43,620 bikes · 495 makes Add a bikeLog inRegister
Cruisers

1987Yamaha XV 1000 Virago

★ 4.3
Click to vote

22 fields on record

The 1987 Yamaha XV 1000 Virago is a lightweight cruiser powered by a 981cc V-twin engine, delivering 64 horsepower with easy-going air cooling and shaft drive. Ideal for riders seeking affordable, manageable cruiser styling, it's best known for its accessible performance, low seat height, and dependable engineering that made cruiser motorcycling accessible to a broader audience.

Capacity
981.0 ccm
Engine
V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Wet weight
235.0 kg
Seat height
Not on record
Know it? Add it →
Power
64.0 HP (47.1 kW) @ 6500 RPM
Other years 1986 1987 1988

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 32Agility 37Comfort 65Off-road 10Touring 55Road manners 60
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering35%
City riding55%
Daily riding55%
Touring55%
Two-up50%
Track15%
Best for
Built for laid-back boulevard cruising and shaft-driven low-maintenance commuting rather than speed or sport riding.
Built for
A classic air-cooled V-twin cruiser with laid-back power delivery, straightforward mechanicals, and shaft-drive simplicity that rewards a smooth, unhurried riding style.
Not ideal for
Not for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, high top speed, or any genuine off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
981.0 ccm
Power
64.0 HP (47.1 kW) @ 6500 RPM
Engine type
V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2723 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke
95.0 x 69.2 mm
Compression
8.3:1
Cooling system
Air
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
2
Torque
Not on record - add it
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Shaft
Clutch
life on a plate
Performance
Top speed
171.0 km/h (106.3 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wet weight
235.0 kg
Fuel capacity
14.50 litres
Seat height
Not on record - add it
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Dual disc
Rear brakes
Expanding brake
Front tyre
100/90-19
Rear tyre
140/90-15

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 198619871988
Capacity 981 cc 981 cc 981 cc
Fuel capacity 14.5 L 14.5 L 14.5 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

4.3
★★★★☆
Rider rating

Common questions

What is the engine size of the Yamaha XV 1000 Virago?

The 1987 Yamaha XV 1000 Virago has a Capacity of 981.0 ccm (59.86 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Yamaha XV 1000 Virago have?

The 1987 Yamaha XV 1000 Virago has a Power of 64.0 HP (47.1 kW) @ 6500 RPM.

How many gears does the Yamaha XV 1000 Virago have?

The 1987 Yamaha XV 1000 Virago has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

How much does the Yamaha XV 1000 Virago weigh?

The 1987 Yamaha XV 1000 Virago has a Wet weight of 235.0 kg (518.1 pounds).

Shop this bike

Affiliate links

We may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Similar bikes

Same category, weighted similarity

More Yamaha Motorcycles