1984 Yamaha Virago 1000. First ride in over 25 years.

Рет қаралды 11,359

3 жыл бұрын

This is for David Guest;
Before you read my notes below, let it be known that this video is dedicated to all of us vintage riders who decide, that after years or even decades away from motorcycles, we choose to come back to the thrill and the rush of riding the old bikes once again. Cycle seniors, old farts, tinkerers or just those who wish to feel young again - call us what you wish. This video is dedicated to you.
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I recently bought a 1984 Yamaha Virago XV1000 - almost identical to one I rode in 1984. I had to do some work before it was road worthy but otherwise it was quite the find. Quite a bit of major cleaning and minor restoration in order to get it going but it was about 95% complete and mostly original as far as I could tell with only 53,000 kms (about 30,000 miles). Short little trip around the neighbourhood to check out the basic feel of the bike since I haven't been on one of these since 1988. I forgot just how much torque the Virago has and how great they sound.
The plan is to clean it, repair the broken stuff with NOS or other original 1984 Virago parts and then start a collection of bits and pieces necessary to make a full restoration. For 2021 though, I think I'll just do whatever work necessary to get it working well so I can drive and enjoy it.
The video quality is a bit behind the times since all I have is an old GoPro Hero2 with a side helmet mount. I'll upgrade my video stuff soon since I plan to drive it through the mountains in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, all of which are about an hour from my house.

Пікірлер: 31

@richcxx 2 жыл бұрын

That motor sounds so nice, great bikes.

@KensWorldRestorations 2 жыл бұрын

It's all about the motor on this bike - great styling but the engine sounds so sweet and the torque is just so perfect.

@davidguest6051 Жыл бұрын

Old video, I will comment anyway. How many of us with same story. Sold my bike in the '70s. Got married, you know. Then the kids. Hockey, baseball, camping trips, etc. No time for riding anyway. Now retired. 50 years since I have ridden. So in my shop, now sits a 1986 Virago xv1100. OMG. She's a beauty. I love it. I ride again. I will die a happy man. You should dedicate this vid to all the cycle seniors. Cheers.

@KensWorldRestorations Жыл бұрын

See the edit to the video description above. I hope your Virago makes you feel as good as mine does to me. Ride on my friend and stay safe.

@tango__mike 2 жыл бұрын

I've got this exact model in my garage. Parked it 5 years ago and it sits. Maybe I should work on it.

@KensWorldRestorations Жыл бұрын

You probably should. They're a pretty easy bike to work on. Some folks have claimed them to be finicky but all bikes are in some respect. At least the valves don't have shims, the engine is completely out in the open and there's only two cylinders. It's air cooled and has a pretty simple and straightforward electrical system. And now that they're becoming harder to find, kinda cool to be out riding around on it.

@bugcatcher8989 9 ай бұрын

My Dad literally had this exact same bike, year colour model. I scared the crap out of myself learning to ride a couple of times on it lol. My Dad rode it across Canada, eventually she needed too much work and it was her time. But what a fun bike and she’s missed!

@murraykriner9425 2 жыл бұрын

The video gives me some hope, as right now I'm trying to sort through a failed project I picked up locally In Central Ohio. Hope the remaining tuning you mentioned went well and your getting her out as often as possible for some fresh air. These bikes are getting kind of rare to see in stock trim, and hope it gives you much enjoyment for years to come. Warmest Regards, and safe travels.

@KensWorldRestorations 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Murray - very kind comments and I wish you success with your project as well. The final tuning was done with my altitude taken into account (had to lean it out considerably) as was the rest of the ignition and fuel systems. She's running like new but in pieces right now as I've already started with the restoration.

@murraykriner9425 2 жыл бұрын

@@KensWorldRestorations that's where I'm at as the last two owner's we're unfamiliar with V-Twin mechanics and the often maligned AIS system that prevents over rich conditions when decelerating from speed. Hoping the restoration is going without many hitches from both resources and shipper's. My late 85 700 has a potpourri of both 85 & 86 parts being born in September, but she's all Virago still. My thanks for your taking time to reply. That is most considerate

@xavierdechamps3420 Жыл бұрын

Wow, what is this neighborhood? It's like a SimCity endless loop of generic identical houses. Awesome bike, though!

@timkis64 2 жыл бұрын

holy crap, how many condos can they squeeze on to a 200 acre plot.the developer mustve laughed the whole way to the bank for the rest of his life.pretty bad when it takes 5 minutes to reach a real road that actually takes you somewhere.

@monstermash7487 3 жыл бұрын

Thumbs up for Calgary, have the same bike too.

@KensWorldRestorations 3 жыл бұрын

Cool! I absolutely love this thing...it still needs to be tuned up properly but even as it is, it's a lot of fun. It is getting harder to find the 1984 year with all the original parts still attached but finding everything and working on it is half the fun.

@Sanisani9 2 ай бұрын

WOW, it is Calgary, I didn't even notice. All the big cities look the same, pretty much. My friend is looking to buy that exact year model and color. So I'm doing some research about it. Ride safe 🤙

@prmhighflr69 2 жыл бұрын

Oh my gosh there's so many houses there you should have a shopping center there right in the middle of that

@lvlack420 Жыл бұрын

i have the exact same bike with the exact same miles... mine has been sitting indoors for 20 plus yrs.... stored correctly with no fuel.... i might consider selling it for the right price !!!

@KensWorldRestorations Жыл бұрын

If it's mostly or all original, you'll get a lot more money for it if it's well preserved. They are becoming harder to find when they're in their original state.

@bertusnolte512 2 жыл бұрын

I own the XV1100, absolutely a great cruiser, i have drag pipes on so it is a bit louder, hahaha

@KensWorldRestorations 2 жыл бұрын

Haha! Yep...just a bit louder. It's still a great sound.

@reynadojrcadavero1727 2 жыл бұрын

Cool bike mine sound galloping horse on loud pipe

@mcaleer007 3 жыл бұрын

What is the ride height of this model? Beautiful bike!

@KensWorldRestorations 3 жыл бұрын

The seat height is about 29 inches or about 73cm. Thanks!

@mcaleer007 3 жыл бұрын

@@KensWorldRestorations Thanks mate, beautiful area you were in

@sillen63 Жыл бұрын

Hi there im looking for a rear wheel specifik for a 750 1984 living in gothenburg sweden can you please help me out getting one sinsearly peter

@KensWorldRestorations Жыл бұрын

Not sure I can help but I use CMSNL drawings (www.cmsnl.com/yamaha-xv750_model16857/) whenever I want to find a part. Since there were so many variations of the 750 rear wheel (some had spokes and some were solid aluminum) it would be best for you to reference these drawings or find a service manual. Different countries received different parts based on market and regulations.

@sillen63 Жыл бұрын

@@KensWorldRestorations thanks man for helping me i got the wheels thanks to the link you send me awsome

@bkboss92 Жыл бұрын

You think this is a good bike to start with?

@KensWorldRestorations Жыл бұрын

It would depend on your size, weight, and other things. I always say to start out on a 250 to 500cc dual sport (if the seat is not too high) and do some off road driving. With a low seat height and not overpowered, the Virago is a good starter for some people. Definitely take a motorcycle course if you're just starting out.

@bkboss92 Жыл бұрын

@@KensWorldRestorations Thanks for the info I take it to consideration and look at my options