Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners and mechanics seeking detailed information for maintenance, repair, and restoration.
Key Competitors Era:
Honda Shadow, Kawasaki Vulcan, Suzuki Intruder models of the same period.
Model Appeal:
The XV700 Virago was notable for its V-twin engine, shaft drive, and classic styling, appealing to riders seeking a comfortable cruiser.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, in-depth technical guidance to keep a classic motorcycle running optimally, saving on costly professional repairs.
Engine:
Disassembly, assembly, inspection, repair, tuning, troubleshooting of the V-twin engine
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Mikuni VM) overhaul, adjustment, jetting, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance
Ignition System:
CDI ignition, spark plugs, timing, troubleshooting
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, assembly, inspection, clutch service, drive shaft maintenance
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive system, bevel gear inspection and maintenance
Suspension:
Front fork overhaul (seals, oil, springs), rear shock absorber inspection and replacement
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service, caliper overhaul, fluid replacement, pad/shoe inspection
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator/stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting, instrumentation
Cooling System:
Air cooling system, cylinder head cooling fins cleaning and inspection
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, fenders
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, tire inspection, spoke tension adjustment (if applicable)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable), spark plug checks, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid checks
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine teardown, piston replacement, ring installation, valve adjustments, gasket replacement
Carburetor Tuning:
Synchronization, idle speed adjustment, fuel/air mixture settings
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnosis of common electrical faults using wiring diagrams and multimeter tests
Suspension Repair:
Front fork seal replacement, rear shock absorber mounting and adjustment
Brake System Service:
Brake bleeding, pad replacement, caliper seal replacement
Clutch Adjustment:
Lever free play adjustment, clutch cable inspection
Wheel Alignment And Balancing:
Instruction on checking and adjusting wheel alignment (if applicable) and wheel balancing procedures
Specifications And Tolerances:
Detailed torque specifications, clearances, and wear limits for all components
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic rider maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, V-twin
Displacement:
699 cc (693cc actual)
Bore X Stroke:
71 mm x 88 mm
Valve Train:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 55-60 HP (at crankshaft, depending on tuning and market)
Torque:
Approx. 50-55 lb-ft (at crankshaft, depending on tuning and market)
Carburetor Type:
Dual Mikuni VM Series (VM34SS)
Fuel Delivery:
Mechanical Fuel Pump
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 6,000-10,000 km (4,000-6,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
As needed, typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 1-2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SE, SF or SG; SAE 20W-40 or 10W-40 motorcycle-specific oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.8 Liters (with filter change).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Final Drive Oil Type:
Yamalube Gear Oil or equivalent SAE 80W-90.
Common Wear Item:
Carburetor diaphragms and O-rings, often requiring refurbishment or replacement due to age.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion in wiring connectors and potential failure of the regulator/rectifier unit are common on older bikes.
Fuel System Issues:
Petcock diaphragm leaks, fuel tank rust.
Suspension Leaks:
Front fork seals can degrade over time, leading to oil leaks.
Yamaha Legacy:
Yamaha has a long history of producing innovative and reliable motorcycles across various genres.
Virago Lineage:
The Virago line, launched in the early 1980s, was Yamaha's entry into the V-twin cruiser market, aiming for a classic look with modern engineering.
Xv700 Positioning:
The XV700 was an important model in the early Virago lineup, offering a middleweight displacement that bridged the gap between smaller and larger cruisers.
Production Years:
The XV700 Virago was produced for a relatively short period before being succeeded by the XV750 and later models.
