1987 Virago 750 Manual

The 1987 Yamaha Virago XV750 is a classic V-twin cruiser motorcycle featuring a 749cc air-cooled 75-degree V-twin engine, shaft drive, monoshock rear suspension, and distinctive cruiser styling. This manual covers safety information, technical specifications, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, and operational guidelines for proper ownership and maintenance of your Virago 750.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Technical Specifications 4. Controls and Instruments 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Engine Service 7. Electrical System 8. Brake System 9. Troubleshooting 10. Storage Guidelines

Features at a Glance

Key components: 749cc V-twin engine, shaft final drive, monoshock rear suspension, cruiser styling with low seat height.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	749cc air-cooled 4-stroke 75° V-twin
Bore x Stroke	83.0 x 69.2 mm
Compression Ratio	8.3:1
Fuel System	Mikuni BS34SS carburetors
Ignition System	CDI electronic ignition
Transmission	5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive	Shaft drive
Front Suspension	Telescopic fork
Rear Suspension	Monoshock swingarm
Front Brake	Dual piston caliper, single disc
Rear Brake	Drum brake
Fuel Capacity	3.2 gallons (12 liters)

Safety Information

Always wear proper protective gear and inspect your motorcycle before riding.

Pre-ride inspection: Check tires, brakes, lights, controls, and fluid levels.
Protective gear: Always wear DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing.
Riding skills: Take a motorcycle safety course and practice in safe areas.
Load limits: Do not exceed maximum weight capacity of 397 lbs (180 kg).

WARNING! Motorcycles are inherently dangerous; always ride defensively and within your skill limits. Never operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Technical Specifications

Overall Length: 88.2 inches (2240 mm)
Overall Width: 33.5 inches (850 mm)
Overall Height: 45.7 inches (1160 mm)
Seat Height: 28.3 inches (720 mm)
Wheelbase: 61.4 inches (1560 mm)
Ground Clearance: 6.3 inches (160 mm)
Curb Weight: 507 lbs (230 kg)
Front Tire: 100/90-19 57H
Rear Tire: 130/90-16 67H
Battery: 12V 14Ah
Spark Plug: NGK DR8ES-L

Controls and Instruments

Handlebar controls: Right side - engine stop switch, start button, front brake lever. Left side - clutch lever, turn signals, horn, headlight dimmer.

Instrument Cluster: Speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, neutral indicator, high beam indicator, turn signal indicators, oil pressure warning light.

Key positions: OFF, ON, P (parking). Fuel valve: ON, RES (reserve), PRI (prime). Choke lever: Located on left side of carburetors for cold starts.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance is essential for safety and reliability.

Item	Every 600 mi	Every 4000 mi	Every 8000 mi
Engine oil	✓	✓	✓
Oil filter		✓	✓
Air filter		Inspect	Replace
Spark plugs		Inspect	Replace
Brake fluid	Inspect	Replace	Replace
Drive shaft oil			✓
Valve clearance			✓
Carburetor sync			✓

Engine Service

Engine oil capacity: 2.6 quarts (2.5 liters) with filter change.

Oil change: Warm engine, drain oil, replace filter, refill with SAE 10W-40 motorcycle oil.
Valve adjustment: Check clearance every 8000 miles - intake: 0.004-0.006 in, exhaust: 0.006-0.008 in.
Carburetor: Clean and synchronize every 8000 miles or as needed.
Cooling: Keep cooling fins clean for proper air cooling.

CAUTION! Always use motorcycle-specific oil; automotive oil can damage wet clutch.

Electrical System

12-volt DC system with AC generator. Battery maintenance: Check electrolyte level monthly, keep terminals clean and tight.

Charging system output: 14.1-14.9V at 5000 RPM
Fuse box: Located under seat - main fuse 30A, headlight 10A, signal 10A, ignition 10A
Bulb types: Headlight 60/55W H4, brake/tail 21/5W, turn signal 21W

Tip: Use dielectric grease on electrical connections to prevent corrosion.

Brake System

Front: Hydraulic disc brake with dual piston caliper. Rear: Mechanical drum brake.

Front brake fluid: DOT 4, check level monthly, replace every 2 years
Brake pad wear: Replace when thickness reaches 0.04 inches (1 mm)
Brake adjustment: Rear brake pedal free play 0.4-0.8 inches (10-20 mm)
Bleeding: Required when changing fluid or if spongy feel develops

WARNING! Brakes are critical safety components; inspect regularly and replace worn parts immediately.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Hard starting	Weak battery, dirty carb	Charge battery, clean carburetor, check choke operation
Poor idle	Clogged pilot jets, vacuum leak	Clean carburetor, check intake boots, sync carburetors
Electrical failure	Blown fuse, bad connection	Check fuses, battery connections, ground wires
Oil leakage	Worn seals, loose bolts	Inspect gaskets, tighten engine case bolts
Brake drag	Stuck caliper, misadjusted rear brake	Clean and lubricate caliper pins, adjust rear brake
Vibration	Unbalanced tires, loose components	Balance wheels, check engine mounts, tighten fasteners

Emergency: Carry basic tools and tire repair kit. For roadside assistance contact your local Yamaha dealer.

Service: Contact authorized Yamaha dealer for complex repairs or warranty service.