Bought a 1982 virago still in the case at the dealer. Really enjoyed the motorcycle but the seat was a nightmare for my backside. Also living in the state of Oregon where those of us that ride you’re around, the fenders are not nearly adequate for the amount of water we had on our way roadways. And yet today at almost 80 years old, I would love to have my virago back.
Try an SV650. I am on my second one - Just finished 15 years on a GSX R600 so I totally get being bored with speed and power. The 1000 CC bikes are even more ridiculous. I owned an SV before the Gixxer and said to self I wanna go back to simpler and more functional. Now the SV is no slouch. Few 4 wheelers can keep up with it from standing stop and top speed is 130MPH! I call it "well mannered". Its a joy to ride around town which is by far what I do the most. PS - I am 73 and have no problem handling the bike at all. They also handle and turn great. There are a few nits like poor protection from the elements. In the rain you will need a full rain suite. Braking is fine but I am looking forward to upgrading the pads to EBC HH. All items for routine maintenance are easily accessible. Changing oil on a damn Gixxer is a nightmare - You have to remove one side of the fairings. People are already talking it up as one of the best MCs Suzuki ever made and I expect that to hold true. Many people have logged over 100,000 miles on them without a major engine issue. Everyone describes the engine as bullet proof. However albeit the bike will easily do it do not attempt to wheelie the bike. Its also inexpensive. Now some interesting comparisons are made to the MT-07 - several videos right here on TH-cam and usually the SV is preferred. Think about it. This is the perfect mount for us old guys 🚴
The Virago was my driving school training motorcycle 1993. I remember the front wheel wobbled at 120 kmh, roughly 75mph ( here in Germany allowed) and the side pedals would touch the ground by not so acute turning angles. Although I ride a 1250 GS, the Virago will always have a fond place in my motorcycle heart and memory.
I just can't get over how great these bart videos are. They are so enjoyable and so well researched and so well thought out. Also, the delivery is perfect. Sometimes I even watch them more that once just because they seem so entertaining to me.
Ive owned 2 viragos and driven 3... my 95 1100 has been my favorite street bike so far. I drove it 18,000 miles in 10 months and I got out of some bad near death moments and the bike always stayed connected with the road. It was super forgiving and fast enough to be fun. I even did a pretty high speed jump with it and it stayed stable through the landing... Great bikes
I had a '90 Virago 535 for some years. Absolutely loved it! The only downside from my point of view was its limited range due to its small tanks thirst.
I had an '87. Wonderful bike. I would love to own one again. Especially if it was EFI. I know they still make the 250, but that 535 was the perfect bike for a 5'6 guy. I had a National Cycle windscreen on mine. As you wrote, mine consistently hit 88 miles when I had to switch to reserve and find a gas station.
I owned a 95' 750 Virago in the blue and black livery. I loved that bike. I know looks are subjective but to me, It had the most beautiful lines, especially the motor completely unobstructed hanging off the front as a stress member gave it such a bold look. I've had many bikes since then, my present daily rider is a Z900RS, but I'll never forget my Virago!
My uncle Arthur retired in 1983. He had always wanted a Harley. I got excited about the prospect of him showing up on his HD. When he turned up on a Virago, he sensed my disappointment. He explained that Harley had a crazy long lead time and the Virago was instantly available and was a fraction of the price. Wind the clock on 15 or so years, and Arthur died. I was offered the Virago for pennies. I didn't consider it worth my while taking the 150 mile round trip to go and collect it, so I declined. This was in Britain.
I have a 97 Virago 750. Ride it pretty much every day. There is north of 37K miles on it now. It's a good size for my needs. And I get compliments on it just about every time I stop, It is the best bike I ever owned/rode. It's smooth and responsive, Liked your video. Lot of good points - good and bad.
People average 80 mph on the highway near me. Will the 750 handle that or is that all the beans. Love the looks and seriously considering one but not sure what size. Thanks
I had an '82 XV 750 in New Zealand back in the late 80''s, I was doing MX and enduro, and went 'road bike' , man that thing was soo smooth. I have to disagree about the styling , Bart, the early models had such graceful lines, that's my take and was never interested in the new look with all the glitz. they were a great package, and yes they could hustle!, great to see some background on these bikes , thanks .
Hay Bart, I still have my 82' XV750 Special (Virago), I had bought it in 1991, been through ups and down, difficult, but still trying to maintain it. 'Bad tempered woman' yes it's perfect analogy for 1st gen Virago. Though it's imperfect and vintage now, but still special to me. Unfortunately we didn't have internet in those days to learn and maintain this bike, Now I am always on lookout for Virago videos on youtube and since I have learn a lot about it. Thank you.
I worked in a yamaha shop in 1983 and put those viragos together from the crate and they kicked ass. Loved them. Left overs were sitting stagnant in Jersey warehouses.
Hey Bart!! It was great to see some of my Virago restoration footage in this video - I wish you had used more! I owned many sport bikes in the '80s and remember the impact the later Viragos had on the market, especially the pain and grief it caused Harley-Davidson. Although the styling changes were not accepted by everyone, you are absolutely right when you said it created a cult following. The carbs pull air through the frame, it's shaft driven and has some fascinating characteristics when it comes to engine noise. Couple that to having 100% of engine torque delivered at 3000 rpm and you have something that puts a smile on anyone's face when you roll on the throttle. I would have to say that it's probably one of the few motorcycles that goes uphill just as fast as it goes downhill. Thanks for great content and feel free to use any of my videos in the future. I just picked up another restoration project: 1987 FZR1000 and have begun the inspection & disassembly process of that one.
My 94 Virago 750 is a beautifully balanced bike at any speed. Looks great, almost bullet proof and can lay them into corners far more than you think with confidence. Hidden gems.
Bought an '81 on the way home from work for $400. Spent the next 7 years and 30K riding that old girl all over including a few multi-day trips. Crash bars and highway pegs gave plenty of foot options, cool days I would ride with my feet on the engine cases to keep warm.. Was ratty as hell in a cool way. Dents, rust, zip ties but kept rolling. When you went for a ride you would smell like that bike the rest of the day. When she retired I had about $1000 into all that fun and most of it was tires and luggage. Ugly, slow, leaked oil, quirky, and so far my favorite bike.
I rode a Yamaha Virago in the eighties. I liked Harleys but I did'nt like their pricetag and their maintenance so I bought a Virago XV750 and it gave me a cruiser style ride, comfortable for a decent price and almost no maintenance at all, I loved this bike.
The Virago family had 250/535/750/1.100cc. models here in Brazil. I rided 100.000 km on a 535 and was a great bike! Really good with cardan transmission and beautiful lines!
Im 65 and now on my ninth Virago. Have been riding them for close to 30 years now. Had all the bigger ones from the ‘82 750 up the ‘99 1100. Currently riding a ‘95 red and white XV1100 Virago complete with Mustang seat, forward controls, all LED lighting, and Mac exhaust. Always loved these bikes.
Royal Enfield got that feeling right and is now making simple bikes that are fun to ride. Not particularly notable on any spec, but fun and simple to ride in a world where bikes have gotten way too complex to give that relaxed vibe, which for me is the best feeling when riding a bike. After a couple of decades riding bigger bikes, I recently bought a Himalayan that always put a smile on my face, reminding me of my late Yamaha XT 600.
And somebody is making a Royal Enfield V Twin by starting with a Royal Enfield Bullet and then using his own engine castings to have two Royal Enfield barrels with an exhaust system routed like a Vincent. It is called the "Musket V Twin" and is very retro looking. He was even on Jay Leno's garage and it can be seen on TH-cam here: th-cam.com/video/hYzuqAX2A3A/w-d-xo.html
as a 20 something Yamaha Bolt owner, DAMN I didnt know the majority of viewers were 65+ but hey love this video as it paved the way for my beloved Bolt :)
Yamaha's promotional material from the 80's was great too, snowmoblie ad copy as well. Cutaway and exploded view illustrations of all their tech bits had me staring at it, studying it, memorizing every detail. At 50, it takes me right back to my teenage years.
Ford Motor Co. also contracted with Yamaha to produce the performance engine for the super high output or SHO variant of the Ford flagship sedan , the Taurus.
