Category:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners and mechanics of the 1988 Yamaha XV700 Virago
Competitors:
Honda Shadow, Kawasaki Vulcan, Suzuki Intruder (during the late 1980s)
Unique Selling Points:
Shaft drive, V-twin engine configuration, comfortable cruiser ergonomics, distinctive styling.
Benefit:
Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving on dealership costs and ensuring proper upkeep.
Engine Mechanical:
Cylinder head, valves, camshafts, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled design), fuel system components.
Fuel System:
Carburetor(s) disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, jetting; fuel pump operation; fuel tank, petcock, and lines.
Ignition System:
CDI ignition, spark plugs, coils, timing, troubleshooting.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox internal components, shaft and gear inspection, final drive (shaft drive).
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, rectifier/regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), lighting, instrumentation, battery maintenance.
Chassis Suspension:
Front fork (telescopic, cartridge type), rear shock absorber(s), swingarm, wheel bearings, steering head bearings.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (likely disc brakes), hydraulic system, caliper service, pad replacement, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications.
Wheels Tires:
Wheel balancing, tire replacement, rim specifications, valve stems.
Bodywork Trim:
Fuel tank removal and installation, seat, fenders, side covers, instrument cluster, mounting hardware.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, brake fluid flush, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, electrical system fault finding, engine performance issues.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly.
Rebuild:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including component tolerances and specifications.
Diagnostics:
Electrical diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics, common fault identification.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Detail Level:
Detailed sub-steps, notes, cautions, and warnings.
Illustration Quality:
Detailed illustrations, drawings, photos, and enlarged inset views.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, V-twin
Displacement:
699 cc (approximate, some sources may list 700cc)
Bore X Stroke:
Typically around 71 mm x 88 mm (requires confirmation from manual)
Compression Ratio:
Typically around 9.0:1 to 9.5:1 (requires confirmation from manual)
Horsepower:
Approx. 50-55 HP at 6500 RPM (requires confirmation from manual)
Torque:
Approx. 44-48 lb-ft at 5500 RPM (requires confirmation from manual)
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni carburetors (e.g., Mikuni BS32)
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 3.2 - 3.7 gallons (12-14 liters) (requires confirmation from manual)
Length:
Approx. 90.2 inches (2290 mm) (requires confirmation from manual)
Width:
Approx. 33.1 inches (840 mm) (requires confirmation from manual)
Height:
Approx. 44.5 inches (1130 mm) (requires confirmation from manual)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 447 lbs (203 kg) (requires confirmation from manual)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 478 lbs (217 kg) (requires confirmation from manual)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
N/A (Motorcycle)
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months (check manual for exact interval and oil type).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 6,000-10,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type and gap).
Air Filter Service:
Inspect every 3,000 miles, clean or replace as needed (check manual).
Engine Oil Type:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent SAE 10W-40 API SE, SF or SG classification) motorcycle oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.4 liters (2.5 US qt) with filter change (requires confirmation from manual).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Final Drive Oil:
Yamaha Shaft Drive Gear Oil (or equivalent SAE 80W-90 GL-5) (requires confirmation from manual).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, carburetor gumming, starter solenoid issues, fork seal leaks, electrical connection corrosion.
Specific Concerns:
Potential for charging system component failure (rectifier/regulator). Fuel line cracking due to age.
