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Edition:
Yamaha XV 535 Virago - [1987]
This edition of the Yamaha XV 535 Virago is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1987. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1988 Suzuki TV 250 Wolf and the 1988 Suzuki RH 250 X.This particular Yamaha XV 535 has a 535cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Horizontal In-Line Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Horizontal In-Line engine, Cruiser style motorbike includes the Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura - [1984]
The 1987 XV 535 shares its Horizontal In-Line engine and Cruiser style configuration with the likes of the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura and the 1984 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk S. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the XV 535's Cruiser style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1994 Suzuki VS 400 Intruder | 1994cc.1994 Kawasaki EN 500 Vulcan | 1994cc.
Weighing in at 190 kgs (418 lbs) this makes the Yamaha XV 535 Virago in the same weight category as the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS or the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745, give or take 50kg.
The 1987 Yamaha XV 535 shares the same bhp with the Honda X-ADV 745 - [2025]
In terms of power the 535cc 4 valve Horizontal In-Line 2 cylinder engine produces 44 bhp (32 kW) @ 7500 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm].
The SOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 31.0 lb-ft (42.0 Nm) @ 6000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Yamaha XV 535 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1987 Suzuki DR 750 S Big has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1987 Yamaha XV 535 Virago.
The 1987 Yamaha XV 535 Virago has a Power to weight ratio of 231.5 bhp per ton and 163.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1987 XV 535 competing with the 1987 Suzuki DR 750 S Big [256.4 bhp\ton] and the 1989 Suzuki DR 750 S Big [256.4 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Yamaha XV 535 generating around 163.1 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1976 Suzuki GT 550 A - B [188.1 lb-ft per ton] and the 1974 Suzuki GT 550 L - M [188.1 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 16.0 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 16.3 secs, this makes the Yamaha XV 535 Virago similar in acceleration to the 2015 Yamaha XVS 1300 V-Star (16.0 secs) and the 2013 Yamaha XVS 1300 V-Star (16.0 secs). This Yamaha XV 535 Virago also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1987 Yamaha XV 535 Virago and the 2002 Kawasaki VN 1500 Vulcan Drifter
When talking about the performance of the 1987 Yamaha XV 535 Virago on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.2 secs @ 88 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2002 Kawasaki VN 1500 Vulcan Drifter (14.2 secs) and the 2009 Yamaha XT 660 R (14.2 secs).
The 1987 version of the Yamaha XV 535 Virago has a maximum speed of 99mph.
Top Speed of the 1987 XV 535 equals the 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Twin
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1987 Yamaha XV 535 Virago then how about a 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Twin (110 mph) and the 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 ABS (110 mph).