I bought a Virago as my fist bike, didn't know anything about it so I had to go research after purchasing. Found out some of the very same details you mentioned here, and I got all excited having this old bike with many firsts. I never did get it to start and stay running, though. I even had the carb rebuilt and a new starter installed. Still, no dice. In the end, I sold it. Now I'm on a Bolt, and I still hope to own a Virago down the line. Thanks for this bit of history.
@Cj-yw8cs you know, before I got the Bolt, I purchased a XVS1100. I don't think carburetors want to work with me. 😌 That bike's carbs started acting up the day I bought it. The dealership ordered a part and installed it, too. The bike died o the way home.after I got it back from the shop. It won't even start up. In the end, they gave me the Bolt as a loaner for the weekend while they troubleshoot the XVS1100. When I went to return the Bolt, my mind was made up. I'm taking the Bolt over that carburetor XVS1100. I would like to own another VStar, though, an 1100 without the carbs if possible. That bike was fun to ride
My 94 Virago 750 is just great all round. They are balanced to perfection. Can see them becoming highly sought out in years to come. And they look pretty cool as well.
I had Virago XV500 as my first bike. It was very comfortable to ride, light and easy to handle. But it was also pretty slow and very silent engine voice that only sounded cool with almost full throttle. I sold it to my dad few years ago and it still looks better than my Suzuki VX800 and is far more reliable :D
The xv1000 TR1 was my first bike. I bought it used in 1990. It was a -81. Wonderful engine but my driving style, back then, was more sporty than what the Yamaha could deliver.
Your comments on the 1st Gen Virago perfectly describe what I felt the first time I rode one. I told my buddy, “This bike is a cruiser but handles like a sport bike” That rear monoshock suspension and low swung engine lets my 82 Virago XV750 dip low in turns, be responsive in maneuvers, adjustable for riding environments/roads. It’s amazing to see what it developed into and if mine is 40+ years old and still running, I imagine many more are still out there ready to take on more miles!
I am a new rider, only about 3 months. My first bike was a 2016 Honda Rebel 250- superb beginner bike. I found and just purchased a 1997 Yamaha Virago 535. I sold my 2016 Honda Rebel 250 for $3,100 and purchased the 97' Virago for $1500. What solidified the deal?The moment I test rode the bike, I was in awe of it's shifting, handling, and smoothness. The overall feel of the bike was gentle and weightless. And the shocks are like butter! It felt like riding on a cloud compared to my Rebel. I got a good deal on this bike and couldn't be happier with my purchase. All I had to fix was a leaking petcock which wasn't too difficult (you don't have to remove the sub-tank!). It's an older bike but classics never die! 😎👍🏼
Had the 920 and loved the shaft drive. Starter made a weird sound when cranking it over but the ride was so much nicer then my friends sportster. That had such a stiff ride. The 920 had much softer ride. Wish I still had it, often check Craig’s list to see if any one had one with very low miles, like new condition to bring back old memories.
Towards the end of the excellent video, you wondered about an “appetite for different kinds of motorcycles”. It’s for that reason that my next bike will be a Triumph Rocket 3R, the aesthetics, ride and engine are a little different. There’s no real reason for it’s existence other than fun, and I guess that’s enough reason for me… I really enjoy your work, good job 👍👍👍
I had a 1982 XV920RH, which was a sport tourer built for the european market using the Virago frame and running gear with the engine bored out to 920cc, and a huge headlight added. Didn't go over well in the N. American market, and was discontinued after two years. Awesome bike; sounded like a Harley when you fired it up. Tons of low end grunt, but ran out of juice at the high end of the powerband. Still, probably the most fun bike I've owned. I had a cop on a Harley talk himself out of giving me a ticket once, because he liked the bike so much, and had never seen one before.
Funny enough, the European XV 1000 or TR1 as it was called was at 981 cc. Didn’t get the big numbers in sales, but the Virago 1000 with the same engine and with a shaftdrive was a huge hit. It continued as the Virago 1100. I acrually spotted a TR1 yesterday, so some is still around.
Hey Mr Bart. I’ve noticed that you have taken my suggestion and pause in your videos to let us hear the bike. This is great and very much appreciated! Strength to Strength!
Man, I loved those 83 plus Viragos. Dump the mufflers and install a set of semi- baffle turnouts to get a nice sound and you had one of the best backroad bikes on earth. Great handling, more than enough power and room to strap a backpack on the back… you could ride all day on country highways and county roads and want to do it again tomorrow. Rarely needed any work, and when it did it was pretty easy. Once they were around for a few years you could buy a used one in great shape and low miles for pretty cheap, run it up to 60k, sell it for what you paid for it and get another one.
I really wanted one for going to college, this was the coolest Japanese bike at that time. I settled on a lightly used Honda CX500. HD motorcycles were not reliable enough to commute with. I wish that I still had my CX500, my dad called it a mini Moto Guzzi.
Great history lesson...again! In 81 I sold my 79 XS650 Special and bought the new Virago. I loved the air mono shock, the engine supporting the pressed frame, and the off-set cylinders to help keep the rear cylinder cooler. I rode coast to coast solo, and a few years later coast to coast with my 'to be' future wife. I slightly customized it with a tombstone tail light, bullet signals, and drags bars. Put 63k on it, it was indeed reliable. It was a unique bike for the time, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
@@GarysnewYT. Exactly! Although I loved my bike, that annoying clatter unnerved me a lot. Drove it and enjoyed it for a few years. Twice tried to repair that problem but couldn’t, so I sold it.
I bought a new " in the crate" 82 750 cc virago in 1987 for $1899 put a few accessories on it and rode it for several years..I even won a trophy with it at the local big Harley show. It was a fun bike and I never had any problems with it.
Not sure I'll ever sell my Virago 1100. Actually considering getting a 535 as well, as a bobberish project. :) And that comfy looking seat, really is comfy! Like an armchair, especially with a pillion as a backrest behind you. XD
The bike that you show at 10:14, is a 1983 XV 920cc Virago with the socom digital dash. I owned that same exact bike and while it wasn't super fast it was very fun to ride, very comfortable, dependable and fuel efficient.
Just picked up a 93 Virago XV1100 in amazing condition from a friend that had it since 2005. I'm slowly cleaning it up, replaced all the rubber lines, front tire. I've put 600 miles on it since I got it running again, and have been loving every minute of it.
I had a coworker with a early 90's Virago 750 and he had 45k miles on the thing back in the late 90's. He rode everywhere. I'm currently bopping around town on a 1978 Yamaha XS400 and I love the thing. Sounds great with it's aftermarket Dunstall Decibel mufflers (actual, original Dunstalls). They eat fiberglass packing but sound great, especially when freshly repacked.
I also have a 1978 xs400. The engine is seized. But it was fun while it was running. I keep saying I'm going to rebuild the engine, but never find the time.
Actually my Virago 920 was cool until my buddy took me for a ride on his Seca 900. I went out and bought a V-45 Interceptor after that, and then an '82 1100 Katana. Sport bikes RULE!
Had a '96 Virago 1100. Really nice bike; smooth and powerful enough. I'm 6'2 and found it a bit cramped but loved it's power and maneuverability. Took my first big trip with 3 friends who were far more experienced riders than I. We completed a 9 day figure 8 ride from Vancouver B.C. to Watson Lake in the Yukon. No problems at all with the bike though my muffler feel off just as we pulled into a parking lot near Vanderhoof (bailing wire fix) and I did get a new rear tire installed in Prince George. Good times. Good friends.
After years of buying and modifying used bikes (especially 2-strokes), got a ride on a new '82 Virago 750 at the time, and had to get one. Loved the engine. And it looked a whole heckuva lot better than the Honda CX-500 of that same year. I liked the look of the Virago and it being relatively quite narrow - at that time in the '80's the manufacturers were laboring hard to make their in-line four cylinder bikes as narrow as possible, but the Virago was naturally narrow without having to exert too much effort to be such, plus having the air box nicely tucked away under the seat so the you weren't banging your knees into it like on a Sportster. Though the later Virago's had a very comfortable LOOKING seat, the '81 and '82 Virago's actually had very comfortable and supportive seats, and was often complimented for being one of the nicest seats around at the time. But like I said, my main fave thing about it was the engine, so I concentrated on then modifying the suspension and brakes - braided stainless steel brake line, fork brace, progressive springs in the front forks (remember, these models had air-adjustable forks, too - quite the novelty at the time, and like you intimated, a sign of a lot of different cooks being in the kitchen at the same time), progressive spring for the rear mono-shock, lower Daytona-style handlebars, and Pirelli tyres that never seemed to care about the rain. Also added loud Fiamm horns and a brighter halogen headlight and a small bikini windshield to keep some of the wind off of my chest on long trips. Also, relatively novel at the time, the shaft-drive on a "cruiser", and the engine being a stressed member of the frame instead of resting in a cradle of tubing. Had mine for over 20 years. Handled very well... I likened it to an over-weight Ducati, for much cheaper and easier to self-service. Also, you might want to note the original XV920 Virago of those beginning years, as that bike looked even less like an effort at being an American-style cruiser, and was aesthetically probably more akin to a European sport-tourer. Thank you for the stroll down memory lane.
