1981SH Special Illinois

[jetmechmarty]

Holy smoley that's beautiful! I think a 750 is as big as you should go on a cafe.

Uh...This one started as a XV920 Virago. The engine may be the 1100 variety, but I don't remember the story on that.


Is this one 1600 cc? It works for me!

I think we're getting off topic. Back to our XS1100 Special!

Stuff to do with a Special:



A 650 Special, but nicely customized, IMHO.

[Hak]

Nice! Thanks for the posts always good to see some other nice bikes for inspiration. That first virago you posted is exactly the type of bike I'd want to make! Biggest obstacle for those is getting the wire wheels because the stock virago wheels would definitely have to go! haha. I was curious about the size, as I am 6'2.. I was finding pictures of people riding the viragos and with handlebar and pedal relocation doesn't look like it would be TOO bad for me lol but I'd like to find one to sit on

[jetmechmarty]

That first virago you posted is exactly the type of bike I'd want to make! Biggest obstacle for those is getting the wire wheels because the stock virago wheels would definitely have to go! haha. I was curious about the size, as I am 6'2.. I was finding pictures of people riding the viragos and with handlebar and pedal relocation doesn't look like it would be TOO bad for me lol but I'd like to find one to sit on

To get wire wheels on a Virago, you use an XS650 hub on the front. For the rear, you need a wire wheel from a XV700. I'm 6'4" and tried on a 750 Virago cafe at the Barber Vintage Fest. I'm all legs, but it was way too small. Cafe seat loops for Virago are available from Greg Hageman.


http://www.hagemanmc.com/

[Hak]

Man you guys are incredible!! Looks like I definitely picked the right community of bike owners to join! I always liked the Yamaha's over the others. What made it awkward? Wondering if it's something that coukd be fixed with an extended swingarm or frame. Did the bike you were on have the pedals relocated? I think if they were back further it might make it more natural but it's hard to say without sitting on it!

[jetmechmarty]

The bike I tried on was similar to this one, an XV750. It was too small in every direction. I didn't spend time with it. I am sure corrections can be made.

It may have been this bike.

[IanDMacDonald]

Hot Mo-fo is that sexy!

[jetmechmarty]

The Virago has a monoshock. It's narrow, and I understand it's agile. That vee twin pulls hard, too!

[Hak]

That orange bike looks amazing. Definitely would be a very cool café platform. I wonder what would come of extending the wheelbase, if it would ruin the handling or anything. I'm gonna have to do some homework on that one, just saw an xv750 sell locally for 1100!! Kinda bummed I missed it I would picked that up even if I wasn't gonna keep the bike. There's a mint xv920 for $1500 with less than 5k I think I'm gonna go check out. Wouldn't mind pickin a few nice old yamaha's up while they're cheap this winter and then sell whichever I don't want to use come spring haha

[jetmechmarty]

The 920 might be bigger. Ideally, you want your feet as close to the swingarm pivot as possible. That's for control. What you do for comfort will be a compromise. Google "Virago cafe racer" and you'll see how they've been done. You may also find helpful info at DOTHETON.com. That place is content heavy, but with patience you can find what you're looking for.

[DGXSER]

If your not familiar with them, the earlier Viragos all had a horrible starter design. I think up to about 1985 still had the crap starter. There is an upgrade to it, but it is a little expensive.

[Hak]

Awesome! There's a lot of vendors on that site! You're right definitely info heavy but that's a good thing! Thanks for the tip about the ideal pedal location, that does make sense. I'll have to find one and see how I would fit that way. I'm sure there's always modifications that can be made, it's just metal afterall!

Good to know, DG, thanks

[Schming]

Hi Hak, here's the Virago site I frequent. http://viragotechforum.com/index.php...e7f33303cee68e It's similar to this site, info and community wise.

The early mono-shocked XV's make a better platform for a Cafe, mostly because of the tanks and the cleaner look of the rear end, but the starter systems are what they call "A box 'o rocks". I believe Yamaha changed the starter system in '85 as my '84 still has the old style.

The good news is the engine blocks are all the same so the later starter system can be swapped with a little wiring work needed to complete the upgrade. I secured parts from a '85 XV 1000 for my '84 XV 700 that is in need of the upgrade.

[madmax-im]

The Virago appears to make a great cafe platform, but it's too small for the likes of me.

Oh Lord have mercy!...Thats an awesome cafe'