How to Add Gear Lube to a Virago

Like a bicycle chain, the Virago's gear chain requires regular lubrication.

Discontinued after 2005, the Yamaha Virago was a powerful cruising motorcycle that Yamaha had been producing since the early 1980s. The bike came in a number of different models, many with different engines and power capabilities. Still, despite differences between them, all Virago bikes had similar instructions when it came to adding gear lube to the bike's chain. Yamaha includes directions for this minor procedure in the Yamaha Virago owner's manual.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Clean brush or cloth
• Yamaha Chain and Cable Lube or a comparable high-quality spray-type gear lube

Instructions

1. Locate the drive chain. This chain stretches from the Virago's rear wheel across the left side of the motorcycle. Unscrew and remove the left-side panel to access the full length of the chain.

2. Remove all dirt, mud and other debris from the chain using a clean brush or cloth. Dry the chain thoroughly.

3. Spray Yamaha Chain and Cable lube or comparable high-quality spray-type gear lube on the Virago's chain. Be sure to especially saturate the ends and middle of the chain with lubricant. Additionally, ensure that every plate and roller on the chain has a layer of fresh lubricant.

4. Screw the left-side panel back in place.

5. Repeat this process every 500 miles. Also lube the chain every time the Virago is washed and after riding the cycle in the rain.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are uncomfortable performing this kind of maintenance or any other, take the Virago to a certified Yamaha dealer to have it done properly.

• If you live in a particularly wet or dusty area, you may need to lube the Virago more often than once every 500 miles to keep the bike running as safely as possible.

References

• ViragoTech.com: History of the Virago
• Yamaha Motor Corporation: 2005 Virago 250 Owner's Manual