1990 Yamaha XV535 Virago

Yamaha XV 535 Virago

Make Model	Yamaha XV 535 Virago
Year	1989 - 95
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

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Ride and Handling

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