🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Yamaha

Model:

Virago XV500K

Model Variant:

XV500K

Year:

1983 Onwards

👋 Introduction

Motorcycle Segment:

Cruiser/Custom

Target Audience:

Riders seeking a stylish, reliable, and accessible V-twin cruiser with a focus on classic styling and manageable performance.

Key Competitors Era:

Honda Shadow series, Kawasaki Vulcan series, Suzuki Intruder series.

Styling:

Classic cruiser lines, low seat height, V-twin engine prominence, often with chrome accents.

Powertrain:

500cc V-twin engine offering a good balance of torque for cruising and manageable power.

Drive Type:

Shaft drive, contributing to lower maintenance compared to chain drive.

User Friendliness:

Generally considered an approachable motorcycle for riders of various experience levels due to its manageable weight and power delivery.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Repair:

Complete engine overhaul, including cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, and valve train.

Transmission Repair:

Gearbox disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly, including clutch and shifting mechanisms.

Electrical System:

Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting for lighting, ignition, starting, charging, and auxiliary systems.

Chassis And Suspension:

Front forks, rear shock absorbers, swingarm, steering head bearings, and frame components.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system overhaul, including caliper, master cylinder, brake lines, and pads.

Fuel System:

Carburetor servicing, fuel pump, fuel lines, and fuel tank maintenance.

Bodywork And Trim:

Body panel removal and installation, fairings, seats, and decorative elements.

Estimated Pages:

Over 300 pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual of this era)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Instant Download PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

499cc V-twin, air-cooled, SOHC, 4-stroke.

Ignition System:

CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) system diagnostics and repair.

Charging System:

Stator, regulator/rectifier, and battery maintenance and testing.

Cooling System:

Air cooling system efficiency checks and related components.

Lubrication System:

Wet sump lubrication, oil pump, and oil filter servicing.

Exhaust System:

Muffler and header pipe inspection and replacement.

Clutch:

Wet multi-plate clutch operation, adjustment, and replacement.

Gearbox:

5-speed constant mesh gearbox.

Final Drive:

Shaft drive system, including driveshaft and final bevel gear inspection.

Front Suspension:

Telescopic fork assembly, oil change, seal replacement, and spring inspection.

Rear Suspension:

Dual shock absorber system, linkage inspection, and adjustment.

Steering:

Handlebar, triple clamps, and steering head bearing maintenance and adjustment.

Wheels And Tires:

Spoke wheel maintenance, bearing checks, and tire pressure recommendations.

Lighting System:

Headlight, taillight, turn signals, and dashboard illumination.

Instrumentation:

Speedometer, tachometer, and indicator lights.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable to later models/variants, though this is shaft drive), brake fluid flush.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostics for common and uncommon issues, including performance problems and electrical faults.

Engine Rebuilding:

Full engine disassembly, inspection of all internal components, machining specifications, and reassembly.

Carburetor Tuning:

Jetting specifications, idle speed adjustment, synchronization, and overhaul procedures.

Suspension Overhaul:

Fork seal replacement, shock absorber servicing, and bushing replacement.

Brake System Service:

Brake bleeding, pad replacement, caliper and master cylinder rebuilds.

Electrical Component Testing:

Testing of stator, regulator/rectifier, ignition coil, starter motor, and switches using multimeters.

Wiring Diagrams Interpretation:

Detailed, color-coded (often) wiring diagrams for easy fault finding.

Frame And Chassis Inspection:

Checking for damage, alignment, and component wear.

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers all aspects from basic service to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically searchable text, allowing quick access to specific information.

Image Resolution:

High resolution for clear viewing of diagrams and illustrations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

4-stroke, Air-cooled, V-twin, SOHC

Displacement:

499 cc (30.45 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

Approx. 70.0 mm x 64.0 mm (specifications can vary slightly by source, but this is typical for the 500cc Virago)

Compression Ratio:

Typically around 9.5:1

Valve Train:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder

Firing Order:

Typically 70-degree V-twin firing order

Horsepower:

Approx. 40-45 HP (at crankshaft, estimates vary)

Torque:

Approx. 42-46 Nm (at crankshaft, estimates vary)

Carburetion:

Dual Mikuni VM26 or similar downdraft carburetors (specific model may vary, but typically twin carburetors).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane or higher

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 12-13 Liters (3.2-3.4 US Gallons)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed, constant mesh

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate

Final Drive:

Shaft Drive

Gear Ratios:

Detailed gear ratios are provided within the manual for precise performance analysis.

Transmission Fluid:

Yamaha recommends specific API GL-4 hypoid gear oil, typically SAE 80W-90 (consult manual for exact specification and capacity).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,230 mm (87.8 in)

Width:

Approx. 810 mm (31.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,135 mm (44.7 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1,520 mm (59.8 in)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 175 kg (386 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to owner's manual for specific GVWR

Seat Height:

Approx. 720 mm (28.3 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Certification:

CE, EPA, CARB compliant (as applicable by market)

Braking System:

Front: Disc brake; Rear: Drum brake (later models might have rear disc, consult specific model year in manual).

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, integrated taillight and brake light, front and rear turn signals.

Frame Construction:

Steel cradle frame for stability and rider support.

Handling:

Designed for stable, predictable handling characteristic of cruiser motorcycles.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (Analog instrumentation typical for the era)

ABS:

N/A (Anti-lock Braking System was not a feature on this model).

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No electronic connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Major Service Interval:

Valve clearance checks and adjustments, typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles), depending on plug type.

Engine Oil Type:

Yamalube 4 (or equivalent) SAE 10W-40 motorcycle oil, API SG or higher.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 2.4 Liters (2.5 US Quarts) with filter change.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 compliant brake fluid.

Carburetor Issues:

Gumming and clogging of carburetors due to infrequent use or stale fuel. Diaphragm wear can also occur over time.

Electrical Connectors:

Corrosion or loosening of electrical connectors, particularly ground points, leading to intermittent issues.

Suspension Seals:

Front fork seal leaks are common due to age and mileage, requiring replacement.

Shaft Drive Maintenance:

Regular lubrication of the shaft drive is crucial to prevent wear and noise.

📚 Vehicle History

Yamaha Legacy:

Yamaha Motor Corporation, established in 1955, is renowned for its innovation, quality, and performance across motorcycles, marine products, and more.

Virago Lineage:

The Virago line was Yamaha's entry into the cruiser market, known for its stylish designs and V-twin engines. The XV500K represents an early iteration of this successful series, evolving from the smaller displacement models.

Production Period:

The XV500K was produced from 1983 onwards, with various updates and enhancements over its lifespan, leading to models like the XV535 and XV700/750/1100 Virago.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While specific awards for the XV500K might not be widely documented, the Virago line as a whole was recognized for popularizing the cruiser segment and offering stylish, accessible motorcycles.

Reliability Reputation:

Generally considered a reliable motorcycle with proper maintenance, reflecting Yamaha's reputation for build quality.