Yamaha XV500 Virago (1983-86)

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The Yamaha XV 500 Virago motorcycle was produced between 1983-86. It had a four-stroke, 70 degree V-Twin cylinder engine, delivering 44 hp at 7500 rpm and a torque of 41.6 Nm at 7000 rpm. The 494cc engine was cooled by air and had a compression ratio of 9.3:1. The induction system comprised of two BDS34 Mikuni carburetors and the ignition was transistorized. The motorcycle had a five-speed transmission and a shaft final drive.

Front suspension was telescopic forks, with a front wheel travel of 150mm and rear suspension was dual shock variable preload, with a rear wheel travel of 100mm. Front brakes were single 298mm discs with two piston calipers and rear brakes were drum. Tires were 3.00 S19 in the front and 130/90-16 in the rear.

The dry weight of the motorcycle was 182 kg or 401 lbs, and wet weight was 190 kg or 418 lbs. It had a fuel capacity of 13.5 litres or 3.5 US gallons, and an average consumption of 51 mpg. Braking from 60-0 mph and 100-0 mph took 14.1 meters and 40.0 meters respectively. Its standing ¼ mile time was 13.7 seconds with a top speed of 175 km/h or 109 mph.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Yamaha XV 500 Virago

Year: 1983 – 86


Engine: Four stroke, 70 degreesV-Twin cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.
Capacity: 494 cc / 30.1 cu-in
Bore x Stroke: 73 x 59 mm
Cooling System: Air cooled
Compression Ratio: 9.3:1
Induction: 2x BDS34 Mikuni carburetors
Ignition: Transistorized
Starting: Electric
Max Power: 44 hp / 32.1 kW @ 7500 rpm
Max Torque: 41.6 Nm / 30.7 ft-lb @ 7000 rpm
Transmission: 5 Speed
Final Drive: Shaft
Front Suspension: Telescopic forks
Front Wheel Travel: 150 mm / 5.9 in
Rear Suspension: Dual shock variable preload

Rear Wheel Travel: 100 mm / 3.9 in
Front Brakes: Single 298mm discs 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes: Drum
Front Tyre: 3.00 S19
Rear Tyre: 130/90-16
Dry Weight: 182 kg / 401 lbs
Wet Weight: 190 kg / 418 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 13.5 Litres / 3.5 US gal
Consumption Average: 51 mpg
Braking 60 – 0 / 100 – 0: 14.1 m / 40.0 m
Standing 1/4 Mile: 13.7sec / 98 mph
Top Speed: 175 km/h / 109 mph

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