Virago XV 535

1987 Yamaha Virago XV 535 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1987 Yamaha Virago XV 535 custom - cruiser motorcycle, Yamaha relies on a 535 cc (32.7 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 42 HP (30.7 kW) at 7,500 rpm while maximum torque reaches 43 Nm (31.7 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 78.5 HP per liter and a 1,500 rpm working window between peak torque (6,000 rpm) and peak power (7,500 rpm), the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the Virago XV 535 measures 185 kg (408 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.23 HP/kg (4.4 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 700 mm (27.6 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,511 mm (59.5 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 8.6-liter (2.3 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 5.6 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 154 km (96 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 160 km/h (99 mph).