NGC - Old Viragos make a nice cafe/bobber platform

[ohiorider]

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

[steven c]

 It does. Wish I had the skills.

[Scout63]

I always liked the standard model better. There weren’t many around.

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_xv920r%2081.htm

[s1120]

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.

[JJ]

Very nice!!!   These are my top three picks!!

[twowheeladdict]

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. 

[LowRyter]

The 920 standard version had an enclosed chain drive and a sporty machine.

[ohiorider]

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!

[janguzzi]

Beautiful!
That's how my XV 750 Virago looked before I caught the Guzzi virus. 

[ohiorider]

Beautiful!
That's how my XV 750 Virago looked before I caught the Guzzi virus. 

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

Bob

[larrys]

If it wasn't for the crappy designed starter system...
Larry

[ohiorider]

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.