Yamaha Virago: photo, reviews, review, specifications

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Yamaha Virago is a whole legendary motorcycle family that combines several modifications. Among themselves, they differ in engine size, arrangement of the fuel system, body kit details and minor external features. However, they have more in common.

Witch

Most fans of the model are sure that the word "Virago" is translated as "Witch". The image of a free, brave and beautiful sorceress flying in the night seems simply magical. And it is quite consistent with the appearance and performance characteristics of the Yamaha Virago motorcycle. However, the original meaning of this word is somewhat different. It translates as "masculine woman", as evidenced by any dictionary. The creators invested in the motorcycle, rather, the image of a harsh warrior than a pretty witch.

And the name turned out to be appropriate. "Virago" is endowed with a masculine character, excellent endurance and unprecedented strength.

Character

At first glance, you can see that the Yamaha Virago combines neoclassical and chopper features. Moreover, the mass-produced modelpretty similar to custom.

To match the appearance and character. Reviews of the owners note that the accommodating "Virago" remains a faithful companion both in the modern city and in the long-distance road. It's stable on the track, agile on crowded streets, and won't be intimidated by cobblestones or back roads.

Brothers and cousins

The centerpiece of the Yamaha Virago family is the 535. This figure, of course, describes the engine size. There are several modifications of the model with different volumes of motors and, accordingly, different power. This allows potential customers who have already fallen in love with the Virago style to choose the model that best suits their requirements, goals, financial capabilities.

The main difference between the brothers is the engine size. The following were serially produced: 125, 250, 400, 535, 750, 920 and 1100.

Yamaha Virago 535 and 400, built on the same base, are the most widely used. These versions have long been discontinued, but the demand for them in the secondary market does not subside even today. This is understandable, because both the manufacturer, and long-term motorcycle owners, and ordinary people who are simply in love with the romance of bike culture see in this model the golden mean, the embodiment of the style and concept of the entire Virago family.

Similar to each other and "younger" - 125 and 250. Experienced bikers claim that one of these Yamaha Virago models can become ideal as a first motorcycle. Reviews of experienced motorcyclists confirmease of control of these "horses", a comfortable fit, maneuverability and unpretentiousness. What more could a beginner dream of?

The older liter "brothers" are mostly to the liking of those who have driving experience. Do not think that they are capricious or too expensive to maintain. It’s just that a beginner usually does not put forward such high requirements for a bike, which the “thousandth” corresponds to. This is a reliable "iron horse", ready to overcome any distance and endure all hardships.

A quarter of a century has passed since Virago was discontinued. But the popular love for it is so great that today a copy of it is being produced. The Chinese Lifan LF250 is almost identical to the 250th Witch, and the Russian-made Stels 400 Cruiser is a complete imitation of the Virago 400.

V-shaped heart

The main characteristic of the Yamaha Virago is a very reliable and durable motor. The owners describe many of its advantages, while highlighting only one drawback. According to reviews, the Japanese "Witch" does not have the most successful oil pan. The crankcase itself is located low, as a result of which it is easy to damage it on rough roads. With a relatively strong impact, it may crack.

The entire "Virago" series has one more drawback - a problem with the starter's bendix.

Gas tanks and appetite

At first, the 535 was produced with one gas tank. It was located under the saddle. This made it possible to significantlylower the center of gravity of the bike structure, which, of course, had a positive effect on its stability. Its capacity was 8.6 liters. Between the seat and the tidy there was a decorative false tank. Fuel was supplied to the engine not by gravity, as in most motorcycles, but with the help of a gasoline pump.

Since 1986, the concept has changed, and in place of the decorative tank, another, real one, with a volume of 4.5 liters, has appeared. This allows you to cover long distances without refueling.

Speaking about the appetites of the Japanese "Witch", it is worth considering the year of manufacture and modification of the model, season, conditions, road surface. On average, at a cruising speed of 120 km / h on the track, the Yamaha Virago will "eat" about 6 liters of gasoline. Of course, having a passenger and full trunks will increase consumption.

Transmission

Yamaha is often believed to have problems with the operation of the checkpoint. However, this does not apply to the Yamaha Virago family at all. Specifications allow you to ensure the reliable operation of all nodes. Moreover, many bikers consider the operation of the checkpoint to be exemplary.

The only complaint that the owners of the model sometimes make is some roughness in terms of switching.

Frame and body kit

There are two versions of the organization of the gas tank: one under the saddle or a two-tank design. The volume of a single tank is simply ridiculous, and in the second case, all right, 13.5 liters. However, today it is almost impossible to find a single-tank motorcycle from this series in the secondary market, even if someone suddenlywould come to mind to set such a goal.

The bike is insensitive to falls. The base frame is well built and designed for a much more powerful engine. Experts say that it is quite tough by the standards of this class. This results in excellent handling of the bike and partially compensates for the softness of the fork.

Pendant

Thin 35mm fork legs twist quite noticeably during hard braking and during active steering attempts. Silent blocks of shock absorbers located at the rear quickly become unusable if you often drive with a passenger. Other than that, the rear suspension is way too soft for a two-person ride.

However, motorcycle owners claim that with a developed Yamaha dealer network and wide tuning opportunities, the above problems can be easily eliminated. Purchasing gas-filled shock absorbers will provide a comfortable ride and eliminate the need for frequent repairs.

Prices

Speaking of prices for Yamaha Virago motorcycles, it is worth starting the review with a reminder that it is almost impossible to find this model in motorcycle dealerships today. In the secondary market, the price range is quite wide. It takes into account the year of manufacture, the number of former owners, the degree of wear, the intensity of operation and much more.

Many fans of the brand note that even today you can find a device thirty years old in perfect condition.

Today, the cost of motorcycles of the Virago family starts from 100,000 rubles. The models 400/535 and 1100 are in the greatest demand,accordingly, their prices are higher. Some sellers are asking around 200-250 thousand.

For a small car, which can be an ideal first transport for a beginner, you will have to fork out an average of 150 thousand rubles.

Tuning and customization

Yamaha Virago is a tidbit for every customizer. Experts note that this is a very grateful material with which it is pleasant to work. This is largely due to the wide range of special stages offered by the manufacturer.

With the help of small upgrades, you can completely change the appearance of the Yamaha Virago bike. The photo of the tuned "Witch" allows you to verify this.

In the photo above, the steering wheel was replaced on the model, the exhaust pipes were overcooked, some changes affected the body kit, wheels, and brake system. Deep black color, as usual, looks luxurious and expensive.

Some enthusiasts go even further, modernizing the Virago for their own needs and creative impulses: they weld strollers, cover them with cases and even assemble powerful trikes from them.