Anyone own/has owned a Virago?

[EazyDuz]

This will be my next bike, and first big bike.
Will be getting the 535. Just wondering if anyone here has one, and what are the main things to look out for when going to view one.

What sort of age should i be looking for, were there many big changes over the years? Any weak points about them? Top speed of a 535?

Thank you
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[ninja_butler]

I've never owned or ridden one but as far as I know there's nothing wrong with them except that they're a little noisy and some people think they are only for Harley Davidson wannabees. I think the only thing that has stopped them being more of a success is the name; "Virago" sounds like a virility pill.

[yen_powell]

People I know who owned them had trouble with the petrol switch not working (resulting in them running out of fuel and not being able to use the reserve).

I wouldn't worry too much about one that has this problem as it's a good bike, but best to look out for it so you don't get caught out later on.
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XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits

[P.]

[hazza]

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Yamaha/Yamaha-XV535-Virago--1988--2004/

100 mph top speed wise. I know the mud guards rot to shit and the collector boxes.
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3 Honda NC50's(Sold)-->'72 Puch Maxi S (Sold, want it back!)--> '90 Yamaha RXS 100 (Stolen)--> '87 Honda Cub 90(Sold) --> '95 Kawasaki Eliminator (Sold) --> '98 Bandit 600 (Sold) -->'07 SV650S (Current)

[jjdugen]

Watch out for the starter mech, not too bad on the little ones but a definite fault on the bigger engines. Its the most complex I have seen on any vehicle.
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[supZ]

a couple at work have one each.

makes a load of noise, doesnt really go anywhere.

dont see the point myself but im not into cruisers.
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CBR954RR - Daily toy
CBR600RR - Trackbike

[The Shaggy D.A.]

Early 535's fuel tank was a dummy (real one is under the seat), and it had a piddly 85 mile range. Later models used the top one as a header and increases range to about 110 miles - still crap. Pretty much the main reason I don't have one.
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[Carl_G]

Mine was my first bike, and I can't really fault it. It's by far the best "small" cruiser and one in decent condition will be great round town and sit at 80-85 all day on the motorway. Though with lots of fuel stops!

Even on the bigger tanked later model on a good run I'd hit reserve at 110 miles, on city riding it would hit it at 70...

As mentioned above the fenders do rot and it may not be obvious externally so make sure you look under the rear seat as well as having a good look underneath. Even the bolts and nuts had corroded away on mine and it was only held together by the rust and road dirt! Fortunately GRP replacements are easy to find.

Beyond that, everything else seemed pretty simple and bulletproof.

Just make sure it'll fit you, it's a very small bike physically and, quite apart from how it looks, it can be easy to cramped up on it and have your knees block the steering.
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CBT 11/09/10! Theory Passed 12/10/10! Mod 1 Passed 08/03/11! Mod 2 passed 13/04/11!
1993 Yamaha XV 535 (SMIDSYed) 2008 Suzuki GSF 650 (Hire Bike) 1993 Yamaha XV 535 (Resurrected!) 2004 Triumph Speedmaster 790cc (Payout from SMIDSY!)

[SuziCat]

I own one - it's the 1100 SE (Special Edition) with special tank badge, more comfy seat and different suspension units (spring bits don't show).
Tons of chrome, mine is from 1997 and only has about 6000miles on the clock so it's like brand new.
Lovely comfy bike and handles reasonably well. The only issue I've had is with the starter mechanism. It sometimes sticks, so when the starter button is pressed it just clicks. What I have to do is to stick it in gear and roll the bike forward, which usually frees the starter off.
The other thing is that the oil light comes on a lot when it's cold. This is nothing to do with the oil level, it's just another "Virago" thing.
All in all I like mine and it's only used as a summer toy.
Even though mine is the 1100 its not that fast so not sure what the little Virago would be like (probably like a 250)
Hope this helps
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Regular Rides:- BMW R1200R, Triumph Street Triple
Summer Toys:- Yam Virago 1100, Suzuki GS750 (1979)