Category:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners and technicians performing maintenance, repair, and restoration
Comparison To Competitors:
The Virago line competed with other mid-size cruisers like the Honda Shadow and Kawasaki Vulcan, offering a distinct Japanese take on the American cruiser styling.
Design Philosophy:
Yamaha's Virago series aimed to blend classic American cruiser aesthetics with Japanese engineering reliability and innovation.
Primary Coverage:
Complete factory service and repair
Diagnostic Coverage:
Troubleshooting and repair procedures
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (specific count not provided, implies comprehensive)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage including disassembly, inspection, assembly, timing, cooling, and lubrication
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning, cleaning, and repair; fuel tank, fuel pump, and fuel lines
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly and assembly, shift mechanism
Electrical System:
Ignition system, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, starting system, battery service, wiring diagrams
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system maintenance, hydraulic system bleeding, pad replacement, caliper service
Suspension And Steering:
Front fork service, rear shock absorber replacement, steering head bearing adjustment, wheel bearing service
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, fairing repair (if applicable), seat maintenance
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure checks, wheel removal and installation, spoke tensioning (if applicable)
Exhaust System:
Muffler and pipe inspection and replacement
Maintenance:
Regular service checks, lubrication points, filter replacement, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive; suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics
Diagnostics Detail:
Detailed fault finding charts, symptom-to-cause analysis, and electrical diagnostic flowcharts
Engine Type:
748cc, V-twin, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
74.0 mm x 85.0 mm
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Horsepower Est:
Approx. 55-60 HP @ 6500 RPM (Varies by market and tuning)
Torque Est:
Approx. 60-65 Nm @ 4000 RPM (Varies by market and tuning)
Carburetor Type:
Dual Mikuni BS34 carburetors
Fuel Capacity:
13.0 Liters (3.4 US gallons)
Crash Safety Motorcycle:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is primarily based on design and rider skill, not standardized crash ratings)
Braking System:
Front: Single disc brake; Rear: Drum brake (Early models may vary)
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, taillight, turn signals
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000-12,000 km (6,000-7,500 miles)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000-12,000 km (6,000-7,500 miles)
Engine Oil Type:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent) SAE 20W-40 API SE, SF or SG
Engine Oil Capacity:
2.2 L (2.3 US qt) without filter change; 2.4 L (2.5 US qt) with filter change
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Final Drive Oil Type:
Yamalube Gear Oil (or equivalent) SAE 80 API GL-4
Common Problems:
Carburetor gumming if not run regularly, potential for stator failure, worn steering head bearings, oil leaks from engine seals.
Electrical Issues:
Aging wiring harnesses can lead to intermittent electrical faults; regulator/rectifier failure can cause charging issues.
Yamaha Motorcycles:
Yamaha Motor Company, founded in 1955, has a rich history in motorcycle manufacturing, leveraging its expertise from musical instrument production in its early days.
Virago Introduction:
The XV750 Virago was introduced in 1981 as Yamaha's first true cruiser, designed to capture a segment of the growing American market for retro-styled motorcycles.
Virago Series:
The Virago line expanded over the years with different engine sizes (e.g., XV500, XV1100), but the core styling and engineering principles remained consistent.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Japan