🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Yamaha

Model:

Virago XV Series

Model Variants:

XV700, XV750, XV920, XV1000, XV1100

Year:

1986

Manual Product Code Inferred:

Likely related to a specific publisher's catalog number, not explicitly provided but implied by the product name structure.

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Yamaha Virago series, particularly in the mid-to-late 1980s, was positioned as a cruiser motorcycle emphasizing style, comfortable riding, and reliable V-twin performance. These models competed in a segment with strong offerings from Harley-Davidson, Honda's Shadow series, and Kawasaki's Vulcan line.

Competitors 1986:

Harley-Davidson Sportster and Softail models, Honda VT Shadow series (VT700C, VT800C), Kawasaki Vulcan VN700/VN750, Suzuki Intruder VS700.

Virago Identity:

Characterized by their distinctive V-twin engines, shaft drive, often low-slung styling, and chrome accents. The 1986 models represented a mature iteration of Yamaha's cruiser design, offering a blend of classic aesthetics and Japanese engineering reliability.

Target Audience:

Owners and independent mechanics seeking to perform comprehensive maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics on their 1986 Yamaha Virago XV700, XV750, XV920, XV1000, or XV1100 motorcycles.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Service:

Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, and component testing.

Transmission Service:

Clutch, gearbox, final drive maintenance and repair.

Chassis Suspension:

Front forks, rear shock absorbers, steering, wheel bearings.

Braking System:

Front and rear brake caliper, master cylinder, hydraulic lines, and disc service.

Electrical System:

Ignition, lighting, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, battery, wiring diagrams.

Fuel System:

Carburetor disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, fuel pump, fuel lines.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust pipe and muffler maintenance.

Bodywork And Trim:

Panel removal and installation, fairings, seat, fenders.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems.

Estimated Page Count:

Typically between 400-600 pages for a comprehensive service manual of this era, though not explicitly stated. Assuming detailed coverage.

Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely a printed manual or a high-quality digital reproduction (e.g., PDF). The description implies comprehensiveness, common for print-based manuals of the era.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Cylinder head, valves, piston, crankshaft, timing chain, lubrication system.

Ignition System:

CDI unit, ignition coils, spark plugs, timing verification.

Charging System:

Stator output, voltage regulator/rectifier function and testing.

Carburetion:

Detailed diagrams, jet sizes, float height adjustment, synchronization for multi-cylinder models.

Clutch And Transmission:

Clutch plate replacement, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, shift drum and fork inspection.

Driveline:

Shaft drive system maintenance, universal joint lubrication, rear differential (if applicable).

Suspension Front:

Fork oil change, seal replacement, spring rates, damping adjustments.

Suspension Rear:

Monoshock or twin-shock absorber service, linkage maintenance.

Steering:

Headstock bearing adjustment and replacement.

Brakes Hydraulic:

Brake fluid replacement, caliper piston service, master cylinder rebuild, bleeding procedures.

Electrical Schematics:

Comprehensive color-coded wiring diagrams.

Lighting And Signals:

Headlight, taillight, turn signals, brake light operation and troubleshooting.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, chain lubrication (if applicable for some models), spark plug checks, air filter service.

Component Disassembly Reassembly:

Step-by-step instructions for virtually all mechanical and electrical components.

Torque Specifications:

Essential torque values for critical fasteners across all systems.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Special Tool Requirements:

Identification and usage of specialized tools needed for specific procedures.

Engine Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for top-end and bottom-end engine overhauls.

Carburetor Tuning And Synchronization:

Guidance on optimizing fuel-air mixture and balancing multiple carbs.

Electrical Component Testing:

Methods for testing ignition coils, stator, regulator/rectifier, and other electrical parts.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Expected:

PDF (Portable Document Format) is the most common for modern reproductions, allowing for searchability and easy access. If printed, it would be bound paper.

Quality Expectation:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams, text, and photographs.

Binding:

If printed: Perfect bound or spiral bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment.

Paper Quality:

If printed: Durable paper stock suitable for workshop conditions, potentially with laminated pages for diagrams.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, 4-stroke, V-twin (70°, 75°, etc. depending on variant)

Displacement Variants:

700cc (XV700), 750cc (XV750), 920cc (XV920), 1000cc (XV1000), 1100cc (XV1100)

Bore X Stroke Examples:

XV750: Approx. 74.5 mm x 82 mm; XV1100: Approx. 74 mm x 75 mm (Note: Specifics vary by model variant)

Valve Train:

SOHC (Single Overhead Cam), 2 valves per cylinder (pushrod or OHC depending on specific design nuances)

Ignition:

Transistor Controlled Ignition (TCI) or similar electronic ignition system.

