1988 Yamaha Virago 750 Owners Manual

The 1988 Yamaha Virago 750 is a V-twin cruiser motorcycle featuring a 749cc air-cooled engine, 5-speed transmission, shaft drive, dual exhaust system, and classic cruiser styling. This manual covers essential information for proper operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your motorcycle. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Pre-Ride Inspection 3. Operation Controls 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Basic Maintenance Procedures 7. Riding Instructions 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Safety Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 749cc V-twin engine, 5-speed transmission, shaft final drive, dual exhaust, cruiser styling, instrumentation cluster.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	749cc air-cooled 4-stroke V-twin
Transmission	5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive	Shaft drive
Ignition System	CDI electronic ignition
Fuel System	Mikuni BS34 carburetors
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum
Suspension	Telescopic front forks, dual rear shocks
Fuel Capacity	3.7 gallons (14 liters)
Seat Height	28.3 inches (720mm)
Weight	476 lbs (216 kg) wet

Pre-Ride Inspection

Always perform these checks before riding.

Check fuel level: Ensure adequate fuel for your journey.
Inspect tires: Check pressure and condition for wear/damage.
Test brakes: Verify front and rear brake operation.
Check lights: Test headlight, brake light, turn signals.
Verify controls: Ensure throttle, clutch, and brakes operate smoothly.
Check oil level: Inspect engine oil through sight glass.

WARNING! Never ride without proper safety gear. Always wear helmet, gloves, and protective clothing.

Operation Controls

Familiarize yourself with all motorcycle controls before riding.

Right Handlebar: Throttle control, front brake lever, engine stop switch, start button.

Left Handlebar: Clutch lever, turn signal switch, headlight dimmer switch, horn button.

Instrument Cluster: Speedometer, odometer, trip meter, neutral indicator, high beam indicator, turn signal indicators.

Foot Controls: Gear shift lever (left), rear brake pedal (right).

Specifications

Engine: 749cc air-cooled 4-stroke V-twin
Bore x Stroke: 83.0 x 69.2mm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Fuel System: Twin Mikuni BS34 carburetors
Ignition: CDI electronic
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive: Shaft
Frame: Steel double cradle
Brakes: Front hydraulic disc, rear mechanical drum
Tires: Front 100/90-19, Rear 140/90-15
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gallons (14 liters)
Oil Capacity: 3.2 quarts (3.0 liters)

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Item	Every 600 mi	Every 4000 mi	Every 8000 mi
Engine oil	Replace	Replace	Replace
Oil filter	-	Replace	Replace
Air filter	Clean	Clean	Replace
Spark plugs	Inspect	Replace	Replace
Brake fluid	Inspect	Replace	Replace
Drive shaft oil	-	Replace	Replace
Tire pressure	Check	Check	Check
Chain adjustment	-	-	-

Basic Maintenance Procedures

Essential maintenance tasks for proper motorcycle care.

Oil Change: Warm engine, drain oil, replace filter, refill with recommended oil.
Air Filter: Remove side cover, clean foam element with solvent, re-oil lightly.
Spark Plugs: Remove with spark plug wrench, check gap (0.7-0.8mm), replace if worn.
Tire Pressure: Check cold: Front 28 psi, Rear 32 psi.
Brake Adjustment: Check brake pad wear, adjust rear brake pedal free play.
Battery: Check electrolyte level, clean terminals, ensure secure connections.

CAUTION! Always use Yamaha genuine parts for replacement.

Riding Instructions

Proper riding techniques for safe operation.

Starting: Turn fuel valve ON, ensure neutral, pull choke, press starter.
Shifting: Pull clutch, shift smoothly through gears using firm pressure.
Braking: Use both brakes simultaneously, front brake provides 70% stopping power.
Cornering: Slow before turns, look through the corner, maintain steady throttle.
Highway Riding: Maintain safe following distance, use mirrors frequently.
Wet Conditions: Reduce speed, increase following distance, avoid sudden maneuvers.

WARNING! This motorcycle is designed for one rider only. Do not carry passengers.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage procedures for extended periods of non-use.

Fill fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer
Change engine oil and filter
Remove battery and store on trickle charger
Clean entire motorcycle thoroughly
Inflate tires to recommended pressure
Cover with breathable motorcycle cover
Store in dry, cool location

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in carburetors to prevent gum formation.

Safety Information

Essential safety guidelines for motorcycle operation.

Always wear DOT-approved helmet
Wear eye protection and protective clothing
Never operate under influence of alcohol or drugs
Observe all traffic laws and speed limits
Maintain motorcycle in proper operating condition
Ride defensively and assume other drivers don't see you
Take motorcycle safety course for proper training

WARNING! Motorcycle riding involves risk. Proper training and protective gear reduce but do not eliminate these risks.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel valve off, kill switch, battery	Check fuel valve, kill switch position, battery charge
Poor idle	Dirty carburetor, spark plugs	Clean carburetor, replace spark plugs, adjust idle mixture
Hard shifting	Clutch adjustment, oil level	Adjust clutch cable, check oil level and type
Electrical issues	Battery, fuses, connections	Check battery voltage, inspect fuses, clean connections
Brake problems	Worn pads, air in lines	Replace brake pads, bleed brake lines
Overheating	Low oil, clogged fins	Check oil level, clean cooling fins

Service: Contact authorized Yamaha dealer for complex repairs.

Parts: Use only genuine Yamaha replacement parts.