opinions on ......

zombie_dave · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Karma :

Hi all,

im booked in to do my DAS at the middle of june, and im looking to buy a yamaha virago 535....... i know they arent everyones cup of tea but, what are peoples opinions on them as a machine?

are they reliable, are their any problems i should look out for etc?

regards.
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ZombiE_DavE

FBSF · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 23 Mar 2011 Karma :

Rust.

They are generally good engines, as long as they are regularly serviced, but they rust quicker than an Austin Mini.

If you are keeping it outside, either invest in a really good cover, or choose a different bike.

zombie_dave · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Karma :

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

What is it that you want from it?

Never ridden one, but never really heard anything really damning about them beyond comments that are from people who don't like the features.

Also any bike with lots of tarty chrome will likely suffer more from visible rust than something with lots of plastic.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

zombie_dave · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Karma :

im looking for a nice torquey cruiser thats comfortable for commuting in the summer months.

the only problem i heard about the 535 was the lack of range due to the small tank.

but ive not had any experience with v twin engines (mechanically) so i wasnt sure if there was anything to look for
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ZombiE_DavE

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

From memory the tank size on the XV535 varied. Not 100% sure but think they increased the tank size quite a bit at some point. Don't take my word for this though but worth checking.

Otherwise one issue would be size. The XV is quite a small bike (one reason for its popularity), but if you are tall if might not be that comfortable.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

zombie_dave · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Karma :

im only about 5'10" so it shouldnt be too much of a problem.

i think il have to go and see a few and see what i think.
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ZombiE_DavE

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

FBSF · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 23 Mar 2011 Karma :

Maybe something like a Honda VT600 or 750 shadow, or Kawasaki VN?

All easy-to-ride cruisers with gobfuls of torque...

There's also the Kawa EN500, but that has a version of the GPZ500 engine, so is a little revvier...