Horsepower Estimate 750Cc:

Approx. 50-55 HP at 6500-7000 RPM (for XV750)

Torque Estimate 750Cc:

Approx. 60-65 Nm at 4500-5500 RPM (for XV750)

Fuel Delivery:

Dual Mikuni carburetors (e.g., VM34 for XV750) or similar Japanese carburetor manufacturers.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, Octane Rating 87 or higher recommended.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed constant mesh gearbox

Drive Type:

Shaft drive

Clutch Type:

Wet, multiple-disc

Transmission Fluid Type:

Yamalube SAE 80 or equivalent GL-4 hypoid gear oil for the final drive. Engine oil for the gearbox itself (refer to manual for specific engine oil viscosity).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Typical:

Approx. 1500-1550 mm (depending on model variant)

Seat Height Typical:

Approx. 700-720 mm

Dry Weight Typical 750Cc:

Approx. 200-220 kg

Fuel Capacity Typical:

Approx. 14-17 Liters (including reserve)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

As this is a 1986 motorcycle, formal crash test ratings (like modern automotive NCAP) were not standard. Safety focus would be on braking performance, stability, and lighting.

Braking System Type:

Front: Single or Dual Disc; Rear: Disc. Hydraulic actuation.

Tires Front:

Tubeless, common sizes include 3.00-18 or 100/90-18

Tires Rear:

Tubeless, common sizes include 130/90-16 or 140/90-15

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Not applicable for this era of motorcycle; features would be limited to analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, indicator lights).

Assistance Features:

No electronic rider aids such as ABS or traction control. Focus is on mechanical and electrical systems.

Connectivity Features:

None. Primarily mechanical and basic electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Spark Plug Inspection:

Every 6,000-10,000 km, replace as needed.

Air Filter Cleaning:

Every 5,000-7,000 km, replace if damaged or excessively dirty.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 12-24 months, regardless of mileage.

Carburetor Sync:

Every 10,000-15,000 km or as needed for smooth running.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 10,000-15,000 km (depending on model specifics and engine wear).

Engine Oil Viscosity:

Yamalube 4 (or equivalent) SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50, API SE or SF classification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 2.5-3.0 Liters (with filter change, depending on engine variant).

Final Drive Oil Type:

Yamalube GL-4 SAE 80 Hypoid Gear Oil.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to specific manual for exact specification).

Fork Oil Type And Volume:

Yamaha Fork Oil 10W (or equivalent), volume typically 300-350 ml per fork leg (refer to manual for precise specification).

Carburetor Issues:

Diaphragm tears in CV carbs, clogging due to infrequent use or poor fuel quality, pilot jet blockage.

Electrical Issues:

Regulator/rectifier failure leading to battery charging problems, stator winding degradation, aging wiring harness connections.

Engine Issues:

Cam chain tensioner wear (can cause rattling noise), valve stem seal leakage leading to oil consumption, clutch slippage with high mileage.

Shaft Drive Issues:

Universal joint wear requiring lubrication and eventual replacement, final drive bearing wear.

Suspension Wear:

Front fork seals leaking, rear shock absorber damping loss due to age.

📚 Vehicle History

Yamaha Motorcycles:

Yamaha Motor Company, established in 1955, has a rich history in motorcycle manufacturing, starting with the YA-1. Known for innovation, performance, and reliability across various segments, from racing bikes to cruisers and touring machines.

Virago Lineage:

The Virago line was introduced in the early 1980s as Yamaha's entry into the cruiser market, aiming to offer a stylish and accessible alternative to established American brands. The XV700 was initially introduced due to US import restrictions on motorcycles over 700cc, later expanding to larger displacements like the XV750, XV920, XV1000, and the popular XV1100.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Japan.

Production Years For 1986 Models:

The 1986 model year represents a specific production cycle within the broader Virago generation that spanned from the early 1980s through the early 2000s in various forms.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Press Reviews:

While specific 'awards' for this model year are not readily cataloged, the Virago line consistently received praise in motorcycle publications of the era for its styling, comfortable ride, and value proposition within the cruiser segment. It was often noted as a strong contender against its Japanese and American rivals.