Vehicle Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Motorcyclists seeking a comfortable, stylish cruiser with reliable V-twin performance. Appealed to riders of various experience levels.
Key Competitors:
Honda Shadow series, Kawasaki Vulcan series, Suzuki Intruder series, Harley-Davidson Sportster models (though often at a higher price point).
Design Philosophy:
Yamaha's Virago line emphasized a classic cruiser aesthetic combined with Japanese engineering reliability and often innovative features for its time.
Distinguishing Features:
Shaft drive, V-twin engine, distinctive styling with a low seat height and often extensive chrome.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, carburetion, ignition system, cooling system (air-cooled specific details), exhaust system.
Transmission:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, shift mechanism, final drive (shaft drive specifics).
Brakes:
Hydraulic system inspection, fluid replacement, caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake disc and pad wear limits.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system (stator, rectifier/regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), lighting system, ignition system components (CDI, coils, spark plugs), troubleshooting electrical faults.
Suspension And Steering:
Front fork service (oil changes, seal replacement), rear shock absorber inspection and replacement, steering head bearing adjustment, wheel bearing service.
Fuel System:
Carburetor identification and disassembly, jetting information, float level adjustment, fuel tank inspection, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable).
Bodywork And Frame:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat, fenders, fuel tank mounting, trim pieces.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain/shaft drive lubrication and adjustment, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake adjustments, tire pressure checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common running problems, electrical issues, starting difficulties, braking system anomalies.
Repair And Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly (e.g., engine top-end rebuild, carburetor overhaul, transmission repair).
Technical Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing, valve clearances, fluid capacities and types, electrical component resistance values, dimensional data.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and component rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Digital File Type:
Likely PDF, offering searchability and easy printing.
Digital Image Quality:
Expected to be clear and legible, with diagrams and illustrations suitable for reference. Quality can vary with scanned originals.
Original Binding:
Likely a bound manual from Yamaha's official documentation or a reputable aftermarket publisher.
Original Paper Type:
Typically printed on durable, matte-finished paper suitable for workshop environments.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, V-twin
Displacement:
699 cc (694 cc for some markets/years)
Bore X Stroke:
75.0 mm x 78.0 mm (typical for this engine)
Compression Ratio:
9.6:1 (typical)
Valve Train:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 50-55 hp (at rear wheel, depending on tuning and market)
Torque:
Approx. 55-60 Nm (at crankshaft, depending on tuning and market)
Carburetor Type:
Dual Mikuni carburetors (e.g., VM34 or similar)
Fuel Delivery:
Gravity feed from fuel tank, potentially with a vacuum-operated fuel tap.
Ignition Type:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Oil System:
Wet sump lubrication
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Length:
Approx. 2235 mm (for 1984 model)
Width:
Approx. 820 mm (for 1984 model)
Height:
Approx. 1145 mm (for 1984 model)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1565 mm (for 1984 model)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 204 kg (for 1984 model)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 11.0 Liters (2.9 US gallons) for 1984 model
Crash Test Ratings:
Motorcycle safety is not typically rated by standardized crash tests like automobiles; focus is on handling and braking performance.
Braking System Front:
Single disc brake with hydraulic actuation
Braking System Rear:
Drum brake (for 1984 model)
Lighting:
Headlight, tail light, brake light, turn signals.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 km or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended at 10,000-15,000 km or as per manual's schedule.
Air Filter Maintenance:
Inspection and cleaning every 5,000 km; replacement as needed.
Valve Clearance Check:
Typically every 10,000-20,000 km, or as specified by Yamaha.
Engine Oil Type:
API SE, SF, or SG classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 motorcycle specific oil (consult manual for exact viscosity and API rating).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.4 - 2.6 Liters with filter change (verify in manual).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (check manual for specific type).
Final Drive Oil Type:
Yamalube Gear Oil or equivalent SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil (verify in manual).
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetors can be prone to gumming up if the bike sits for extended periods, leading to rough idling and poor performance. Rebuild kits are available.
Electrical Reliability:
Older electrical components, particularly the rectifier/regulator and stator, can be failure points. Checking wiring connections is crucial.
Front Fork Seals:
Leaking front fork seals are common with age and mileage, requiring replacement.
Shaft Drive Maintenance:
While generally reliable, the shaft drive requires periodic lubrication and inspection for wear or damage.
Yamaha Motorcycles:
Yamaha has a long-standing reputation for innovation, performance, and reliability in the motorcycle industry, dating back to the 1950s.
Virago Lineup:
The Virago line was introduced in the early 1980s as Yamaha's entry into the popular cruiser market, known for its distinct styling and technological advancements like shaft drive and V-twin engines.
Xv700 Introduction:
The XV700 was part of the initial wave of Virago models, designed to compete directly with established American and Japanese cruiser brands.
Production Period:
The XV700 was produced for a relatively short period, primarily due to US import tariff laws that imposed higher duties on motorcycles over 700cc. This led to the development of the closely related XV750.
