Yamaha Virago 400 motorcycle: specifications, photos and reviews

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

The Yamaha Virago 400 cruising motorcycle is a representative of the legendary family from the Japanese manufacturer. The digital designation indicates the volume of the power unit. One of the variants of the translation of the word Virago is vixen. This is due to the very characteristics of the bike, which combined aggressiveness and a certain femininity. In fact, the car is a mixture of a chopper and a classic model. Consider the features and characteristics of this technique.

Powerplant

The Yamaha Virago 400 is equipped with a reliable and durable engine. Among the many advantages, the owners distinguish only one minus from the motor. As practice shows, it does not have the best oil pan. The element is located very low, which contributes to its damage on rough roads, up to the appearance of chips and cracks. Also, the series in question has problems with the starter bendix.

Yamaha Drag Star motorcycle was first produced with a fuel tank, which was placed under the seat. Its capacity was 8 liters. Fuel was supplied to the system by a fuel pump. After 1989, a decorative tank appeared on modifications, and the volume of the main tank increased to 13.5 liters, thanks to the installationadditional tank.

Suspension and transmission

The front fork is equipped with thin 35 mm feathers that twist with active steering and hard braking. In conditions of frequent driving with a passenger, the silent blocks of the rear shock absorbers wear out actively, since the suspension is too soft for paired movement. It is possible to strengthen the node in question by installing gas-filled analogs.

Yamaha's 400 Series Chopper is equipped with a reliable five-speed gearbox. True, some users note the difficulty in terms of soft gear shifting.

Exterior

The motorcycle in question is divided into two modifications. The first was produced with one tank placed under the saddle. The updated version received a pair of fuel tanks, thanks to which the fuel supply increased to 13.5 liters. The launch model with one fuel tank is almost impossible to find in the secondary market.

The main frame of the bike is durable and well thought out. This solution allows you to provide good controllability of the machine and partially compensate for the softness of the suspension fork.

Yamaha Virago 400 Specifications

The following are the main parameters of the technical plan of the motorcycle in question:

• Type - cruiser (chopper).
• Years of issue - 1988-1998.
• Frame material - steel.
• Power unit - V-twin, four-strokemotor.
• Engine capacity - 399 cubic centimeters with a power of 40 horsepower.
• Compression – 9, 7.
• Cooling type - atmospheric system.
• Fuel supply - carburetor.
• Torque to the maximum - 7 thousand revolutions per minute.
• Drive - cardan shaft.
• Brakes - front disc assembly, rear drum.
• Suspension - telescopic fork with 150 mm travel.
• Rear Suspension - Swingarm type with double shock absorbers.
• Length/width/height - 2, 22/0, 72/1, 11 m.
• Wheel base – 1.52 m.
• Speed threshold - 135 km/h.
• Acceleration to 100 km - 7.5 seconds.
• The curb weight of the Yamaha Virago 400 is 199 kg.
• Tires - 3.0-19/140-90-15.

User responses

As the owners note, 400cc on the Virago is enough to make the bike one of the most powerful in its class. Users often compare the motorcycle with the legendary Harley-Davidson. Separate attention should be paid to the exhaust system.

Reviews of the Yamaha Virago 400 indicate that the exhaust unit allows you to reduce about 80% of the sound emitted. The design consists of cylinder pipes that converge into a common resonator tank located at the very bottom of the machine. Then one pipe goes to the mufflers from the resonator. This design not only provides an original sound, but also makes it possible to correct the low center of gravity of the entire motorcycle. It is worth noting that the weight of the exhaust system is about 15 kilograms.

Yamaha motorcycle price

The modification in question has not been produced for more than 15 years. You can buy it only in the secondary market. The price of a Yamaha motorcycle depends on the condition of the car, as well as the distance traveled. The average cost of a bike in the domestic market will be at least 100 thousand rubles.

Many owners and experts note that it is not so difficult to find even a model released more than two decades ago, the condition of which can be equated to the ideal. The most popular are the 400th and 535th versions. Overall, the bike is great for professional and beginner riders.

Interesting facts

The following is a brief history of the creation and development of the motorcycle:

• Beginning of production of the Virago 400 series, built on the basis of the American 535th version, in 1988.
• In 1989, the bike was equipped with an additional tank of 4.5 liters, and the seat was divided into two parts, from which the passenger seat can be removed. Providing access to the glove box.
• On the steering rack. The engine cover and carburetor are replaced with aluminum parts for chrome counterparts.
• In 1996, a modification known as the "Yamaha Drag Star" was released.
• Finished production - 1998

Tuning

As they say, there is no limit to perfection. So the owners of the Yamaha chopper are trying to improve the motorcycle in every possible way. An additional incentive is provided by a wide range of additional accessories that offersmanufacturer. Most often, the changes relate to the appearance of the “iron horse”. Users equip it with a body kit, updated mirrors, sensors and seats.

One of the best tuning options is to replace the steering wheel, overcook the exhaust system, install new brakes and wheels. Those owners who are tired of the standard color of the car repaint it in specialized workshops according to their taste and preferences. Some craftsmen manage to weld strollers, mount wardrobe trunks, or make a more powerful variation from an existing model by afterburner or engine replacement.

Competitors

There are several rivals of the Yamaha Virago 400 motorcycle in this lineup. Among them:

• "Honda Steed 400" (Honda Steed).
• "Suzuki Intruder 400" (Suzuki Intruder).
• Kawasaki VN 400 Vulcan.

Features

The main feature of the bike in question is a two-cylinder V-shaped air-cooled power unit. It produces 40 horsepower and 34 Nm of torque. The motor has been adjusted for smooth thrust in all ranges with a maximum speed of up to 8.5 thousand revolutions per minute.

In addition, the modification is distinguished by a high-strength steel frame in a classic design, as well as a five-speed informative gearbox and 19/15-inch wheels. Includes front disc brake, telescopic front fork, dual rear shock and cardandrive.

In closing

The Yamaha Virago 400 cruising motorcycle was produced until 1998. It was replaced by a more modern analogue under the Star Drag brand. This model went into mass production in 1996. The new version is radically different from its predecessor. The main differences affected the appearance, technical equipment and carburetor design. Despite the considerable age of technology, it is still a success in the secondary market. Among the Virago line, modifications 250, 535 can be noted. The last variation was produced exclusively for export, since according to the laws of Japan, training and road motorcycles should not have a volume of more than 400 cubic centimeters.