1983 Virago Question

[MStaples]

Guys,

I have the option of buying a 1983 Virago with 20K on it it pretty good condition for $500. I was thinking about putting another $1500-$2000 into it to spruce it up a tad. I could put a new front brake on, a few new components, tires, paint, etc.

But I am wondering if it is worth it. It sure ain't high-tech. Doesn't have much pickup. The clutch (or whatever) sounds like it's going to blow up half the time. And I would want some new exhaust system that was a little less noisey.

I don't know. What do you think? Is this worth it? Is this a good fixer-uper bike, or will I just end up with a clunk?

[CB750F]

It just doesnt make much sense to put $1500 to $2000 into a $500 bike. You'll never ever get your money back out of it. A real nice 920 Virago of that vintage probably only books for like $1500 anyways. For $2000 - 2500 you can get a fairly nice bike in the real late 80's to mid 90's in the 750cc range.

Then again if you want to pecker around with an old bike as a hobby or for the fun of it I would totally understand. :D That's what I've been doing with my 750. I might have $1200-1300 in it including purchase price of the bike ($500 and all it needed was a clutch cable) with a new paint job, an engine out restore and all new gaskets in the engine. It's fun and keeps you out of trouble. When I'm totally done with it I'll get another, maybe an old Ninja or old sportbike.

What kind of sound is the clutch making? Viragos have a whining sound to them anyways but if it's hammering or something I would pass.

[MStaples]

It just doesnt make much sense to put $1500 to $2000 into a $500 bike. You'll never ever get your money back out of it. A real nice 920 Virago of that vintage probably only books for like $1500 anyways. For $2000 - 2500 you can get a fairly nice bike in the real late 80's to mid 90's in the 750cc range.

Then again if you want to pecker around with an old bike as a hobby or for the fun of it I would totally understand. :D That's what I've been doing with my 750. I might have $1200-1300 in it including purchase price of the bike ($500 and all it needed was a clutch cable) with a new paint job, an engine out restore and all new gaskets in the engine. It's fun and keeps you out of trouble. When I'm totally done with it I'll get another, maybe an old Ninja or old sportbike.

What kind of sound is the clutch making? Viragos have a whining sound to them anyways but if it's hammering or something I would pass.


Thanks CB. I think, then, that I'll pass on this one.

[lvrsnr]

two questions #1 do you want to ride or wrench? as the man said you can buy alot of bikes this time of year for 2000. to2500... #2 does the bike have some special attraction for you. one more thing to keep in mind is that yamaha no longer makes many parts for their bikes after 20 years. so parts are going to be comming from after market companys (no problem) or from E-bay or bone yards.

[hardcorerider]

I don't know what you are looking for but i have a 920 that i got dirt cheap and have put very minor work into and it has been the best bike i have evr owned the bok value might not be much but for reliability i have not foud much better for a crewser of thet year so think hard before you finalise your disition feel free to get with me on any other question i know abit about this bike i will try and help if i can

[stuco]

If I was going to buy that bike, I would shop on ebay and see what the best I could do for the least amount of cash would be. I think you should buy a newer/cleaner/faster virago with your money if that's what you want.