Yamaha Virago: xv500

Production =

1983-1986 (xv500K) US
1987 Germany
1992-1998 (xv500L) Austria

Engine = 4-stroke, V-twin 70°, V2
Cylinders = 494 ccm (Ф = 73 mm, S = 59 mm)
Cooling = air-cooling
Compression = 9,3:1
Carburetor = 2 x Mikuni BDS34 (Φ = 34 mm)
Ignition = TCI (transistorized)
Battery = 12V12Ah (YB12AL-A2)
Spark plugs = NGK BP7ES (Φ = 14 mm)
Starting = electrical starter motor
Max power (xv500K) = 35,8 kW (49 HP) @ 8.500 rpms
Max power (xv500) = 19,9 kW (27 HP) @ 7.500 rpms
Max speed = 152 km/h=94 mph (xv500K), 148 km/h=93 mph (xv500)
Drive = shift drive
Transmission = 5 gears
Front suspension = telescopic forks
Rear suspension = dual shock
Front brake = single disc 298 mm
Rear brake = drum
Front tyre = 90/90-19 (3.00S-19)
Rear tyre = 130/90-16 (xv500K), 140/90-15 (xv500)
Seat height = 700 mm
Weight = 182 kg (w/o fuel)
Capacity = 11L=2,9 US gal (xv500K), 13,5 L=3,5 US gal (xv500)

xv500

There is a certain mess with model xv500 because of similar model denotation (code). There is an old model xv500 (more specifically xv500K) which was produced in period 1983-1986 for US market and in 1987. for German market and that is NOT a Virgao model!!! This is old Yamaha model which, according to its parts and appearance, looks more like older Yamaha motorcycle models than Virago. On the other hand, for Austrian market model xv500 (more precisely model xv500/L) was produced in period 1992-1998 which IS a Virago model. In this Austrian Virago model xv500/L the cylinders volume is reduced from 535 cm³ (xv535 model) to 499 cm³ in order to comply with Austrian lower taxes.

Yamaha xv500K

Yamaha xv500K was produced for US market in period from 1983. until 1986. and for german market in 1987. - this is not Virago.

Yamaha xv500K - 1983

Yamaha xv500K from 1983. - control panel

Yamaha Virago xv500/L (Austria)

The model xv500/L Virago (most often this denotation L is abandoned and only label xv500 is used) has similar story like model xv750 which was reduced to xv700 in order to legally avoid higher taxes. Regarding legislation and custom taxes in Austria original model xv535 with cylinders volume of 535 cm³, was reduced to 499 cm³ and in 1992. new model xv500/L appeared on Austrian market.