Once again, a Slam Dunk Video! Although it wasn't a Virago I was sad to see the Raider go away. I believe it to be the finest cruiser ever built. We are now in the retro era. I love these bikes although most wind up with a silly rear fender.
I had a 1984 XV750 in mat black with apes and the thing was great. I rode it all around Britain and when I met my now wife, I talked her into spending a week riding around the country and staying at campsites. The highlight of this trip was showing her how amazing Glencoe in Scotland is but the lows were the throttle cable snapping in the middle of Glencoe (the middle of nowhere in the Scottish Highlands!) and also not strapping her new sleeping bag securely enough and discovering it had slowly slipped down until it came to a rest on the exhaust pipe! We still have very fond memories of that trip!
I recently bought a Yamaha xs 750 Special and a xv 750 Special, both from '81......They are in 1000 pieces right now, getting glasblasted and rebuild stock. These bikes are getting rare.
I had a 1100 it was beautiful gold and tan/brown medal flake , factory paint. I saw it on a job site, with a for sale sign on it. I jokingly said I'll give you, like 1/3 of the asking price. He turned around and said, ok today deal. I had the bike for a couple of years and eventually sold it for about 3x what I paid for it. Anyone buying new at the dealership is totally nuts.
What you call nuts is actually perfectly smart for those who can afford it and are looking for years of trouble free riding. Everything one buys second hand has risks attached to it. Buying new with at least a 2 year warranty is the only way to minimise those risks. Buying 2nd hand one might get a great bike {or whatever they are buying.} but you have no idea how it has been treated or abused or what has been covered up that may bite you shortly after becoming the owner. I see too many people treat bikes {and cars} in a manner which compared to how I use them might take a year off the life of some of the parts inside due to abuse. I do not want to ever own something treated badly by someone else. But If I can get a sense that the previous owner is a bit like myself I might be happy to take that risk. I had to replace slipping clutch plates on a friends bike at 25,000 klm but with more than 60,000 extra klm {now} on my identical bike the clutch plates were almost like brand new when I checked them. His paint was faded and his rear shock absorbers were faulty. 20 years later the paint is not faded on mine and the original shock absorbers are still perfect. It is all about how well they are serviced and treated.
Seems like they where popular, so many old girls for sale where I live. Planning to maybe buy one when I get my a2 license, to take to a big trip to norway. Seems perfect for it
just got my first bike and its a virago 1993. i keep sliding lower and lower on my seat its so comfortable. i did my driving lessons on a mt07 and its a big leap to ride such a heavy low bike, but it sure is rewarding !
I have a Vulcan (EN 500A), built in '92. It is totally influenced by the virago, and is awesome! It's a great opportunity for new riders, as they can take part in the custom scene without spending 20k on a used 1990 Harley (at least here in Europe) :D
My first bike was an '87 Virago 535: it taught me how to live, laugh, lean! Looked like a cruiser, sat like a standard and had amazing clearance - I loved leaning into corners and I thought all motorcycles had clearance like that. Traded it in for bike #2 and was quickly proven wrong. I miss that bike!
I loved my 86 Virago! Easy to ride, hard to work on. In time, the wire harness started to wear out, and I had to decide to remake it from scratch, or just get another bike. I sold it. But wow. A totally underrated bike!
Hard to work on? The virago is one of the easiest bikes of the era to work on. Super simple. Engine comes out in 20 mins. If your having trouble you might wanna stick to working on bicycles
Wiring harnesses don't wear out. Wiring harnesses get old and people yank on them causing broken wires and stuff like that but that problem is people yanking on wires not a worn out harness. Harnesses have zero moving parts. As long as YOU don't mess the harness up it will never wear out. A nonmoving part can't wear out unless outside forces act on it causing movement. Treat the old harness correct and it won't cause problems. The problem is the worker not the harness and that goes for any bike.
@infesting , I had to grind and bent some of my tools to get them to fit. Getting the carbs back on the engine was a struggle. It might be easy for some. For me, the tight spaces was hard to manage. As for the wiring harness, where the harness flexes as you turn the handle bars the old plastic on the wires would crack as they bent and tugged against the headlight assembly (where everything seemed to come together) and it would short out or the wire would just break. I had a wire in the headlight rub on the chrome inside the headlight until it shorted out on the chrome, leaving me stranded in the mountains of West Virginia far from home. So, whatever that is, that's what I mean by wearing out. Many times shorted wires left me stranded. I figured new wires would fix the problem. Clearly that wasn't the expectation of the designers. The bike was almost 40 years old when this became a major problem. So that might be expected for something roadworthy for so long
@@infestingI would beg to differ, wiring harness can and do rub through just from vibration, also the fact is insulation gets brittle over time and can fall away leaving exposed wires, causing a short
I bought a new green and cream 1987 Virago 700. Great bike, absolutely beautiful with excellent fit and finish. Never a single issue. Was great just cruising around on.
I pulled 86' xv700 out of barn in 2020. 7100 miles. Restored it. Engine is a peach. And shocked how quick. 2k miles since then and parts plentiful. Awesome bike and gold accents awesome!
My 1981 750 Virago was the 149th off the production line in its first year. If I remember right the serial number was many zeros and then 1149. First 1 stands for production year. I rode that bike for 32,000 km and really enjoyed it immensely. Well balanced, lots of power, easy to maintain, but just a bit too low for a tall man like me. My knees were at the top of the tank. I had it for 10 years. I still think it is one of the more beautiful motorcycle creations. My Virago was first bought by my middle brother who found it too low riding for the health of his knees. After I was done with it I sold it to my kid brother. The bike is still in his garage. He moved up to a Road King and the other brother bought a Soft Tail Classic. Both are now sold. The only bike remaining in the garage is that beautiful black and chrome Yamaha.
Back in 1987 I bought an '84 Virago 750, with the wire wheel option. I loved that bike! It was great around the city and pretty nice on longer highway trips. I'd like to find an 1100 version of it now.
I owned two of these XV750 Midnight specials. and put thousands upon thousands of miles on it. I rode it all along the Australian eastern seaboard. They designed them for USER MAINTENANCE. They were good handlers. and comfortable. SUPER SUPER SUPER Reliable bikes. Their only weakness was the starter motor. The shaft drive would lock up and drag to the right under emergency stops..entirely predictablke and an great handler. Real fun long distance bike. I never did get to ride the 1000 or the 1100. A far better vtwin long distance cuiser than the boulavards or Vulcan and stuff that came later. .
In the UK I had an XV750 from 1982 for some years, a great but flawed bike but no bike is perfect. The chassis and engine worked very well but the front brake was less effective than using harsh language, even after upgrades to the master cylinder and changing to steel braided lines. As a cruiser I found it almost perfect back in the day and the rear single shock adjustment actually seemed to work when riding two up. After watching this video I find myself missing that bike. A few years later I was aiming at the 1000 twin shock later model but after my ex missus and I broke up my attention moved elsewhere. Thanks for sharing.
Yamaha has always been on the cutting edge, and I never thought of what you said that fast bikes are just boring, but when you think about it, cruisers have so much more personality. I do agree with you that all types of bikes are cool like the Honda Grom, and I've never seen so many choices as we have now. I personally love the retro look.
I have an Virago 535 and I love it, I from Brazil and my Virago was made in Japan, I don´t know so much about that, but the last owner of this Virago told me that it came from USA, was a limited edition (purple) produced in Japan for USA, and the first owner in my Country imported it, but I don´t know if it is true.
