Positioning:
The Virago 700/750 series established Yamaha in the cruiser market, known for its V-twin engine and stylish design.
Competitors:
Competed with models like the Honda Shadow, Kawasaki Vulcan, and Suzuki Intruder of the same era.
Engine Configuration:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, 45-degree V-twin engine.
Drivetrain Type:
Shaft drive, contributing to low maintenance.
Design Philosophy:
Classic cruiser styling with a focus on rider comfort and accessible performance.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, tuning, diagnostics, specific component repair (e.g., cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, valve train)
Fuel System:
Carburetor service, adjustment, cleaning, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank inspection
Ignition System:
Ignition coil testing, spark plug service, CDI unit diagnostics, timing adjustment
Transmission:
Clutch assembly, gearbox disassembly/reassembly, shift mechanism, lubrication
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive system, universal joints, final drive lubrication and maintenance
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery service, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting, instrumentation
Braking System:
Brake caliper service, master cylinder, brake fluid replacement, disc/pad inspection, brake line maintenance
Suspension:
Front fork overhaul (seals, oil change), rear shock absorber service, linkage maintenance
Steering:
Handlebar replacement, steering head bearing adjustment and replacement
Cooling System:
Coolant type, capacity, and replacement (for liquid-cooled variants, if applicable, though Virago 700/750 are air-cooled)
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler inspection, gasket replacement
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, tightening torque specifications for critical fasteners
Bodywork And Trim:
Fender removal/installation, fuel tank removal, seat assembly, cosmetic component maintenance
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain/shaft drive adjustment, brake adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for engine and gearbox rebuilds
Adjustment:
Carburetor synchronization, valve clearance adjustment, clutch cable, brake lever adjustment
Installation:
Instructions for replacing common wear items and components
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic owner maintenance to complete engine teardown and rebuild
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting flowcharts
Torque Specs:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners
Clearances:
Specifications for all internal component clearances (e.g., valve lash, bearing clearances)
Type:
Air-cooled, V-twin, 4-stroke
Displacement Cc:
700cc (XV700) / 748cc (XV750)
Bore X Stroke:
XV700: 70.0 x 77.0 mm; XV750: 72.0 x 80.0 mm (approximate, may vary slightly by specific model year)
Compression Ratio:
Typically around 9.2:1 to 9.5:1 (varies by year)
Valve Train:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Horsepower:
Approximately 50-60 HP (varies by year and specific model)
Torque:
Approximately 45-55 lb-ft (varies by year and specific model)
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni carburetors (e.g., VM34 or similar)
Fuel Delivery:
Diaphragm-type fuel pump
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Capacity:
Approximately 3.2 - 3.7 gallons (12-14 liters), varies by model year
Length:
Varies by year, typically around 87-90 inches (2210-2285 mm)
Width:
Varies by year, typically around 33-35 inches (840-890 mm)
Height:
Varies by year, typically around 45-47 inches (1140-1195 mm)
Wheelbase:
Varies by year, typically around 59-60 inches (1500-1525 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 400-430 lbs (181-195 kg), varies by year and specific model features
Curb Weight:
Approximately 430-460 lbs (195-209 kg), varies by year and specific model features
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-4,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).
Filter Change:
With every oil change.
Valve Clearance:
Typically every 6,000-8,000 miles (refer to manual for exact specification).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000-12,000 miles (refer to manual for exact specification).
Shaft Drive Oil:
Change every 10,000-12,000 miles (refer to manual for exact specification).
Engine Oil:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent) 10W-40, API SG or higher. Capacity approx. 2.4-2.6 liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Final Drive Oil:
Yamalube Gear Oil (or equivalent) SAE 80 API GL-4. Capacity approx. 180 ml.
Carburetor Issues:
Diaphragm wear in Mikuni carburetors can lead to starting problems and poor performance. Synchronization is critical.
Electrical Issues:
Aging wiring harnesses, regulator/rectifier failures, and stator issues can occur over time.
Fuel Tank Corrosion:
Some older fuel tanks may experience internal corrosion, requiring cleaning or sealing.
Starter Clutch:
The starter clutch mechanism can sometimes wear, leading to slippage or failure to engage the engine.
Task List:
Carburetor cleaning and synchronization, fork seal replacement, brake pad replacement, final drive lubrication.
Yamaha Motorcycles:
Yamaha Motor Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer with a long history in motorcycles, known for innovation and performance across various segments.
Virago Lineup:
The Virago line was introduced in the early 1980s, targeting the growing cruiser market with a blend of classic styling and modern technology. The 700/750 models were key to establishing Yamaha's presence.
Year Changes:
Significant updates occurred throughout the 1984-1999 period, including changes to styling, braking systems (e.g., introduction of rear disc brakes), and minor engine tuning.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Japan, though some assembly might have occurred in other regions for specific markets.
Discontinuation:
The Virago 700/750 line was eventually superseded by newer cruiser models, with the Virago nameplate itself being phased out in favor of the V-Star line in the late 1990s/early 2000s.
