Author Topic: NGC - Old Viragos make a nice cafe/bobber platform  (Read 773 times)

Offline ohiorider

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NGC - Old Viragos make a nice cafe/bobber platform
« on: July 26, 2021, 06:36:45 AM »
My "re-entry" bike into motorcycling was a leftover 1983 Virago 750, purchased in 1984 and ridden 2 seasons before being sold.  I wasn't a fan of the cruiserish styling, but with lower handlebars and a better rear shock, it got me thru my first 2 return years.  Easy to ride, very smooth V twin engine.  I was stunned when I found the V twin much smoother than my first K bike, an '85 K100RS.

Anyway, I stumbled across some pics of some really nice builds based on the Virago.  Because it is a stressed member (at least on the early ones?) the lovely engine is exposed in all its beauty.  Enjoy!

https://bikebrewers.com/10-best-yamaha-virago-cafe-racers/

Bob
« Last Edit: July 26, 2021, 06:40:22 AM by ohiorider »
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
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Offline steven c

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Re: NGC - Old Viragos make a nice cafe/bobber platform
« Reply #1 on: July 26, 2021, 06:43:37 AM »
 It does. Wish I had the skills.
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Online Scout63

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Re: NGC - Old Viragos make a nice cafe/bobber platform
« Reply #2 on: July 26, 2021, 09:19:07 AM »
I always liked the standard model better. There weren’t many around.

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_xv920r%2081.htm
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Offline s1120

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Re: NGC - Old Viragos make a nice cafe/bobber platform
« Reply #3 on: July 27, 2021, 05:54:14 AM »
They were so out there back in the day!  The engine WAS a cool looking engine though.. Not vary "Harlyish", but still cool. Looks good in a standard, and a cafe. Looks more Vincent, then HD.
Paul B

Wildguzzi.com

Re: NGC - Old Viragos make a nice cafe/bobber platform
« Reply #3 on: July 27, 2021, 05:54:14 AM »

Online JJ

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Re: NGC - Old Viragos make a nice cafe/bobber platform
« Reply #4 on: July 27, 2021, 06:54:43 AM »
Very nice!!! :thumb: :bow: :cool: :boozing: :smiley:  These are my top three picks!! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:







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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: NGC - Old Viragos make a nice cafe/bobber platform
« Reply #5 on: July 27, 2021, 07:58:27 AM »
I liked the Kenny Robert's one the best.

Back in '85 I wanted a Japanese V-twin cruiser.  I looked at all the offerings and the Yamaha was my favorite.  It was also the most expensive. 

Honda was having a sale on the 700 shadow so that is what I ended up with.  I would still have that bike if it would not have been totaled while I was sitting on it at a stop sign 10 months after buying it. 
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Offline LowRyter

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Re: NGC - Old Viragos make a nice cafe/bobber platform
« Reply #6 on: July 27, 2021, 02:32:25 PM »
The 920 standard version had an enclosed chain drive and a sporty machine.
John L 
When life gets you down remember it's one down and the rest are up.  (1-N-23456)

Offline ohiorider

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Re: NGC - Old Viragos make a nice cafe/bobber platform
« Reply #7 on: July 27, 2021, 02:36:34 PM »
The 920 standard version had an enclosed chain drive and a sporty machine.
Not only enclosed ....... it was sealed and ran in an oil bath!
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
2014 Honda CB1100 (Traded Nov 2019)
New:  2016 Triumph T120 (Traded Dec 2021)
New:  2021 Kawasaki W800

Offline janguzzi

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Re: NGC - Old Viragos make a nice cafe/bobber platform
« Reply #8 on: July 28, 2021, 04:41:47 PM »
Beautiful!
That's how my XV 750 Virago looked before I caught the Guzzi virus.  :grin:


Kind Regards
Jan, Schuby (near the Danish Border), Germany
www.janguzzi.de
-1992-2002: 1000S, 2nd Series
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Offline ohiorider

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Re: NGC - Old Viragos make a nice cafe/bobber platform
« Reply #9 on: July 30, 2021, 05:49:18 AM »
Beautiful!
That's how my XV 750 Virago looked before I caught the Guzzi virus.  :grin:



I'm not a cruiser rider, but I appreciate the nice job you did on your Virago.

Bob
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
2014 Honda CB1100 (Traded Nov 2019)
New:  2016 Triumph T120 (Traded Dec 2021)
New:  2021 Kawasaki W800

Online larrys

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Re: NGC - Old Viragos make a nice cafe/bobber platform
« Reply #10 on: July 30, 2021, 08:37:07 AM »
If it wasn't for the crappy designed starter system...
Larry
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Offline ohiorider

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Re: NGC - Old Viragos make a nice cafe/bobber platform
« Reply #11 on: July 30, 2021, 08:46:26 AM »
If it wasn't for the crappy designed starter system...
Larry
Wonder if the aftermarket (or Yamaha) offered a cure for the starter issue?  My 1983 didn't develop the problem in 17k miles, but that's when I sold the bike.  So what happened down the line, I don't know.
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
2014 Honda CB1100 (Traded Nov 2019)
New:  2016 Triumph T120 (Traded Dec 2021)
New:  2021 Kawasaki W800

 

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