Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance, repairs, and restoration
Competitors:
Honda Shadow, Kawasaki Vulcan, Suzuki Intruder (similar displacement cruisers of the era)
Model Appeal:
Shaft drive, V-twin engine, classic cruiser styling
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables cost-effective maintenance and repair, preserves original functionality and aesthetics
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, inspection, assembly, disassembly, valve adjustments, timing, compression testing
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning, cleaning, rebuilding, fuel pump, fuel lines, tank service
Electrical System:
Ignition system, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, starting system, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting
Drivetrain:
Clutch operation, gearbox inspection and repair, drive shaft/belt maintenance
Chassis Suspension:
Front fork service, rear shock absorber replacement, steering head bearing service, wheel and tire maintenance
Braking System:
Brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake fluid replacement, pad and shoe replacement
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, coolant fluid specifications and replacement (if applicable, though Virago 700 is air-cooled, manual might cover related airflow components)
Exhaust System:
Inspection, replacement, and common issues related to mufflers and pipes
Bodywork And Trim:
Instructions for removal, installation, and adjustment of fenders, fuel tank, seat, side covers, and other body panels.
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, lubrication points, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common performance issues, starting problems, electrical faults
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Engine Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for complete engine disassembly, inspection of internal components (pistons, rings, bearings, crank), and reassembly with specified tolerances and torque values.
Electrical Troubleshooting Charts:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for common electrical issues, including starting, charging, and ignition problems.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, V-twin, 4-stroke
Displacement:
699 cc (699 cubic centimeters)
Bore X Stroke:
72.0 mm x 85.0 mm
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition (CDI)
Horsepower Approx:
Approx. 50-60 HP (at crank)
Torque Approx:
Approx. 55-60 lb-ft (at crank)
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni BST34 constant velocity carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
11.4 Liters (3.0 US gallons)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 4,000 km (2,500 miles) or 6 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or 12 months
Valve Adjustment:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 4,000 km (2,500 miles)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.4 Liters (3.6 US quarts) with filter change
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Final Drive Oil Type:
Yamalube Gear Oil (or SAE 80 API GL-4)
Coolant Capacity:
N/A (Air-cooled engine)
Common Problems:
Carburetor gumming/fouling, stator failure, regulator/rectifier issues, premature wear on cam chain guides, front fork seal leaks.
Repair Difficulty:
Moderate; requires specialized tools for some engine and carburetor work. Electrical troubleshooting can be complex without a proper manual.
Yamaha Motorcycles:
Yamaha has a long history of producing innovative and reliable motorcycles across various segments, including sport, touring, and cruisers.
Virago Lineage:
The Virago line, introduced in the early 1980s, was Yamaha's entry into the V-twin cruiser market, known for its shaft drive and distinctive styling. The XV700 was a key model in this lineup, preceding the larger displacement XV1100.
Production Years:
XV700 Virago produced approximately from 1986-1987. The 1990 model designation likely refers to continued availability or slight updates on a platform established in prior years, though exact 1990 production of the 700cc variant is less common than the 750cc or later 1100cc models. This manual likely covers the 1986-1987 XV700 and may have relevance to early XV750 models.
