1997 Yamaha XV535 Virago

Yamaha XV 535 Virago

Make Model

Yamaha XV 535 Virago

Year

1996 - 00

Engine

Four stroke, 70°V-Twin cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.

Capacity

535 cc / 32.6 cu-in

Bore x Stroke

76 x 59 mm

Cooling System

Air cooled

Compression Ratio

9.0:1

Induction

2x BDS34 Mikuni carburetor

Ignition

Transistorized

Starting

Electric

Max Power

44 hp / 32.1 kW @ 7500 rpm

Max Power Rear Tyre

38.9 hp @ 7400 rpm

Max Torque

43 Nm / 31 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm

Clutch

Wet multi-plate, cable operated

Transmission

5 speed constant mesh

Final Drive

shaft

Front Suspension

Telescopic forks

Rear Suspension

Twin shock variable preload

Front Brakes

Single 298mm discs 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

Drum

Front Tyre

3.00 S19

Rear Tyre

140/90-15

Rake

31.5°

Trail

125 mm / 4.9 in

Wheelbase

1511 mm / 59.4 in

Seat Height

700 mm / 27.5 in

Ground Clearance

145 mm / 5.7 in

Dry Weight

182 kg / 401 lbs

Wet Weight

190 kg / 418 lbs

Fuel Capacity

13.5 Litres / 3.5 US gal

Consumption Average

17.6 km/lit

Braking 60 - 0 / 100 - 0

14.1 m / 40.0 m

Standing ¼ Mile

14.2 sec / 141.2 km/h

Top Speed

159.8 km/h

The XV535 Virago is where Yamaha started giving Harley-Davidson a run for their money: it was the first of their cruiser motorcycles and it certainly lasted well. The Yamaha XV535 is basic, trusted, easy to ride and with unchallenging but enjoyable performance. What's more this Virago is a great value for money motorcycle and perfect for newbies or laid back commuters.

Unchallenging, smooth, torquey enough and reliable, the Yamaha XV535 engine’s been going since 1988 and there are plenty of XV535s still running today. In other words: it’s good. The Virago has enough pull low down and strong in the midrange but you’ve got to work it hard to reach top speeds (but that’s not what cruising’s about anyway).

The Yamaha XV535 Virago has good brakes, adequate suspension and a smooth gearbox (although it’s a bit clunky between first and second). Handling’s not sharp but it is stable and predictable, perfect for a motorcycle like this, although the front gets a bit frisky at the top of the rev range. The Yamaha XV535 Virago's low centre of gravity makes for easy slow speed work. It also has pretty good Ground Clearance and narrow enough for easy manouvrability.

The Yamaha XV535 Virago has a clear, analogue speedo but no fuel light or rev counter. However, the reserve switch is on the bars, which is a bonus. Good mirrors but they do vibrate at high revs. The XV535's plush seat is comfy but the pillion perch is tiny. Riding position not as “cruisery” as you’d expect: the pegs aren’t miles forward and you ride upright. This is not an extreme motorcycle so it's very easy to get along with.

Source MCN

Yamaha XV 535 Virago

Engine

Ride and Handling

Equipment