It seems the parts are mostly the same on the two bikes, so can I use a 750 exhaust system on the 920? {Logan, Georgia, US ~ 1983 Yamaha XV920MK Midnight}

The Midnight versions of the Virago 920 & 750 are very similar. When viewing the parts fiche for the 1983 XV920MK and the XV750MK of the same year they are identical diagrams. But there is a difference. The diagram below is taken from the 1983 XV920 MK exhaust card.

The only differences in the exhaust system are the hanging brackets on the muffler and the stopper. The muffler {item number 4 in the diagram) is described as Muffler, L, OEM part number 27Y-14711-00-00. It consists of the two mufflers, mounting brackets and the crossover section. You can not purchase the brackets separately; they are welded on the exhaust.

The exhaust mounts to the rear footpeg stay, or bracket, on both motorcycles. The angle is the main problem. The exhaust and footpeg brackets are different on the 920 versus the 750. Because it is attached to the muffler, you will need to fabricate an exhaust hanger extension or spacer to get the exhaust system bracket to line up with the foot peg bracket.

Once you have the headpipes lined up for a dry fit, you will be able to measure the angle and length for your new exhaust hanger extension. You can make a hanger or bracket extension of slotted steel. I would not recommend using aluminum for this because it will expand at a different rate that the steel exhaust system when the bike is running and starts to heat up. This can cause bolts to walk out, vibration, etc.

If you are able to change the footpeg brackets too, adding the 750 brackets to your 920, it may alleviate the problem of making your own bracket extensions. I am not sure about that though.

I have seen the exhaust systems successfully swapped in the past, using a piece of angle iron with pre-drilled oval bolt holes. I believe it was a short piece of an upright from a steel shelving unit.

Do not worry about it standing out or looking rigged. Once painted and installed, it is located in an area where it will not be noticeable to the average person.

The stoppers are located on the underside of the crossover section of the exhaust. They provide the bike’s center stand a cushioned landing spot so as not to be smacking into the exhaust each time you put the stand up. The Virago XV920MK uses two identical stoppers identified as Stoppers, Main Stand, numbers 17 and 18, on the diagram, Yamaha part number 116-27114-00-00. The XV750 uses one of these and one Stopper, part number 341-27314-02-00.

Be aware that when you swap the exhaust from one bike to the other, the center stand may hit the exhaust in a different spot. This can cause excessive wear and rust leading to rot. Because it is under the bike, it is not something you will see everyday. So just keep an eye on it. Stay on top of any rust that starts so that it will not rust through.

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