1987 Yamaha Virago 1100 Service Manual

The 1987 Yamaha Virago 1100 is a V-twin cruiser motorcycle featuring a 1063cc air-cooled, 4-stroke, 75° V-twin engine with shaft drive, electronic ignition, and a 5-speed transmission. This service manual covers maintenance procedures, specifications, troubleshooting, and repair instructions for the complete motorcycle system including engine, transmission, electrical, fuel, and chassis components.

1. General Information 2. Specifications 3. Periodic Maintenance 4. Engine 5. Cooling System 6. Fuel System 7. Electrical System 8. Transmission 9. Chassis 10. Troubleshooting 11. Wiring Diagrams

General Information

This manual provides detailed service information for the 1987 Yamaha Virago 1100 (XV1100). Includes identification data, general specifications, and safety precautions.

Model Identification	Description
Model Code	XV1100
Engine Type	Air-cooled 4-stroke OHV 75° V-twin
Displacement	1063cc
Bore x Stroke	95.0 x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio	8.3:1
Fuel System	Mikuni BS34SS carburetors x 2
Ignition System	TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition)
Starter System	Electric
Transmission	5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive	Shaft drive

Specifications

Complete technical specifications for the 1987 Yamaha Virago 1100.

Overall Length: 2,290 mm (90.2 in)
Overall Width: 830 mm (32.7 in)
Overall Height: 1,140 mm (44.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1,585 mm (62.4 in)
Seat Height: 710 mm (28.0 in)
Dry Weight: 238 kg (525 lbs)
Fuel Capacity: 13.5 L (3.6 gal)
Oil Capacity: 3.2 L (3.4 qt) with filter change
Front Tire: 100/90-19 57H
Rear Tire: 140/90-15 70H
Brake Front: Dual disc
Brake Rear: Single disc

Periodic Maintenance

Recommended maintenance intervals and procedures.

Every 600 miles/1000 km: Check engine oil level, check tire pressure and wear, check brake operation, check chain slack and lubrication, check clutch operation.
Every 3,000 miles/5,000 km: Change engine oil and filter, check valve clearances, check spark plugs, check carburetor synchronization, check battery level.
Every 6,000 miles/10,000 km: Clean air filter, check brake pads and discs, check wheel bearings, check steering head bearings, check final drive oil.
Every 12,000 miles/20,000 km: Replace spark plugs, check ignition timing, check throttle cable play, check clutch cable play.

WARNING! Always use Yamaha genuine parts or equivalents. Follow torque specifications precisely.

Engine

Engine service procedures including disassembly, inspection, and reassembly.

Component	Specification
Valve Clearance (IN)	0.08-0.12 mm (0.003-0.005 in)
Valve Clearance (EX)	0.13-0.17 mm (0.005-0.007 in)
Compression Pressure	156 psi (10.8 kg/cm²) at 400 rpm
Oil Pressure	50-60 psi at 3000 rpm
Idle Speed	1050 ± 50 rpm
Ignition Timing	15° BTDC at 1500 rpm

Engine Removal: Disconnect battery, drain coolant and oil, remove exhaust system, disconnect electrical connectors and cables, support engine, remove mounting bolts.

Cooling System

The Virago 1100 is air-cooled. Proper maintenance of cooling fins and oil cooling is essential.

Keep cooling fins clean and free of debris
Ensure proper engine oil level and quality
Check oil cooler for damage or blockage
Monitor engine temperature during operation

CAUTION! Do not operate engine with blocked cooling fins. Overheating can cause severe engine damage.

Fuel System

Dual Mikuni BS34SS constant velocity carburetors with vacuum piston operation.

Main Jet: #127.5
Pilot Jet: #42.5
Needle Jet: P-0
Jet Needle: 5FP17-3
Float Height: 21.0 ± 1.0 mm
Pilot Screw: 2-1/4 turns out

Synchronization: Use vacuum gauges to balance carburetors at 1500 rpm.

Electrical System

12V electrical system with TCI ignition and electric start.

Component	Specification
Battery	12V 14Ah
Charging Output	14V 25A at 5000 rpm
Spark Plug	NGK DPR8EA-9 or ND X24EPR-U9
Spark Plug Gap	0.8-0.9 mm (0.031-0.035 in)
Fuse Main	30A
Fuse Headlight	10A
Fuse Signal	10A

Transmission

5-speed constant mesh transmission with wet multi-plate clutch and shaft final drive.

Gear Ratios: 1st: 2.666, 2nd: 1.777, 3rd: 1.315, 4th: 1.074, 5th: 0.923
Primary Reduction: 1.725 (77/42)
Final Reduction: 3.333 (30/9)
Clutch Type: Wet multi-plate
Clutch Cable Free Play: 10-15 mm (0.4-0.6 in)

Final Drive Oil: SAE 80 API GL-4 hypoid gear oil, capacity 230 ml (0.24 qt)

Chassis

Frame, suspension, brakes, and wheels maintenance procedures.

Front Suspension: Telescopic fork, 140 mm travel
Rear Suspension: Swingarm with dual shock absorbers, 90 mm travel
Front Brake: Dual hydraulic disc, 267 mm diameter
Rear Brake: Single hydraulic disc, 282 mm diameter
Front Fork Oil: SAE 10W, 486 ml per fork
Steering Head Bearing: Torque to 65 Nm (47 ft-lb)

Troubleshooting

Common problems and solutions for the Virago 1100.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Weak battery, fouled plugs, fuel issue	Check battery voltage, replace spark plugs, check fuel flow
Poor idle	Dirty carburetors, sync issue	Clean carburetors, synchronize carburetors
Overheating	Dirty fins, low oil, lean mixture	Clean cooling fins, check oil level, check carburetion
Electrical failure	Blown fuse, bad connection	Check all fuses, inspect wiring connections
Transmission noise	Low oil, worn gears	Check oil level, inspect transmission components

Wiring Diagrams

Complete electrical wiring diagrams for the 1987 Yamaha Virago 1100. Refer to separate wiring diagram supplement for detailed color-coded schematics of the entire electrical system including ignition, charging, lighting, and accessory circuits.

Note: Always disconnect battery before working on electrical system. Use multimeter for circuit testing.