Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size cruiser motorcycle, popular for its V-twin engine and comfortable riding position.
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a reliable, stylish, and relatively easy-to-maintain cruiser for touring and general riding.
Key Competitors Era:
Honda Shadow series, Kawasaki Vulcan series, Suzuki Intruder series, Harley-Davidson Sportster models.
Engine Configuration:
Air-cooled, 74 cubic inch (12-valve) V-twin engine.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive, contributing to low maintenance.
Styling:
Classic cruiser styling with a low seat height, teardrop fuel tank, and ample chrome.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners to perform their own maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs, saving time and money.
Model Years Covered:
1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 400-600 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, valve timing, piston and cylinder inspection, crankshaft and connecting rod checks, torque specifications.
Fuel System:
Carburetor overhaul and adjustment (VM type), fuel tank maintenance, fuel pump operation, fuel filter replacement.
Ignition System:
CDI ignition system troubleshooting, spark plug specifications, ignition timing adjustment, stator and pickup coil testing.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, gear inspection, clutch operation and adjustment, shift mechanism.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive system maintenance, universal joint inspection, final drive gear case service.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system inspection, hydraulic system bleeding, brake pad replacement, caliper servicing, master cylinder overhaul.
Suspension:
Front fork overhaul, oil seal replacement, damping adjustment, rear shock absorber inspection and replacement, swingarm bearing service.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system troubleshooting, battery maintenance, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, horn, indicators.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, front fork assembly, handlebar replacement, seat removal, fuel tank removal and installation, fender and panel repairs.
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure recommendations, wheel bearing service, spoke tension adjustment, wheel balancing.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain/shaft drive adjustment, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, and electrical issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Rebuilds:
Comprehensive guides for engine, carburetor, and brake caliper rebuilds.
Adjustments:
Clutch cable, throttle cable, brake levers, carburetor idle speed, ignition timing.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and component overhauls, including diagnostic procedures.
Diagnostic Focus:
Strong emphasis on electrical system diagnostics and common mechanical faults.
Specifications Detail:
Includes detailed torque values, tolerances, clearances, and fluid capacities.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC, V-twin
Displacement:
74 cu in (1208 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 72.0 mm (approximate, varies slightly by year)
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 (approximate)
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Rating:
Approximately 50-60 hp at 6,000-6,500 rpm (varies by year and specific tuning)
Torque Rating:
Approximately 58-63 lb-ft at 3,500-4,000 rpm (varies by year)
Carburetor Type:
Dual VM-type carburetors (e.g., Mikuni VM26SS)
Fuel Capacity:
Approximately 3.7 gallons (14 liters)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Length:
Approximately 88.0 inches (2235 mm)
Width:
Approximately 35.0 inches (890 mm)
Height:
Approximately 46.0 inches (1170 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 59.6 inches (1515 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 460 lbs (209 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically specified for motorcycles in this era, but rider and cargo weight should be considered.
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles not subject to automotive crash test ratings)
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake (standard on most models).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, tail light, brake light, turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel double-cradle frame for stability.
Ergonomics:
Low seat height for rider confidence and control.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Spark Plug Check Replace:
Check every 6,000 miles, replace as needed.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Clean every 6,000 miles, replace as needed.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 12,000 miles (critical for performance and engine longevity).
Shaft Drive Oil Change:
Every 12,000 miles or annually.
Engine Oil Type:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent) SAE 20W-40 API SG or higher.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.9 US qt (2.7 L) with filter change.
Fork Oil Type:
Yamaha Fork Oil (or equivalent) SAE 10W.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Final Drive Oil Type:
Yamalube SAE 80 hypoid gear oil.
Carburetor Problems:
Clogged jets due to fuel varnish, vacuum leaks, synchronization issues.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded connectors, failing regulator/rectifier, weak charging system, faulty CDI unit.
Fuel System Wear:
Aging fuel lines, petcock issues, potential rust in fuel tank if not properly maintained.
Suspension Wear:
Worn fork seals, aged rear shock absorbers.
Shaft Drive Issues:
U-joint wear, potential leaks from final drive seals (requires regular lubrication and inspection).
Yamaha Motorcycles:
Yamaha Motor Company, founded in 1955, has a long history of innovation and success in motorcycle manufacturing, known for its performance and reliability.
Virago Lineage:
The Virago line was introduced to compete in the growing cruiser market, offering a Japanese alternative to traditional American V-twin cruisers. The XV750 was a foundational model.
Xv750 Updates:
Minor updates occurred throughout its production run, including styling tweaks, minor engine improvements, and potentially different carburetor jetting or ignition mapping for emissions compliance in later years.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primarily)
Production Years:
1981-1997