Vehicle Class:
Mid-size cruiser motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a reliable, stylish, and manageable cruiser for everyday riding and touring
Key Competitors:
Honda Shadow VT500/VT600, Kawasaki Vulcan VN700/VN750, Suzuki Intruder VS700/VS750
Design Philosophy:
Classic cruiser styling with Yamaha's engineering reliability
Drivetrain Advantage:
Shaft drive for low-maintenance operation compared to chain drives
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and independent mechanics to maintain and repair the XV535 Virago effectively
General Coverage:
Complete service, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Specific Systems Coverage:
Engine, transmission, chassis, electrical system, fuel system, brakes, suspension, bodywork
Estimated Page Count:
Refer to actual manual contents for exact page count (typical service manuals for this era are extensive)
Type:
Official Service & Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, reassembly of engine components (cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, lubrication system)
Fuel System:
Carburetor identification, disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance
Ignition System:
CDI unit, ignition coils, spark plugs, timing adjustment procedures
Transmission Drivetrain:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, clutch assembly and service, final drive (shaft drive) maintenance
Chassis Suspension:
Front fork (telescopic) overhaul, rear shock absorber service, steering head bearing adjustment, frame inspection
Braking System:
Front and rear brake caliper service, brake pad replacement, master cylinder overhaul, brake fluid replacement, brake line inspection
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), lighting system, starter motor, horn, instrumentation
Bodywork Trim:
Fender removal/installation, seat service, fuel tank removal, side cover access, handlebar components
Maintenance:
Routine service intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, tire pressure checks, chain/shaft drive adjustment
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common starting issues, running problems, electrical faults, and mechanical noises
Repair Rebuild:
Complete engine tear-down and rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement
Technical Adjustments:
Valve clearance adjustment, ignition timing setting, carburetor synchronization, idle speed adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Visuals:
Includes pictures and part diagrams for clarity
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, V-twin
Bore X Stroke:
76.0 mm x 58.0 mm (typical for this model)
Compression Ratio:
9.7:1 (typical)
Valve Configuration:
2 valves per cylinder, SOHC actuated by single overhead camshaft per cylinder bank
Horsepower:
Approx. 44 HP @ 7500 RPM (varies slightly by year/region)
Torque:
Approx. 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) @ 6000 RPM (varies slightly by year/region)
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni carburetors (e.g., VM26 or similar downdraft type)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum octane rating 87 (RON+MON)/2
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 13.0 Liters (3.4 US gallons)
Oil Type Recommendation:
Yamalube 4-stroke motorcycle oil or equivalent, API SG or higher, JASO MA compliant, viscosity 10W-40 or 20W-50 depending on climate
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.4 Liters (2.5 US quarts) with filter change
Ignition System:
T.C.I. (Transistor Controlled Ignition) with dual spark plugs per cylinder
Type:
5-speed constant mesh
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios are detailed in the manual, but generally optimized for cruising
Transmission Oil Type:
Yamaha Gear Oil (or equivalent SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.0 Liters (1.1 US quarts)
Overall Length:
Approx. 2270 mm (89.4 in)
Overall Width:
Approx. 800 mm (31.5 in)
Overall Height:
Approx. 1135 mm (44.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1520 mm (59.8 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 185 kg (408 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 198 kg (437 lbs) (with fluids, typical)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 140 mm (5.5 in)
Front Tire Size:
90/90-18 M/C 54S
Rear Tire Size:
140/90-15 M/C 70S
Front Brake Type:
Disc, single piston caliper
Rear Brake Type:
Drum brake
Front Suspension:
Telescopic forks, coil spring, oil damped, 140 mm travel
Rear Suspension:
Swingarm, twin shock absorbers, adjustable preload, 90 mm travel
Crash Safety:
N/A (Motorcycle safety standards vary, but the manual covers safe operation and maintenance)
Braking Performance:
Adequate braking for its class, though rear drum brake offers less stopping power than a disc
Handling:
Stable handling characteristics suitable for cruising, manual covers steering head bearing adjustment
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals, instrumentation illumination
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame designed for rigidity and rider comfort
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 km (1,800 - 3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:
Inspect every 3,000 km, clean/replace as needed; more frequently in dusty conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles) or as specified in manual
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or as needed, following manufacturer recommendations
Shaft Drive Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually
Engine Oil:
Yamalube 4-stroke motorcycle oil or equivalent (API SG or higher, JASO MA), 10W-40 or 20W-50
Transmission Oil:
SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil (API GL-4)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Carburetor Issues:
Potential for pilot jet clogging, leading to poor idle and low-speed performance; requires periodic cleaning and synchronization.
Fuel Line Degradation:
Aging rubber fuel lines can degrade, requiring replacement to prevent leaks.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion or loose connections in the electrical harness can cause intermittent faults; thorough inspection and cleaning are recommended.
Starter Solenoid:
Older units may experience issues with the starter solenoid failing to engage.
Yamaha Legacy:
Yamaha Motor Company has a long history of producing high-quality motorcycles across various categories since its inception in 1955.
Virago Lineage:
The Virago line was Yamaha's entry into the V-twin cruiser market, aiming for classic styling and accessible performance. The XV535 was a popular mid-displacement model within this range.
Development Focus:
Emphasis on smooth power delivery, comfortable ergonomics, and reliable shaft drive.
Manufacturing Origin:
Primarily manufactured in Japan by Yamaha Motor Company.
Market Reception:
Well-received for its styling, reliability, and ease of use, particularly for new riders and those seeking a classic aesthetic.
