1996Yamaha XV 535 Virago

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The 1996 Yamaha XV 535 Virago is a lightweight cruiser ideal for beginner and intermediate riders seeking an accessible, easy-handling motorcycle. Known for its manageable 535cc V-twin engine producing 44 horsepower and low 720mm seat height, it excels as a practical entry-level cruiser offering classic styling with reliable air-cooled performance and excellent maneuverability.

Capacity: 535.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 182.0 kg
Seat height: 720 mm
Power: 44.0 HP (32.4 kW)

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What’s new for the 1996 Yamaha XV 535 Virago

vs the 1995

Spec	1995	1996
Power	46.0 HP (33.8 kW)	44.0 HP (32.4 kW)
Torque	47.1 Nm (4.8 kgf-m or 34.7 ft.lbs)	48.0 Nm (4.9 kgf-m or 35.4 ft.lbs)

Other years 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering40%

City riding65%

Daily riding60%

Touring45%

Two-up40%

Track10%

Best for: It's built for relaxed cruising and casual street riding rather than speed or long-distance touring.
Built for: It has classic V-twin cruiser charm, delivering a laid-back, torquey feel with shaft-drive simplicity over outright performance.
Not ideal for: This is not the bike for riders chasing high speeds, aggressive cornering, or serious off-road adventure.

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

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 720mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1996 Yamaha XV 535 Virago, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 535.0 ccm
Power: 44.0 HP (32.4 kW)
Torque: 48.0 Nm (4.9 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin
Power/weight ratio: 0.2418 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 76.0 x 59.0 mm
Compression: 9.0:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCI
Valves per cylinder: 2
Lubrication system: Wet sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: Wet multi-plate

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1511 mm
Overall length: 2210 mm
Overall width: 815 mm
Overall height: 1100 mm
Seat height: 720 mm
Dry weight: 182.0 kg
Wet weight: 220.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 13.50 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm
Oil capacity: 2.80 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Pressed steel backbone
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Dual shock
Front wheel travel: 150 mm
Rear wheel travel: 85 mm
Rake (fork angle): 31.0°
Trail: 122 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes: Expanding brake
Front tyre: 90/90-19
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	1988	1990	1993	1995	1996	1997
Capacity	535 cc	535 cc	535 cc	535 cc	535 cc	535 cc
Dry weight	185 kg	185 kg	182 kg	182 kg	182 kg	182 kg
Seat height	700 mm	700 mm	720 mm	720 mm	720 mm	720 mm
Fuel capacity	13.5 L	13.5 L	13.5 L	13.5 L	13.5 L	13.5 L