1982 XV920 Virago

[SthrnSqrl]

Hi guys, I have the opportunity to buy a 1982 XV920 with just under 20K miles for $1k. The owner has just installed new tire, new brakes, custom paint, new oil and filter change, new plugs, and the seat is good, no rips or tears. Says the starter doesn't have any problems, and the gauges work perfectly.

I am sure some of you have experience with the Virago. I don't. I have never owned a V-twin. What do you think? Good buy for the money, or stay away?

[lee_dutcher]

buddy has one he tryed making it look like a harley . dosent sound to bad tho. hes some spect on it. http://www.vocpics.com/XV-920.htm

[soccer4m]

Not a bad bike

Hi Squirrel, I just sold that exact same bike. As long as the gauges work fine- they have a tendency for the gauge labels to fall apart, the carbs are working fine, the bike is a lot of fun to ride around. The starters usually sound like grinding marbles, but if it is fairly smooth then the starter should be fine. So, again, if carbs, gauges, starter are in good running shape then for that price its a decent deal...............its not as quick as the xs1100, but for vtwin grins at far less price than a harley,,,,get a repair manual,,,,and you are good to go...good luck, Mike in S.DIego

[SthrnSqrl]

The main thing is that I want something a little easier to maneuver...the XS is great out on the road, but stopped, it's a bitch. I'm almost 6'03", and at times, I'm on tiptoes to stabilize it, which makes turning it around to back it into the garage really tough.

I'm looking at the Virago for something to hop on, enjoy a nice afternoon riding, and not feel like I just wrestled a bear when I stop.

This is the main reason I'm trying to sell the XS. I can use that money to get the Virago, or some other cruiser.I found a nice Shadow for $700, but it's only a 500cc.

[soccer4m]

go for it

The virago is nice for running around, easy, pretty good torque, all in all a good run around bike. But , you will give up long distance comfort, insane power, and two up the xs is better. If you want a bike for shorter rides, like 50 miles or less the virago is fun. I would add a quick mount near full size handlebar mount windshield to break the wind as the riding position wears you out quick on the virago, with feet up and arms out. SO,,,,get a pair of saddlebags, windshield and it works nice.........Mike in Sun Diego

[latexeses]

Make sure the dash is in working order!

[IndianaKong]

920

I've had a 920 before and It was a really fun ride. The only full dress bike I ever had. Had good power (not great) and was pretty easy to handle. my friends all thought it looked like a hard time but I never really had any problems (6'0")

What are you looking to do with your XS? you wouldn't be interested in a smaller bike would you? I have a few 4cyl. 550's in the garage that I am just maintaining and they really need to be kept on the road.

[cywelchjr]

You know, I'm a couple inches shorter than you, and even so don't really have much trouble with mine. However I have a modified seat that is clearly lowered, and I'm now convinced it makes a big difference. Another thing you can do, although it comes with a price, is change the rear tire to a 130/70-17 rather than the stock (or as close as metric gets to stock) 130/90-17 tire, it lowers the bike about 1.5 2 inches. You also might try softening the setting on the rear shocks, it might be sitting too high.

[tom clisham]

I had a virago many years ago & it had a touchy starter. At the time i was told that this was a common problem. Otherwise it was fun for barhoppin.

[SthrnSqrl]

Well, I missed out on the Virago. My income tax didn't show up in time. However, I found one last week on CL about an hour from me for $500. It needs the starter shim fix, for sure. 12K miles, gauges work, and it's clean. one really small dent on top of tank, but that's it. Everything looks great on it, and it's even just had a new rear tire put on it.

I'm supposed to pick it up Wednesday morning.

Kong, if everything works out with the Virago, I will likely keep the XS. I had planned to sell it, to get something else, but if I have the Virago for my short rides, I may keep the XS for the two-up trips.

[Schming]

Starter Fix

Here is a good tutorial on the starter repair, as I will be doing the same on my newly aquired '84 XV 700L Virago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIE3P...eature=related

Also check out; http://viragotechforum.com/portal.php

Alot of info there, Good Luck with Your New Ride HTH

[rover]

I can not understand how a 6+ foot man can have a hard time handling any XS11. I am 5'6", 29" inseam, and I do not have a problem. I have been riding for almost 60 years, the early years on old Harleys and Indians with foot clutches, I can only remember one where the clutch worked and stayed in when stopped. Most had the suicide clutch, you took your foot off, and you were either on your way, or stuck with a killed engine, NO elec starter. I have been riding XS11s since 1980, when I bought my SF. In 02 I bought an F, it had the ugly and tall double bucket seat, and I did have a bit of a time getting both tiptoes on the pavement. I changed that seat for a worn saddleman, and put floorboards on, and I can put both feet on the ground. Compared to my early years on the old worn out Harleys and Indians, these XSs are a breeze to handle, I can even make a legal stop at most stopsigns without putting a foot down. I got stopped once by a cop, said I did not come to a complete stop, he did not see my foot come down, so I showed him that I could stop completely for at least three seconds without putting a foot on the ground, and he let me go. I LOVE my XSs, best bikes I have ever ridden, even if they are a bit tall. One has 97K, and the other has 89K, and both still run very well, very low oil use, the only thing I don't like is the lack of electricity to run more lights, as I live in deer country, hit two deer, and had countless close calls. Practice idling in 1st gear in an empty parking lot with your feet on the pegs, and you will get very good at it.