Yamaha Virago: photo, reviews, review, technical specifications

Yamaha Virago is a whole legendary motorcycle family, combining several modifications. Between themselves, they differ in the volume of engines, the arrangement of the fuel system, the details of the body kit and minor external features. However, they have more in common.

"Witch"

Most fans of the model are confident that the word "Virago" is translated as "The Witch". The image of a free, bold and beautiful sorceress flying in the night seems to be just magical. And it fully corresponds to the exterior and TTX of the Yamaha Virago. However, the original meaning of this word is somewhat different. It is translated as "man-like woman", as evidenced by any dictionary. The creators put in the motorcycle, rather, the image of a harsh warrior, rather than a cute witch.

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

Character

At first glance it can be seen that the Yamaha Virago combines the features of the neoclassic and the chopper. Moreover, the mass-produced model is quite similar to the custom.

Suitable for appearance and character. The owners' comments point out that the lenient "Virago" remains a true companion both in the modern city and in the motodalnooboy. It is stable on the road, maneuverable on crowded streets, it can not be frightened by paving stones or a country road.

Brothers and cousins

The central figure in the Yamaha Virago family is model 535. This figure, of course, describes the volume of the engine. 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 style of "Virago", choose the model most appropriate to the requirements, objectives, financial opportunities.

The main difference between brothers is the volume of the engine. Serially produced: 125, 250, 400, 535, 750, 920 and 1100.

The most widely used Yamaha Virago 535 and 400, built on the same basis. These versions have long been removed from production, but the demand for them in the secondary market does not subside in our days. This is quite understandable, because the manufacturer, and the owners with a great experience, and simply in love with the romance of bike-culture, the townsfolk see in this model a golden mean, the embodiment of the style and concept of the entire family of "Virago".

Similar to each other and the "youngest" - 125 and 250. Experienced bikers claim that the ideal as the first motorcycle can be one of these models Yamaha Virago. The testimonials of experienced motorcyclists confirm the ease of management of these "horses", comfortable landing, maneuverability and unpretentiousness. What else can a newbie dream about?

The older liter "brothers" are mostly for those who have the experience of driving. Do not think that they are capricious or too expensive to maintain. Just such high demands on the bike, which corresponds to the "thousandth", the novice usually does not push. It is a reliable "iron horse", ready to overcome any distances and steadfastly demolish all hardships.

Since the "Virago" was withdrawn from production, a quarter of a century has passed. But the people's love for her 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 Stels 400 Cruiser of the Russian assembly is a complete imitation of the Virago 400.

V-shaped heart

The main characteristic of Yamaha Virago is a very reliable and durable motor. Owners describe many of its advantages, highlighting only one drawback. According to reviews, the Japanese "Witch" - not the most successful crankcase. The crankcase itself is located low, so that it can easily be damaged on an uneven road. With a relatively strong impact, it can crack.

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

Gas tanks and appetite

At first, model 535 was produced with one gasoline tank. It was located under the saddle. This allowed to significantly reduce the center of gravity of the bike, which, of course, positively affected its stability. Its capacity was 8.6 liters. Between the seat and the device was a decorative false tank. Fuel came to the motor is not self-contained, as in most motorcycles, but with a gasoline pump.

Since 1986, the concept has changed, and in place of the decorative tank, there was another, real, volume of 4.5 liters. This allows you to overcome long distances without refueling.

Speaking about the appetites of the Japanese "Witch", it is worth considering the year of release and modification of the model, the season, the conditions, the covering of the road. On average, at a cruising speed of 120 km / h, Yamaha Virago will "eat" about 6 liters of gasoline. Of course, the presence of a passenger and filled kofhren increase consumption.

Transmission

It is believed that the "Yamaha" is often a problem with the work of the checkpoint. However, this does not concern the Yamaha Virago family at all. Technical characteristics allow to ensure reliable operation of all units. Moreover, many bikers consider the work of the checkpoint exemplary.

The only complaint sometimes made by the owners of the model is some rudeness in terms of switching.

Frame and kit

There are two versions of the organization of the gas tank: one under the saddle or two-tank construction. The volume of a single tank is simply ridiculous, and in the second case, wherever it went - 13.5 liters. However, today in the secondary market it is almost impossible to find a single-bike motorcycle from this series, even if someone suddenly comes up with the idea to set such a goal.

The bike is insensitive to falls. The load-bearing frame is built on conscience and is designed for a much more powerful engine. Experts say that it is quite rigid by the standards of this class. This causes excellent controllability of the bike and partially compensates for the hardness of the fork.

Suspension

Thin 35-mm pens of the fork very noticeably twists with sudden braking and during attempts to actively taxi. Silencers of shock absorbers, located behind, quite quickly become unusable under condition of frequent driving with the passenger. In addition, the rear suspension is too soft for a ride together.

However, the owners say that with the developed dealer network of Yamaha and the wide possibilities for tuning, the above problems can easily be eliminated. The purchase of gas-filled shock absorbers will ensure comfortable riding and eliminate the need for frequent repairs.

Price list

Speaking about the prices of Yamaha Virago motorcycles , the review should begin with a reminder that it is almost impossible to find this model in moto salons today. In the secondary market, the price range is quite wide. The year of production, the number of former owners, the degree of wear, the intensity of operation, and much more are taken into account.

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

Today the cost of motorcycles of the family "Virago" starts from 100 000 rubles. The greatest demand is for models 400/535 and 1100, respectively, the prices for them are higher. Some sellers ask around 200-250 thousand.

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

Tuning and Customizing

Yamaha Virago - a tasty morsel for every customizer. Specialists note that this is a very grateful material, with which it is pleasant to work. In many ways, this is due to the wide range of dopas offered by the manufacturer.

With the help of small upgrades, you can completely change the appearance of the Yamaha Virago bike. Photo tuned "Witches" allows you to see this.

In the photo presented above, the model replaced the steering wheel, the exhaust pipes were digested, some changes affected the body kit, wheels, 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 the strollers, hang them with trunks and even collect powerful tricks from them.