Motorcycle Repair: Yamaha 1987 XV700 Virago, intake tube, bikebandit com

Question
I just bought a virago that has been sitting for 3 years (only 9000 Miles on it.)  I haven't yet ordered my manual for repairs, but did just receive my new throttle cable.  it feeds under the side air exaust cover? and so i tryed taking that off, but their is a big intake tube going into it and i can't figure out how to get this off.  i've been dying to ride, but i don't want to break anything based on my impatience.  I've been riding for over 25 years and it's been 3 since i rode last.  Could i get some tips on how to install the cable (the old one is completely gone and how to attach it whilst it is under the pretty silver exhausty thing...  regardless of my "tech" speak, i do kind of know what i'm doing..  thanks!!!!!

Answer
Cyndi,

I don't know the specifics of you bike but without a service manual
I've found it handy to look at the parts micro-fiche to get an
idea of how things fasten together:

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/yamaha-motorcycle-virago-xv700ct-19...