Category:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
New and existing owners of the Yamaha Virago XV535M-MC seeking operational and maintenance guidance.
Vehicle Type:
Lightweight cruiser motorcycle known for its classic styling and user-friendly nature.
Manual Purpose:
To provide essential information for safe and proper operation, routine maintenance, and basic care of the Virago XV535M-MC.
Engine:
Fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling system (air-cooled), exhaust system
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gear shifting, final drive (shaft drive)
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, front fork (telescopic), rear suspension (swingarm with dual shocks), wheels, tires
Brakes:
Front disc brake system, rear drum brake system, brake fluid specifications
Electrical System:
Battery, lighting system (headlight, taillight, turn signals), instrumentation, starting system, charging system (alternator/stator)
Controls And Instruments:
Handlebar controls, dashboard indicators, fuel gauge, speedometer, tachometer
Maintenance Tasks:
Pre-ride inspection, tire pressure checks, oil changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable, though Virago 535 has shaft drive), brake pad inspection, battery maintenance
Troubleshooting:
Basic starting issues, lighting problems, minor fuel delivery issues
Operation:
Starting the engine, shifting gears, braking techniques, pre-ride checks
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operation. Does not typically include in-depth engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, or complex electrical diagnostics found in a service manual.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, V-twin
Bore X Stroke:
76.0 mm x 58.0 mm (typical for this model)
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder (typical)
Horsepower:
Approx. 45 HP @ 7500 RPM (typical for this displacement and era)
Torque:
Approx. 4.4 kg-m (43 Nm) @ 6000 RPM (typical)
Carburetion:
Twin Mikuni carburetors (e.g., VM26 or similar)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 9.2 Liters (2.4 US gallons)
Oil Type Recommendation:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent API SE, SF, SG service classification, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-40)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.4 Liters (2.5 US quarts) with filter change
Transmission Type:
5-speed constant mesh
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios are typically detailed in a service manual, but the manual will cover clutch operation and gear engagement.
Transmission Oil Type:
Yamaha Genuine Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 80)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.6 Liters (0.63 US quarts)
Overall Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Overall Width:
Approx. 800 mm (31.5 in)
Overall Height:
Approx. 1130 mm (44.5 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1520 mm (59.8 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 175 kg (385.8 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 190 kg (418.9 lbs) (with fluids)
Maximum Load Capacity:
Not explicitly stated in owner's manuals, but typically around 180-200 kg including rider and luggage.
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A for motorcycles; safety focuses on operational features and rider responsibility.
Braking System:
Front: Disc brake; Rear: Drum brake. Manual covers proper brake operation and fluid checks.
Tire Specifications:
Front: 3.00-18 4PR; Rear: 140/90-15 M/C 70P (typical, may vary by region/year). Manual covers tire pressure.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals. Manual covers bulb replacement and checking functionality.
Instrumentation:
Speedometer, tachometer, neutral indicator, high beam indicator, turn signal indicators. Manual explains their function.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 km (2,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first. (Typical, refer to specific year manual for exact intervals).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months. (Typical, check manual for exact interval and plug type).
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 6 months. (Typical, adjust for dusty conditions).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years or as needed if contaminated. (Typical recommendation).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 10W-40 or 20W-40 recommended for most climates.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 recommended.
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air-cooled engine)
Fork Oil Type:
Yamaha Fork Oil (or equivalent SAE 10W)
Fork Oil Capacity:
Approx. 450 cc per fork leg (check manual for exact specification).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, fork seals, carburetor gumming if not used regularly, charging system issues (stator/regulator) on older models.
Maintenance Importance:
Regular maintenance, especially of the fuel and ignition systems, is crucial for consistent performance and to prevent issues related to sitting idle.
Brand History:
Yamaha Motor Company, established in 1955, has a long history of producing high-quality motorcycles, musical instruments, and other motorized products.
Virago Lineage:
The Virago line was Yamaha's entry into the V-twin cruiser market, offering stylish and accessible options. The XV535 was a popular middleweight model in this line.
Production Years:
The Virago XV535 was produced from the mid-1980s through the early 2000s (e.g., 1987-2003).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with potential assembly in other regions depending on market.