I've owned and loved Yamaha Viragos in 250, 500(ish), 750, and 920 flavours. The "ish" is because the MTO licensed it as a 540. It and the 920 were of the original body/chassis scheme, and really not as comfortable as the later style. The 750 was my all time favourite; - I graduated to the 1100 VStar. Which turned 100K last summer. And the 250? Who doesn't like 90-100 miles/gallon (Imperial)
it is amazing how long the engines last, if taken care of. I have a suzuki gs 450 that I bought in 1986 with 750 miles on it. today the engine is still running on the factory build, with 258,000 miles on the bike. I was told by all the now defunct dealerships that the engine will only last 50,000 miles!!!
Just bought an 85 virago xv700 and I'm loving it. It only has 11,850 original miles on it. It actually has the original tires on it too. (winter project on the tires.) Runs like a champ!
I bought one new in 1981 - and still have it today, enough said really! I also liked the mention of manufacturers producing “Different” motorcycles, 28 years later I bought another different bike that Yamaha produced and that was the MT01. They both share space in my mancave with another Yamaha that didn’t sell well - the XT1200. Three very different bikes so I always have a choice depending on what mood I’m in
I had 3 different Virago's and liked them all, but surprisingly the one I loved best was the 400cc. I had it for a decade as it was the perfect all rounder. Just like a 125 in town when you do not want to take the big one out, but gets to the limit on the motorway and happy all day. Always a 'kind' bike to ride, no nasty habits.
Very very well-spoken, you said everything right on the nose !!! You nailed it, with your tone of voice , speaking about the years and the makes and the competition, no it's not only you, I too agree with you 100,000 % !!! I just gave this guy $1,000 in my hometown he was selling a Yamaha virago, 1100 cc from 1998. Motor spotless, All Chrome, no rust , or Pitted , I'm going to change the handle bars to an 8 in ape Bar , change to seat , to a solo, so the bars are like 78.00 , a solo seat , 68 dollars , Cobra exhaust, like a 138.00 on eBay so all my parts are going to be about $250.!!! I never did A Bobber , but guess what when I pay the guy off next month for the bike, I'm going to do the work I'm going to make that Yamaha 1998 1100 cc into a very cool Bobber , thank you for the video !!!!!!! Fantastic, outstanding !!¡⛓️⚓⛓️
first bike was a 1982 Virago and it had has a life when I got it on it's 32nd year. I just picked up a 2017 Yamaha SCR950 and boy does the power and ride remind me of the virago.
Beautiful job, Bart. Owned an '87 1100 Virago for a decade, only selling it when kids and mortgage came along. Loved the gold, the lines, the handlebars. I look at the Yamaha Bolt, but when I see that single-eye speedometer I just can't pull the trigger and buy it. Pity. Ride a Vulcan S 650 Cafe which is the closest I can get to maintenance free cycling. But I loved my Virago.
When the virago got to the late 80's and started morphing into the V Star & Road Star, it went from 250cc to 1100cc models. And got a full, proper frame. Electric start, electronic ignition but using Mikuni Carbs. The 250 getting the Mikuni 26mm. But two air cleaners, with only one functional? WTF? Ditto for the exhaust. How the hell is it cheaper to have a plenum on the lower (front) muffler to hook the back cylinder into? Now I have to mod the rear connector pipe to go to the top (fake) muffler to make a true twin exhaust for the 249cc V Twin SOHC engine. Good idea to make it a Single OverHead Cam engine! Revs nice and is torquey for an XV250 with 21HP. And that gear whine like a GT Sports Prototype racer. I like that part on my 2018 V Star 250. It's now a Lowrider Custom Cruiser to split hairs. Lowrider due to the 27-inch seat height and being low to the ground for shorter or older riders. Custom because " standard" bikes like this were originally customized to be this way when I was young. With inverted forks, taller, skinnier front tire with that lil hotrod front fender. Lower Harley/bobber style seat. Cruiser due to it's obvious design intent. I love this little bike that looks bigger than it is with the V-Twin engine really filling the bike up visually. And the chrome cam covers that sorta look like the old Panhead Harley's. With some parts changes I'm currently making, it'll look and sound more like a Sportster! These Japanese Cruisers have not exactly fallen by the wayside. But have morphed into something more like Harley Sportsters of the time. But more efficient newer technology. Like SOHC motors, electronic ignition & fuel injection on the bigger models. Unlike Harley still using 70-year-old technology like pushrods and rocker arms on studs.
I just sold my 1998 Virago XV 1100. I bought it new in Milwaukee, and had put only 32,000 miles on it Everything was stock, except I changed out the exhausts with Cobras there were times that riding the Virago was hard because of the terrain, and believe me, if you had rough road, you didnt like it. But for 98% of the time, it was a joy to own and ride. It was super fast, off the line in 5 seconds to get to 60 MPH, and it kept going no matter what The fastest I had it up to was 115 on a long stretch of highway in southern Wisconsin, with no lights or stop signs, no helmets and a blonde on the back All in all it was comfortable to ride once you worked out the intricacies and tuned everything the way you wanted it. My only real complaints was the small gas tank and it could have been about 6 inches longer, and longer controls Accessories were not cheap but you didnt need that many All in all I loved it
My understanding of the "new type" back then wasn't this, but rather the 1 liter muscle bikes of the same era. They looked cruiser-ish but rocked large engines with both torque and great sound.
When I was in the RAF I rode a very practical little CG125 and whenever I parked up in the bike shed by the Airman's mess I'd admire the laid back lines of the Virago that always seemed to be parked up there. One day I saw a cute, petite young woman who worked in the mess approach it all dressed in her gear. The last bike I expected her to step up to was that Virago but she took the machine off its stand and effortlessly swung her tiny form into its low slung saddle!. My jaw was on the floor when she rode off and I admired both the bike and the biker all the more after that!
![[#2024MAMA] G-DRAGON - 무제(Untitled, 2014)+POWER+HOME SWEET HOME+뱅뱅뱅+FANTASTIC BABY | Mnet 241123 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ox29z5Nf1Uk/mqdefault.jpg)
Bought a 1982 virago still in the case at the dealer. Really enjoyed the motorcycle but the seat was a nightmare for my backside. Also living in the state of Oregon where those of us that ride you’re around, the fenders are not nearly adequate for the amount of water we had on our way roadways. And yet today at almost 80 years old, I would love to have my virago back.
Hi Milt! What are you riding at the moment buddy?
A 2009 triumph Bonneville with Sidecar. Have used Russell D long saddles on all my cycles for a long time Show my posterior is very happy.
@@miltcarlton2593 very nice. I’ve seen a similar set up at the Wednesday meeting at the Pathfinder Cafe, (Blackbushe U.K)
Try an SV650. I am on my second one - Just finished 15 years on a GSX R600 so I totally get being bored with speed and power. The 1000 CC bikes are even more ridiculous. I owned an SV before the Gixxer and said to self I wanna go back to simpler and more functional. Now the SV is no slouch. Few 4 wheelers can keep up with it from standing stop and top speed is 130MPH! I call it "well mannered". Its a joy to ride around town which is by far what I do the most. PS - I am 73 and have no problem handling the bike at all. They also handle and turn great. There are a few nits like poor protection from the elements. In the rain you will need a full rain suite. Braking is fine but I am looking forward to upgrading the pads to EBC HH. All items for routine maintenance are easily accessible. Changing oil on a damn Gixxer is a nightmare - You have to remove one side of the fairings. People are already talking it up as one of the best MCs Suzuki ever made and I expect that to hold true. Many people have logged over 100,000 miles on them without a major engine issue. Everyone describes the engine as bullet proof. However albeit the bike will easily do it do not attempt to wheelie the bike. Its also inexpensive. Now some interesting comparisons are made to the MT-07 - several videos right here on TH-cam and usually the SV is preferred. Think about it. This is the perfect mount for us old guys 🚴
@Greg Davis That’s very pleasing to know Greg, very best wishes from Henley on Thames U.K. 🇬🇧
I'm almost 20 and I bloody love my 92 virago 1100. It just feels great
The Virago was my driving school training motorcycle 1993. I remember the front wheel wobbled at 120 kmh, roughly 75mph ( here in Germany allowed) and the side pedals would touch the ground by not so acute turning angles. Although I ride a 1250 GS, the Virago will always have a fond place in my motorcycle heart and memory.
I bought the '82 Virago 750, new when in my mid twenties. I had fun with it, and it didn't try to kill me.
I just can't get over how great these bart videos are. They are so enjoyable and so well researched and so well thought out. Also, the delivery is perfect. Sometimes I even watch them more that once just because they seem so entertaining to me.
i am glad to know im not the only one that rewatches videos just because its relaxing.
Ive owned 2 viragos and driven 3... my 95 1100 has been my favorite street bike so far. I drove it 18,000 miles in 10 months and I got out of some bad near death moments and the bike always stayed connected with the road. It was super forgiving and fast enough to be fun. I even did a pretty high speed jump with it and it stayed stable through the landing... Great bikes
Ha myvirago
Twenty five years still the best
The Virago 1990 1100 was my favorite bike I have ever owned and driven; wish I still had it. I very much enjoyed this video, thank you. 😎
The Virgao is still is a better Harley than most Harleys in the same category and year.
Everything is better than a Harley.
Never owned a Virago, but always thought they were very unique. Road Star 1700 owner, with 85k done. Yamahammer makes very reliable bikes.
My old tdm was epic reliable. Yamahas may be more reliable than hondas of course they dont shift quite as precisely but epic bikes.
I’ve owned nothing but Yammies. Most reliable and gorgeous bikes on the road.
I had a '90 Virago 535 for some years. Absolutely loved it! The only downside from my point of view was its limited range due to its small tanks thirst.
I had an '87. Wonderful bike. I would love to own one again. Especially if it was EFI. I know they still make the 250, but that 535 was the perfect bike for a 5'6 guy. I had a National Cycle windscreen on mine. As you wrote, mine consistently hit 88 miles when I had to switch to reserve and find a gas station.
I owned a 95' 750 Virago in the blue and black livery. I loved that bike. I know looks are subjective but to me, It had the most beautiful lines, especially the motor completely unobstructed hanging off the front as a stress member gave it such a bold look. I've had many bikes since then, my present daily rider is a Z900RS, but I'll never forget my Virago!
Im buying a 95´ virago next week. I’m incredibly excited, planning on taking that beauty all over Australia.
My uncle Arthur retired in 1983. He had always wanted a Harley. I got excited about the prospect of him showing up on his HD.
When he turned up on a Virago, he sensed my disappointment. He explained that Harley had a crazy long lead time and the Virago was instantly available and was a fraction of the price.
Wind the clock on 15 or so years, and Arthur died.
I was offered the Virago for pennies. I didn't consider it worth my while taking the 150 mile round trip to go and collect it, so I declined.
This was in Britain.
Got a 95 750 with the teal and black. 95s are the best lookin 👌
I have a 97 Virago 750. Ride it pretty much every day. There is north of 37K miles on it now. It's a good size for my needs. And I get compliments on it just about every time I stop, It is the best bike I ever owned/rode. It's smooth and responsive, Liked your video. Lot of good points - good and bad.
People average 80 mph on the highway near me. Will the 750 handle that or is that all the beans. Love the looks and seriously considering one but not sure what size. Thanks
I had an '82 XV 750 in New Zealand back in the late 80''s, I was doing MX and enduro, and went 'road bike' , man that thing was soo smooth. I have to disagree about the styling , Bart, the early models had such graceful lines, that's my take and was never interested in the new look with all the glitz. they were a great package, and yes they could hustle!, great to see some background on these bikes , thanks .
My father had a 1983 Heritage Special Yamaha. He took me all over when I was a kid. Great memories. Burgundy.
Currently working on a 95 virago 535 as my first ever motorcycle and I’m already in love with it
Hay Bart, I still have my 82' XV750 Special (Virago), I had bought it in 1991, been through ups and down, difficult, but still trying to maintain it. 'Bad tempered woman' yes it's perfect analogy for 1st gen Virago. Though it's imperfect and vintage now, but still special to me. Unfortunately we didn't have internet in those days to learn and maintain this bike, Now I am always on lookout for Virago videos on youtube and since I have learn a lot about it. Thank you.
I worked in a yamaha shop in 1983 and put those viragos together from the crate and they kicked ass. Loved them. Left overs were sitting stagnant in Jersey warehouses.
I saw one of these parked on the street and it really caught my eye. Now I know way more than I ever thought I would. Thank you for the video!
Hey Bart!! It was great to see some of my Virago restoration footage in this video - I wish you had used more! I owned many sport bikes in the '80s and remember the impact the later Viragos had on the market, especially the pain and grief it caused Harley-Davidson. Although the styling changes were not accepted by everyone, you are absolutely right when you said it created a cult following. The carbs pull air through the frame, it's shaft driven and has some fascinating characteristics when it comes to engine noise. Couple that to having 100% of engine torque delivered at 3000 rpm and you have something that puts a smile on anyone's face when you roll on the throttle. I would have to say that it's probably one of the few motorcycles that goes uphill just as fast as it goes downhill. Thanks for great content and feel free to use any of my videos in the future. I just picked up another restoration project: 1987 FZR1000 and have begun the inspection & disassembly process of that one.
My 94 Virago 750 is a beautifully balanced bike at any speed. Looks great, almost bullet proof and can lay them into corners far more than you think with confidence. Hidden gems.
Bought an '81 on the way home from work for $400. Spent the next 7 years and 30K riding that old girl all over including a few multi-day trips. Crash bars and highway pegs gave plenty of foot options, cool days I would ride with my feet on the engine cases to keep warm.. Was ratty as hell in a cool way. Dents, rust, zip ties but kept rolling. When you went for a ride you would smell like that bike the rest of the day. When she retired I had about $1000 into all that fun and most of it was tires and luggage. Ugly, slow, leaked oil, quirky, and so far my favorite bike.
I rode a Yamaha Virago in the eighties. I liked Harleys but I did'nt like their pricetag and their maintenance so I bought a Virago XV750 and it gave me a cruiser style ride, comfortable for a decent price and almost no maintenance at all, I loved this bike.
The Virago family had 250/535/750/1.100cc. models here in Brazil. I rided 100.000 km on a 535 and was a great bike! Really good with cardan transmission and beautiful lines!
there was a 125 Virago
Im 65 and now on my ninth Virago. Have been riding them for close to 30 years now. Had all the bigger ones from the ‘82 750 up the ‘99 1100. Currently riding a ‘95 red and white XV1100 Virago complete with Mustang seat, forward controls, all LED lighting, and Mac exhaust.
Always loved these bikes.
Royal Enfield got that feeling right and is now making simple bikes that are fun to ride. Not particularly notable on any spec, but fun and simple to ride in a world where bikes have gotten way too complex to give that relaxed vibe, which for me is the best feeling when riding a bike. After a couple of decades riding bigger bikes, I recently bought a Himalayan that always put a smile on my face, reminding me of my late Yamaha XT 600.
💯
And somebody is making a Royal Enfield V Twin by starting with a Royal Enfield Bullet and then using his own engine castings to have two Royal Enfield barrels with an exhaust system routed like a Vincent. It is called the "Musket V Twin" and is very retro looking. He was even on Jay Leno's garage and it can be seen on TH-cam here: th-cam.com/video/hYzuqAX2A3A/w-d-xo.html
as a 20 something Yamaha Bolt owner, DAMN I didnt know the majority of viewers were 65+ but hey love this video as it paved the way for my beloved Bolt :)
Yamaha's promotional material from the 80's was great too, snowmoblie ad copy as well. Cutaway and exploded view illustrations of all their tech bits had me staring at it, studying it, memorizing every detail. At 50, it takes me right back to my teenage years.
Ford Motor Co. also contracted with Yamaha to produce the performance engine for the super high output or SHO variant of the Ford flagship sedan , the Taurus.
I bought a Virago as my fist bike, didn't know anything about it so I had to go research after purchasing. Found out some of the very same details you mentioned here, and I got all excited having this old bike with many firsts.
I never did get it to start and stay running, though. I even had the carb rebuilt and a new starter installed. Still, no dice. In the end, I sold it. Now I'm on a Bolt, and I still hope to own a Virago down the line.
Thanks for this bit of history.
Bought a Harley for my first bike...p.o.s. still don't run! But my xvs1100 runs like a champ
@Cj-yw8cs you know, before I got the Bolt, I purchased a XVS1100. I don't think carburetors want to work with me. 😌 That bike's carbs started acting up the day I bought it. The dealership ordered a part and installed it, too. The bike died o the way home.after I got it back from the shop. It won't even start up. In the end, they gave me the Bolt as a loaner for the weekend while they troubleshoot the XVS1100. When I went to return the Bolt, my mind was made up. I'm taking the Bolt over that carburetor XVS1100.
I would like to own another VStar, though, an 1100 without the carbs if possible. That bike was fun to ride
@@Bandiccoot sounds like ya have bad luck. I do all my own work, my shit runs
My 94 Virago 750 is just great all round. They are balanced to perfection. Can see them becoming highly sought out in years to come. And they look pretty cool as well.
I had Virago XV500 as my first bike. It was very comfortable to ride, light and easy to handle. But it was also pretty slow and very silent engine voice that only sounded cool with almost full throttle. I sold it to my dad few years ago and it still looks better than my Suzuki VX800 and is far more reliable :D
My Virago 500 XV ! Reliable, easy to handle, comfortable! I had to sell her for lack of money...😢 I miss her!
When I had seen the Virago at the dealership, I shook my head. Left with a XS1100, great bike.
I had the TR1 version. This was the 1000cc Euro styled bike. Never sold well, but I liked it and kept it for over twenty years.
The xv1000 TR1 was my first bike. I bought it used in 1990. It was a -81. Wonderful engine but my driving style, back then, was more sporty than what the Yamaha could deliver.
Your comments on the 1st Gen Virago perfectly describe what I felt the first time I rode one.
I told my buddy, “This bike is a cruiser but handles like a sport bike”
That rear monoshock suspension and low swung engine lets my 82 Virago XV750 dip low in turns, be responsive in maneuvers, adjustable for riding environments/roads.
It’s amazing to see what it developed into and if mine is 40+ years old and still running, I imagine many more are still out there ready to take on more miles!
I am a new rider, only about 3 months. My first bike was a 2016 Honda Rebel 250- superb beginner bike. I found and just purchased a 1997 Yamaha Virago 535. I sold my 2016 Honda Rebel 250 for $3,100 and purchased the 97' Virago for $1500. What solidified the deal?The moment I test rode the bike, I was in awe of it's shifting, handling, and smoothness. The overall feel of the bike was gentle and weightless. And the shocks are like butter! It felt like riding on a cloud compared to my Rebel. I got a good deal on this bike and couldn't be happier with my purchase. All I had to fix was a leaking petcock which wasn't too difficult (you don't have to remove the sub-tank!). It's an older bike but classics never die! 😎👍🏼
Had the 920 and loved the shaft drive. Starter made a weird sound when cranking it over but the ride was so much nicer then my friends sportster. That had such a stiff ride. The 920 had much softer ride. Wish I still had it, often check Craig’s list to see if any one had one with very low miles, like new condition to bring back old memories.
Towards the end of the excellent video, you wondered about an “appetite for different kinds of motorcycles”.
It’s for that reason that my next bike will be a Triumph Rocket 3R, the aesthetics, ride and engine are a little different.
There’s no real reason for it’s existence other than fun, and I guess that’s enough reason for me…
I really enjoy your work, good job 👍👍👍
Kinda like Buell in its day. Different pretty much only for the sake of being different
I had a 1982 XV920RH, which was a sport tourer built for the european market using the Virago frame and running gear with the engine bored out to 920cc, and a huge headlight added. Didn't go over well in the N. American market, and was discontinued after two years. Awesome bike; sounded like a Harley when you fired it up. Tons of low end grunt, but ran out of juice at the high end of the powerband. Still, probably the most fun bike I've owned. I had a cop on a Harley talk himself out of giving me a ticket once, because he liked the bike so much, and had never seen one before.
Funny enough, the European XV 1000 or TR1 as it was called was at 981 cc. Didn’t get the big numbers in sales, but the Virago 1000 with the same engine and with a shaftdrive was a huge hit. It continued as the Virago 1100.
I acrually spotted a TR1 yesterday, so some is still around.
I have an 82 and an 83 xv920,my 83 has only 8,270 miles
I owned one. Narrow, slow and stable. A handsome, pleasant all around motorcycle.
Hey Mr Bart. I’ve noticed that you have taken my suggestion and pause in your videos to let us hear the bike. This is great and very much appreciated! Strength to Strength!
My uncle bought an xv750 in 81 here in Australia. I still have it & never intend to sell it!
Man, I loved those 83 plus Viragos. Dump the mufflers and install a set of semi- baffle turnouts to get a nice sound and you had one of the best backroad bikes on earth. Great handling, more than enough power and room to strap a backpack on the back… you could ride all day on country highways and county roads and want to do it again tomorrow. Rarely needed any work, and when it did it was pretty easy. Once they were around for a few years you could buy a used one in great shape and low miles for pretty cheap, run it up to 60k, sell it for what you paid for it and get another one.
Interesting video as always. I love those '83-'84 Viragos!
I still own and ride a '96 Virago 1100. Still a smooth ride.
I really wanted one for going to college, this was the coolest Japanese bike at that time. I settled on a lightly used Honda CX500. HD motorcycles were not reliable enough to commute with. I wish that I still had my CX500, my dad called it a mini Moto Guzzi.
Yeah, you couldn't commute on a "Harley" back then. STFU
Some australian named steve i think cafe'd a cx500. Better looking than a goose in my humble. cool bikes.
Great history lesson...again! In 81 I sold my 79 XS650 Special and bought the new Virago. I loved the air mono shock, the engine supporting the pressed frame, and the off-set cylinders to help keep the rear cylinder cooler. I rode coast to coast solo, and a few years later coast to coast with my 'to be' future wife. I slightly customized it with a tombstone tail light, bullet signals, and drags bars. Put 63k on it, it was indeed reliable. It was a unique bike for the time, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
love your work. you can tell how much enthusiasm you have for the subject. always makes my day watching a new video you put out.
My first bike (in 1989) was an '83 Virago 750. Not one bad thing to say about that bike.
What about the starter gear system , did it grid ? Did you somehow fix it ?
@@GarysnewYT. Exactly! Although I loved my bike, that annoying clatter unnerved me a lot. Drove it and enjoyed it for a few years. Twice tried to repair that problem but couldn’t, so I sold it.
I bought a new " in the crate" 82 750 cc virago in 1987 for $1899 put a few accessories on it and rode it for several years..I even won a trophy with it at the local big Harley show. It was a fun bike and I never had any problems with it.
Not sure I'll ever sell my Virago 1100. Actually considering getting a 535 as well, as a bobberish project. :)
And that comfy looking seat, really is comfy! Like an armchair, especially with a pillion as a backrest behind you. XD
The bike that you show at 10:14, is a 1983 XV 920cc Virago with the socom digital dash. I owned that same exact bike and while it wasn't super fast it was very fun to ride, very comfortable, dependable and fuel efficient.
My first motorcycle was a Virago 250. It did it's job. And I'll add that I bought this as my first bike just a few months before I turned 62!
Just picked up a 93 Virago XV1100 in amazing condition from a friend that had it since 2005. I'm slowly cleaning it up, replaced all the rubber lines, front tire. I've put 600 miles on it since I got it running again, and have been loving every minute of it.
I have two XV110's (1987 / 1994) - one in each country where I live / travel. Love them both.
I had a coworker with a early 90's Virago 750 and he had 45k miles on the thing back in the late 90's. He rode everywhere. I'm currently bopping around town on a 1978 Yamaha XS400 and I love the thing. Sounds great with it's aftermarket Dunstall Decibel mufflers (actual, original Dunstalls). They eat fiberglass packing but sound great, especially when freshly repacked.
I also have a 1978 xs400. The engine is seized. But it was fun while it was running. I keep saying I'm going to rebuild the engine, but never find the time.
I owned an '82 920 Virago. It was fun.
Actually my Virago 920 was cool until my buddy took me for a ride on his Seca 900. I went out and bought a V-45 Interceptor after that, and then an '82 1100 Katana. Sport bikes RULE!
@@Latarian_HoodRat82 katana is one of my dream bikes. Lucky guy!
Always a great day when Bart uploads some history!!
You are so right !!!! It's, to me, like a college level education on what, why, when and where motorcycles exist !!!! 🙂
EL BARTO LOKO 😅
Had a '96 Virago 1100. Really nice bike; smooth and powerful enough. I'm 6'2 and found it a bit cramped but loved it's power and maneuverability. Took my first big trip with 3 friends who were far more experienced riders than I. We completed a 9 day figure 8 ride from Vancouver B.C. to Watson Lake in the Yukon. No problems at all with the bike though my muffler feel off just as we pulled into a parking lot near Vanderhoof (bailing wire fix) and I did get a new rear tire installed in Prince George. Good times. Good friends.
Love the Virago
After years of buying and modifying used bikes (especially 2-strokes), got a ride on a new '82 Virago 750 at the time, and had to get one. Loved the engine. And it looked a whole heckuva lot better than the Honda CX-500 of that same year. I liked the look of the Virago and it being relatively quite narrow - at that time in the '80's the manufacturers were laboring hard to make their in-line four cylinder bikes as narrow as possible, but the Virago was naturally narrow without having to exert too much effort to be such, plus having the air box nicely tucked away under the seat so the you weren't banging your knees into it like on a Sportster. Though the later Virago's had a very comfortable LOOKING seat, the '81 and '82 Virago's actually had very comfortable and supportive seats, and was often complimented for being one of the nicest seats around at the time. But like I said, my main fave thing about it was the engine, so I concentrated on then modifying the suspension and brakes - braided stainless steel brake line, fork brace, progressive springs in the front forks (remember, these models had air-adjustable forks, too - quite the novelty at the time, and like you intimated, a sign of a lot of different cooks being in the kitchen at the same time), progressive spring for the rear mono-shock, lower Daytona-style handlebars, and Pirelli tyres that never seemed to care about the rain. Also added loud Fiamm horns and a brighter halogen headlight and a small bikini windshield to keep some of the wind off of my chest on long trips. Also, relatively novel at the time, the shaft-drive on a "cruiser", and the engine being a stressed member of the frame instead of resting in a cradle of tubing. Had mine for over 20 years. Handled very well... I likened it to an over-weight Ducati, for much cheaper and easier to self-service. Also, you might want to note the original XV920 Virago of those beginning years, as that bike looked even less like an effort at being an American-style cruiser, and was aesthetically probably more akin to a European sport-tourer. Thank you for the stroll down memory lane.
Once again, a Slam Dunk Video! Although it wasn't a Virago I was sad to see the Raider go away. I believe it to be the finest cruiser ever built. We are now in the retro era. I love these bikes although most wind up with a silly rear fender.
I had a 1984 XV750 in mat black with apes and the thing was great. I rode it all around Britain and when I met my now wife, I talked her into spending a week riding around the country and staying at campsites. The highlight of this trip was showing her how amazing Glencoe in Scotland is but the lows were the throttle cable snapping in the middle of Glencoe (the middle of nowhere in the Scottish Highlands!) and also not strapping her new sleeping bag securely enough and discovering it had slowly slipped down until it came to a rest on the exhaust pipe!
We still have very fond memories of that trip!
I recently bought a Yamaha xs 750 Special and a xv 750 Special, both from '81......They are in 1000 pieces right now, getting glasblasted and rebuild stock. These bikes are getting rare.
I had a 1100 it was beautiful gold and tan/brown medal flake , factory paint. I saw it on a job site, with a for sale sign on it. I jokingly said I'll give you, like 1/3 of the asking price. He turned around and said, ok today deal. I had the bike for a couple of years and eventually sold it for about 3x what I paid for it. Anyone buying new at the dealership is totally nuts.
What did you actually sell it for?
Be thankful for those "nuts", or you wouldn't have any used bikes to buy.
@@Dave-sw2dm well said. people buy new so us people can buy used
What you call nuts is actually perfectly smart for those who can afford it and are looking for years of trouble free riding. Everything one buys second hand has risks attached to it. Buying new with at least a 2 year warranty is the only way to minimise those risks. Buying 2nd hand one might get a great bike {or whatever they are buying.} but you have no idea how it has been treated or abused or what has been covered up that may bite you shortly after becoming the owner. I see too many people treat bikes {and cars} in a manner which compared to how I use them might take a year off the life of some of the parts inside due to abuse. I do not want to ever own something treated badly by someone else. But If I can get a sense that the previous owner is a bit like myself I might be happy to take that risk. I had to replace slipping clutch plates on a friends bike at 25,000 klm but with more than 60,000 extra klm {now} on my identical bike the clutch plates were almost like brand new when I checked them. His paint was faded and his rear shock absorbers were faulty. 20 years later the paint is not faded on mine and the original shock absorbers are still perfect. It is all about how well they are serviced and treated.
@@kassiedreaneai7459 Could you repeat that please. It was deleted by someone with a 🧠 brain.
Seems like they where popular, so many old girls for sale where I live. Planning to maybe buy one when I get my a2 license, to take to a big trip to norway. Seems perfect for it
just got my first bike and its a virago 1993.
i keep sliding lower and lower on my seat its so comfortable.
i did my driving lessons on a mt07 and its a big leap to ride such a heavy low bike, but it sure is rewarding !
Royal Enfield got it right with the 650 twins, I have an Interceptor and it's just an awesome motorcycle!
I have a Vulcan (EN 500A), built in '92. It is totally influenced by the virago, and is awesome! It's a great opportunity for new riders, as they can take part in the custom scene without spending 20k on a used 1990 Harley (at least here in Europe)
:D
I've got a 1999 Virago 1100, great bike and super reliable. I had a 1986 Virago 750 and was a good bike but the 1100 is way faster and fun to ride.
21:22 is a pic of my 85 eliminator! Sic bike! 😮
My first bike was an '87 Virago 535: it taught me how to live, laugh, lean! Looked like a cruiser, sat like a standard and had amazing clearance - I loved leaning into corners and I thought all motorcycles had clearance like that. Traded it in for bike #2 and was quickly proven wrong. I miss that bike!
I loved my 86 Virago! Easy to ride, hard to work on. In time, the wire harness started to wear out, and I had to decide to remake it from scratch, or just get another bike. I sold it. But wow. A totally underrated bike!
Hard to work on? The virago is one of the easiest bikes of the era to work on. Super simple. Engine comes out in 20 mins. If your having trouble you might wanna stick to working on bicycles
Wiring harnesses don't wear out. Wiring harnesses get old and people yank on them causing broken wires and stuff like that but that problem is people yanking on wires not a worn out harness. Harnesses have zero moving parts. As long as YOU don't mess the harness up it will never wear out. A nonmoving part can't wear out unless outside forces act on it causing movement. Treat the old harness correct and it won't cause problems. The problem is the worker not the harness and that goes for any bike.
@infesting , I had to grind and bent some of my tools to get them to fit. Getting the carbs back on the engine was a struggle. It might be easy for some. For me, the tight spaces was hard to manage. As for the wiring harness, where the harness flexes as you turn the handle bars the old plastic on the wires would crack as they bent and tugged against the headlight assembly (where everything seemed to come together) and it would short out or the wire would just break. I had a wire in the headlight rub on the chrome inside the headlight until it shorted out on the chrome, leaving me stranded in the mountains of West Virginia far from home. So, whatever that is, that's what I mean by wearing out. Many times shorted wires left me stranded. I figured new wires would fix the problem. Clearly that wasn't the expectation of the designers. The bike was almost 40 years old when this became a major problem. So that might be expected for something roadworthy for so long
@@infestingI would beg to differ, wiring harness can and do rub through just from vibration, also the fact is insulation gets brittle over time and can fall away leaving exposed wires, causing a short
What a great video. Great video-clips! Thanks for all the research and time you put in to this.
I bought a new green and cream 1987 Virago 700. Great bike, absolutely beautiful with excellent fit and finish. Never a single issue. Was great just cruising around on.
I pulled 86' xv700 out of barn in 2020. 7100 miles. Restored it. Engine is a peach. And shocked how quick. 2k miles since then and parts plentiful. Awesome bike and gold accents awesome!
My 1981 750 Virago was the 149th off the production line in its first year. If I remember right the serial number was many zeros and then 1149. First 1 stands for production year. I rode that bike for 32,000 km and really enjoyed it immensely. Well balanced, lots of power, easy to maintain, but just a bit too low for a tall man like me. My knees were at the top of the tank. I had it for 10 years. I still think it is one of the more beautiful motorcycle creations. My Virago was first bought by my middle brother who found it too low riding for the health of his knees. After I was done with it I sold it to my kid brother. The bike is still in his garage. He moved up to a Road King and the other brother bought a Soft Tail Classic. Both are now sold. The only bike remaining in the garage is that beautiful black and chrome Yamaha.
