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Message started by Steve H on 09/04/13 at 14:40:11

Title: Virago 700
Post by Steve H on 09/04/13 at 14:40:11

Ok, guys, I'm probably gonna pull the trigger on an '85 Virago 700 in a couple days. Waiting on the person who has it and my schedules to come together before I can look at it. The pictures look good. Needs carbs cleaned. They tell me it runs great other than that. It's been sitting for about 3 months. Don't know the mileage.

I've read that they very reliable and will easily do 100k miles.

Given that it appears to be in quite good condition and what I will be paying, I could clean carbs and get it running good and sell for more than I will have in it easily.

Any thoughts or ideas on these bikes?

Title: Re: Virago 700
Post by runwyrlph on 09/04/13 at 16:34:42

my uncle in law has a virago 700, about that age don't know too much about the bike, but i know he likes it

Title: Re: Virago 700
Post by Steve H on 09/04/13 at 17:38:23

I dunno if I'll keep it or just fix it and flip it and make a little money.

It is just a little older than my savage. It's about 150 lbs heavier and from what I've read, usually gets about 45 mpg. It looks to be in really good condition in the pictures. I'll know a lot more when I actually get to see it in person.

They say the seat's good for an all day ride and it'll hang with the superslab easily.

Title: Re: Virago 700
Post by WD on 09/04/13 at 19:22:10

Be ready for starter problems, the 250 and 535 Virago variants are great, the 700-1100 had issues. Starters, ignition boxes, some of them had XS style lighting coils...

The Virago is a love it or hate it bike, even more than the Savage. We wouldn't even take them at the shop with a junkyard attached, just too many issues in the 750 and 920 variants to bother with any of them. They can make stunning customs or touring bikes, they can make great around town general purpose bikes.

Hope you luck into a good one, because a good Virago is the best Black Shadow that Vincent never made. Off set cylinders, stressed engine, unconventional shock to swingarm angle... and a much more reliable electrical system as a whole.

Title: Re: Virago 700
Post by WD on 09/04/13 at 19:25:31

Here is some inspirational material on Viragoes....

http://www.bing.com/images/results.aspx?q=VIRAGO+CAFE&form=MSNH14&sc=0-1&sp=-1&qs=n&sk=&pq=virago+cafe&id=7090607C7669DD5F90A0040260CD28F59661298B&selectedIndex=27#view=detail&id=7090607C7669DD5F90A0040260CD28F59661298B&selectedIndex=0

I tested the link, works great. Crack a cold one and enjoy...

Title: Re: Virago 700
Post by Steve H on 09/04/13 at 19:57:19

Wow! Lots of interesting pics.

I have read about the starter issues. I can't believe they just installed a magnet to catch the chunks of gear as they fall instead of fixing the problem. And not properly attaching the planetary ring gear. SShhheeeessss. I would believe that from the chinese but it's sort of surprising from one of the big four. Of course there's no kick starter.
Who woulda thunk except the japanese to use the box section frame as the airbox? Sorta gives new meaning to inviting rust.

Guess I'll know more when I go look at it on Friday.

Title: Re: Virago 700
Post by WD on 09/04/13 at 20:09:46

One of the kids on Do The Ton just bought a 1981 XV750. I think it ran him $150. I grabbed the link from comments in his thread.

Here's a thread on making a tracker out of one... http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=44437.0

Here's a 920 from the "special" projects section... http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=46402.0

Both threads are very long, and very entertaining.

Title: Re: Virago 700
Post by old_rider on 09/04/13 at 23:30:57

I was given an 87' 750 virago for doing some work on a house, the woman didn't have any money but her old roommate left her the bike and title cause he couldn't pay up a couple months rent he owed. It sat for about 3 years before I got it, I changed out the oil and gas from the tank, emptied the bowl, and charged the battery, got it to sputter some.

After searching ebay I found a company that had carb kits and ordered a set, and after scrubbing all the chrome on it till it sparkled, I took it up to a bud of mine who had lost his job and didn't have a bike anymore.

He says he has it running but can't get up the cash now to do the title, so I guess i'll see if I can help him with that. Here is a pic of it in my drive

http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/Orphistle/001.jpg

http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/Orphistle/012.jpg

Title: Re: Virago 700
Post by PerrydaSavage on 09/05/13 at 00:23:50

I agree with WD ... those old Viragos (which apparently means "bitchy woman" in some language or other! LOL!) make awesome platforms for some very unique and beautiful Customs! I've seen Cafes and Bobbers done from 'em that are simply jaw-dropping! 8-)

Title: Re: Virago 700
Post by Arnold on 09/05/13 at 08:43:46

Old Rider, the world needs more friends like you.

Title: Re: Virago 700
Post by Steve H on 09/05/13 at 13:08:04

+1 Arnold. The world definitely needs more friends like OR.

WD...I saw that somewhere when I was looking around on the net for some information on them. Something like bitchy, pushy, arrogant, in reference to a woman.

Hope it turns out to be a pretty good one. The woman it belongs to says it's a great bike just needs the carbs cleaned cause she let it sit.

Title: Re: Virago 700
Post by PerrydaSavage on 09/06/13 at 00:31:10

Here's a stunning Virago Custom Cafe-style!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upvj7j7AVnA/TrdX3KAp6mI/AAAAAAAAIGI/1ECPCty2_RI/s640/img_docs_chops_yamaha_virago_2.jpg

and a Virago done as a "Bratstyle" Bobber

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3633117149_55372d5ccd.jpg