tension (if applicable)
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance tasks, lubrication points, filter changes, fluid checks and replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and procedures for common problems and malfunctions
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures with torque specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers from basic maintenance to full engine and electrical system overhauls
Digital Format Options:
Typically available as PDF scans of original manuals for digital sale
Original Print Quality:
Factory OEM quality, black and white line drawings and diagrams
Original Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound booklet
Original Paper:
Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments
Engine Type:
4-stroke, SOHC, V-twin
Displacement:
498 cc (30.4 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
70.0 mm x 64.5 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
9.2:1 (typical)
Horsepower:
Approximately 36-40 HP at 7,000 RPM (estimated)
Torque:
Approximately 30-33 lb-ft at 5,500 RPM (estimated)
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni VM34SS carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (minimum 87 octane recommended)
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 2.5 Liters (2.6 US qt) with filter change (refer to manual for exact)
Oil Type:
API SE or SF, SAE 20W-40 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for precise specifications)
Length:
Approximately 2,270 mm (89.4 in)
Width:
Approximately 745 mm (29.3 in)
Height:
Approximately 1,150 mm (45.3 in)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 182 kg (401 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approximately 200 kg (441 lbs) (estimated, with fluids)
Fuel Capacity:
13.0 Liters (3.4 US gal)
Safety Ratings:
Not applicable in the modern sense (pre-dates standardized motorcycle safety ratings)
Braking System:
Front: Hydraulic disc, Rear: Drum brake
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals
Infotainment Systems:
N/A (Basic motorcycle technology of the era)
Dashboard Components:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, warning lights (oil pressure, neutral, high beam, turn signals)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact).
Filter Change Interval:
With every oil change.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) (refer to manual for type and gap).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) (refer to manual for procedure).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (refer to manual for compatibility).
Coolant Type:
Not applicable (air-cooled).
Shaft Drive Oil:
Yamaha Shaft Drive Oil or equivalent GL-5 hypoid gear oil (refer to manual).
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor synchronization and cleaning, fork seals, drive shaft boot, rear shock absorbers, starter solenoid.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion in electrical connectors due to age, aging wiring insulation, weak battery/charging system.
Carburetor Issues:
Clogged jets, diaphragm issues, pilot screw adjustment problems affecting idle and low-speed running.
Yamaha Legacy:
Yamaha Motor Company, known for precision engineering, musical instruments, and a strong motorcycle division since the 1950s.
Virago Lineage:
The Virago line was introduced to compete in the cruiser market, evolving from smaller displacement models to larger ones like the XV500 and XV700/750.
Xv500 Positioning:
The XV500 was an early entry in Yamaha's cruiser segment, offering a V-twin configuration and shaft drive, aiming for a blend of classic styling and modern reliability.
Production Years Xv500:
1983-1987 (approximately, variant names changed)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primarily)
Industry Awards:
No specific widely recognized awards for this model year; success measured by sales and rider satisfaction.
Rider Reviews Era:
Generally positive for its comfortable riding position, reliable V-twin engine, and shaft drive, though often compared to its larger Virago siblings.
Certification Standards:
Met all applicable Japanese and international motorcycle safety and emissions standards of the early 1980s.