I had a first model 920. Rode from Louisiana to California and back with my wife in 1986. Dependable bike!
Picked up a 1994 535 2 weeks ago, it's nice to have a quick touring style bike and then a laid back take in the sights and view bike
Thank you for the recognition, I been riding 30 years and I just got a 150cc scooter. It's so fun 😂
Back in 1987 I bought an '84 Virago 750, with the wire wheel option. I loved that bike! It was great around the city and pretty nice on longer highway trips. I'd like to find an 1100 version of it now.
I owned two of these XV750 Midnight specials. and put thousands upon thousands of miles on it. I rode it all along the Australian eastern seaboard. They designed them for USER MAINTENANCE. They were good handlers. and comfortable. SUPER SUPER SUPER Reliable bikes. Their only weakness was the starter motor. The shaft drive would lock up and drag to the right under emergency stops..entirely predictablke and an great handler. Real fun long distance bike. I never did get to ride the 1000 or the 1100. A far better vtwin long distance cuiser than the boulavards or Vulcan and stuff that came later.
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In the UK I had an XV750 from 1982 for some years, a great but flawed bike but no bike is perfect. The chassis and engine worked very well but the front brake was less effective than using harsh language, even after upgrades to the master cylinder and changing to steel braided lines. As a cruiser I found it almost perfect back in the day and the rear single shock adjustment actually seemed to work when riding two up. After watching this video I find myself missing that bike. A few years later I was aiming at the 1000 twin shock later model but after my ex missus and I broke up my attention moved elsewhere. Thanks for sharing.
Yamaha has always been on the cutting edge, and I never thought of what you said that fast bikes are just boring, but when you think about it, cruisers have so much more personality. I do agree with you that all types of bikes are cool like the Honda Grom, and I've never seen so many choices as we have now. I personally love the retro look.
I have an Virago 535 and I love it, I from Brazil and my Virago was made in Japan, I don´t know so much about that, but the last owner of this Virago told me that it came from USA, was a limited edition (purple) produced in Japan for USA, and the first owner in my Country imported it, but I don´t know if it is true.
Love your videos! Please do keep making more
They are all really good! His voice is great too!
I've owned and loved Yamaha Viragos in 250, 500(ish), 750, and 920 flavours. The "ish" is because the MTO licensed it as a 540. It and the 920 were of the original body/chassis scheme, and really not as comfortable as the later style. The 750 was my all time favourite; - I graduated to the 1100 VStar. Which turned 100K last summer.
And the 250? Who doesn't like 90-100 miles/gallon (Imperial)
it is amazing how long the engines last, if taken care of. I have a suzuki gs 450 that I bought in 1986 with 750 miles on it. today the engine is still running on the factory build, with 258,000 miles on the bike. I was told by all the now defunct dealerships that the engine will only last 50,000 miles!!!
Just bought an 85 virago xv700 and I'm loving it. It only has 11,850 original miles on it. It actually has the original tires on it too. (winter project on the tires.) Runs like a champ!
I bought one new in 1981 - and still have it today, enough said really!
I also liked the mention of manufacturers producing “Different” motorcycles, 28 years later I bought another different bike that Yamaha produced and that was the MT01. They both share space in my mancave with another Yamaha that didn’t sell well - the XT1200. Three very different bikes so I always have a choice depending on what mood I’m in
The Virago was the bike that the driving school has when I went to get my big bike license..
I had 3 different Virago's and liked them all, but surprisingly the one I loved best was the 400cc. I had it for a decade as it was the perfect all rounder.
Just like a 125 in town when you do not want to take the big one out, but gets to the limit on the motorway and happy all day. Always a 'kind' bike to ride, no nasty habits.
I have always dubbed bikes like the Virago as a "Sport Cruiser", cruiser styling, sport handling and speed(sometimes).
Very very well-spoken, you said everything right on the nose !!! You nailed it, with your tone of voice , speaking about the years and the makes and the competition, no it's not only you, I too agree with you 100,000 % !!! I just gave this guy $1,000 in my hometown he was selling a Yamaha virago, 1100 cc from 1998. Motor spotless, All Chrome, no rust , or Pitted , I'm going to change the handle bars to an 8 in ape Bar , change to seat , to a solo, so the bars are like 78.00 , a solo seat , 68 dollars , Cobra exhaust, like a 138.00 on eBay so all my parts are going to be about $250.!!! I never did A Bobber , but guess what when I pay the guy off next month for the bike, I'm going to do the work I'm going to make that Yamaha 1998 1100 cc into a very cool Bobber , thank you for the video !!!!!!! Fantastic, outstanding !!¡⛓️⚓⛓️
first bike was a 1982 Virago and it had has a life when I got it on it's 32nd year. I just picked up a 2017 Yamaha SCR950 and boy does the power and ride remind me of the virago.
Beautiful job, Bart. Owned an '87 1100 Virago for a decade, only selling it when kids and mortgage came along. Loved the gold, the lines, the handlebars. I look at the Yamaha Bolt, but when I see that single-eye speedometer I just can't pull the trigger and buy it. Pity. Ride a Vulcan S 650 Cafe which is the closest I can get to maintenance free cycling. But I loved my Virago.
When the virago got to the late 80's and started morphing into the V Star & Road Star, it went from 250cc to 1100cc models. And got a full, proper frame. Electric start, electronic ignition but using Mikuni Carbs. The 250 getting the Mikuni 26mm. But two air cleaners, with only one functional? WTF? Ditto for the exhaust. How the hell is it cheaper to have a plenum on the lower (front) muffler to hook the back cylinder into? Now I have to mod the rear connector pipe to go to the top (fake) muffler to make a true twin exhaust for the 249cc V Twin SOHC engine. Good idea to make it a Single OverHead Cam engine! Revs nice and is torquey for an XV250 with 21HP. And that gear whine like a GT Sports Prototype racer. I like that part on my 2018 V Star 250. It's now a Lowrider Custom Cruiser to split hairs. Lowrider due to the 27-inch seat height and being low to the ground for shorter or older riders. Custom because " standard" bikes like this were originally customized to be this way when I was young. With inverted forks, taller, skinnier front tire with that lil hotrod front fender. Lower Harley/bobber style seat. Cruiser due to it's obvious design intent. I love this little bike that looks bigger than it is with the V-Twin engine really filling the bike up visually. And the chrome cam covers that sorta look like the old Panhead Harley's. With some parts changes I'm currently making, it'll look and sound more like a Sportster! These Japanese Cruisers have not exactly fallen by the wayside. But have morphed into something more like Harley Sportsters of the time. But more efficient newer technology. Like SOHC motors, electronic ignition & fuel injection on the bigger models. Unlike Harley still using 70-year-old technology like pushrods and rocker arms on studs.
I remember when the Virago came out. I was into the Honda's but saw this and it stood out in a good way.
I just sold my 1998 Virago XV 1100.
I bought it new in Milwaukee, and had put only 32,000 miles on it
Everything was stock, except I changed out the exhausts with Cobras
there were times that riding the Virago was hard because of the terrain, and believe me, if you had rough road, you didnt like it.
But for 98% of the time, it was a joy to own and ride. It was super fast, off the line in 5 seconds to get to 60 MPH, and it kept going no matter what
The fastest I had it up to was 115 on a long stretch of highway in southern Wisconsin, with no lights or stop signs, no helmets and a blonde on the back
All in all it was comfortable to ride once you worked out the intricacies and tuned everything the way you wanted it.
My only real complaints was the small gas tank and it could have been about 6 inches longer, and longer controls
Accessories were not cheap but you didnt need that many
All in all I loved it
I had an’85 virago 1000 back in the late 80’s loved that bike, I’d love to have it back!
My understanding of the "new type" back then wasn't this, but rather the 1 liter muscle bikes of the same era. They looked cruiser-ish but rocked large engines with both torque and great sound.
When I was in the RAF I rode a very practical little CG125 and whenever I parked up in the bike shed by the Airman's mess I'd admire the laid back lines of the Virago that always seemed to be parked up there. One day I saw a cute, petite young woman who worked in the mess approach it all dressed in her gear. The last bike I expected her to step up to was that Virago but she took the machine off its stand and effortlessly swung her tiny form into its low slung saddle!. My jaw was on the floor when she rode off and I admired both the bike and the biker all the more after that!
Very nicely composed and presented, thank you !