Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners, independent repair shops, mechanics specializing in vintage Japanese motorcycles.
Competitors:
Honda Shadow, Kawasaki Vulcan, Suzuki Intruder (contemporary models).
Vehicle Selling Points:
Shaft drive, V-twin engine, classic cruiser styling, reliable Yamaha engineering.
Benefit:
Enables DIY maintenance, repairs, and restoration, saving costs and preserving vehicle value.
Covered Years:
1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Covered Models:
XV920 Virago
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Complete disassembly, inspection, assembly, troubleshooting, performance tuning.
Fuel System:
Carburetor overhaul (Mikuni VM), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank.
Ignition System:
CDI ignition, spark plugs, coils, timing adjustment.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch operation, gearbox internal inspection and repair, final drive (shaft drive) maintenance.
Suspension:
Front fork overhaul (oil change, seal replacement), rear shock absorber adjustment and replacement.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake fluid replacement, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, battery, starter motor, switches.
Cooling System:
Air-cooled engine cooling principles, heat dissipation.
Frame Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat, handlebars, controls.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks), lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, electrical and mechanical issue resolution.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement.
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and component rebuild procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive (factory level detail for diagnostics, repair, and overhaul).
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, V-twin, SOHC
Displacement:
920 cc (56.1 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
82.0 mm x 88.0 mm (3.23 in. x 3.46 in.)
Valve Configuration:
2 valves per cylinder, operated by pushrods and rockers
Horsepower Est:
Approx. 60-70 HP @ 6000 RPM (varied by year/market)
Torque Est:
Approx. 75-80 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM (varied by year/market)
Carburetor Type:
Dual Mikuni VM34SS constant velocity carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Oil Capacity:
3.2 L (3.4 US qt)
Oil Type Spec:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent SAE 20W-40 or 10W-40 API SE, SF)
Overall Length:
Approx. 2265 mm (89.2 in.)
Overall Width:
Approx. 770 mm (30.3 in.)
Overall Height:
Approx. 1160 mm (45.7 in.)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1555 mm (61.2 in.)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 218 kg (481 lbs)
Wet Weight Est:
Approx. 230 kg (507 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
13.0 L (3.4 US gal)
Front Tire Size:
3.00-18 or 100/90-18
Rear Tire Size:
130/90-15
Wheel Type:
Spoked wheels (wire spokes)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles typically not rated by agencies like NHTSA)
Braking System:
Front: Single Disc, Rear: Drum Brake (early models), Disc Brake (later models).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, turn signals.
Infotainment System:
N/A (Basic analog instrumentation)
Instrument Cluster:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, indicator lights (neutral, oil pressure, high beam, turn signals).
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000-4,000 km (1,800-2,500 miles) or 6 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000-12,000 km (6,000-7,500 miles).
Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:
Inspect every 5,000 km (3,000 miles), clean/replace as needed.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2 years or 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Shaft Drive Maintenance:
Inspect universal joint and change drive oil every 10,000 km (6,000 miles).
Fork Oil Type:
Yamaha Suspension Oil (or equivalent SAE 10W fork oil).
Fork Oil Quantity:
Approx. 190 ml per fork leg (refer to manual for exact amount).
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor diaphragms, starter clutch, rear brake shoes/pads, fork seals.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion on connectors, aging wiring insulation, weak charging systems (regulator/rectifier).
Engine Performance:
Carburetor synchronization issues, ignition timing drift, potential for valve seat wear over high mileage.
Manufacturer:
Yamaha Motor Company, Ltd.
Origins:
Founded in 1955, Yamaha has a long history of producing motorcycles and musical instruments.
Virago Lineage:
The Virago line was Yamaha's entry into the cruiser market, known for its V-twin engines and distinctive styling.
Xv920 Positioning:
The XV920 was one of the earlier models in the Virago series, establishing the platform for subsequent displacements like the XV700, XV1000, and XV1100.
Production Period:
1981-1994 (for XV920 and related models in this range)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan