the VIRAGO
YAMAHA VIRAGO 1981-1999
and air filter covers it was equipped with new cast wheels. Its most
unusual feature was a secondary half-gallon fuel tank below the
seat that served as a reserve for the 3.3 gallon main tank.
1986: The BIG news was the
debut of the biggest Virago, the XVI100, that still thrives in '95.
A longer stroke boosted displacement of the 1000 to l,063cc, and it
came loaded with two-tone paint, yards of chrome and goldlike
plating. Fuel was housed in a single, conventional 4.4-gallon tank.
For '86 Yamaha offered two versions of the Virago 700, the S and C. With monochrome paint and wire wheels the S sold for $100 less than the C, which offered two-tone paint and cast wheels.
1987: All-new for '87 was the XV535, a smaller Virago with five-speed transmission, driveshaft and a seat height of less than 28 inches. And like the larger Viragos, the 535 hung its engine, a 70-degree, air-cooled V-twin, from a semi-monocoque frame.
For '86 Yamaha offered two versions of the Virago 700, the S and C. With monochrome paint and wire wheels the S sold for $100 less than the C, which offered two-tone paint and cast wheels.
1987: All-new for '87 was the XV535, a smaller Virago with five-speed transmission, driveshaft and a seat height of less than 28 inches. And like the larger Viragos, the 535 hung its engine, a 70-degree, air-cooled V-twin, from a semi-monocoque frame.
Every year or two, Yamaha changed the Virago's color
scheme. This 1991 1100 is in Yamaha black.
1988:
A slight bore increase returned the Virago to its original
displacement of 748cc. Other minor changes resulted in a broader,
more comfortable seating position.
1991: Vivid new colors for '91 were Yamaha Black on the 1100, and Black Metallic on the 750.
1993: The 535 Virago returned unchanged after a brief hiatus. Its 27.6-inch seat height and lightness made it one of the most compact cruisers available.
1995: Pssst, come here a minute. Want to know a secret? There's bright, new paint coming on the '95 Viragos. Check out the special road test in this section for a sneak preview of the 15th edition of the Virago 750.
Prices of the 1995 Viragos have not yet been determined. Listed here are the 1994 prices. Expect a moderate increase: Virago 1100, $7,399; Virago 750, $5,599; Virago 535 Special, $4,799; Virago 535, $4,499.
1991: Vivid new colors for '91 were Yamaha Black on the 1100, and Black Metallic on the 750.
1993: The 535 Virago returned unchanged after a brief hiatus. Its 27.6-inch seat height and lightness made it one of the most compact cruisers available.
1995: Pssst, come here a minute. Want to know a secret? There's bright, new paint coming on the '95 Viragos. Check out the special road test in this section for a sneak preview of the 15th edition of the Virago 750.
Prices of the 1995 Viragos have not yet been determined. Listed here are the 1994 prices. Expect a moderate increase: Virago 1100, $7,399; Virago 750, $5,599; Virago 535 Special, $4,799; Virago 535, $4,499.
By 1989 the only sure means of telling an 1100
from a 7S0 Virago was the paint, and the 1100's
standard backrest.
from a 7S0 Virago was the paint, and the 1100's
standard backrest.
Join the Club
For Virago owners and lovers
If you're a fan of the Yamaha Virago, contact the Virago Owners Club c/o Tony Mei, 6785 Threshold Point, Homosassa, Florida 34446; (904) 628-1445. Members receive a bimonthly newsletter, membership directory, sticker and discount card good for special pricing at participating dealerships.
The club's annual rally is called the Family Reunion, and in 1994 it will be held August 11-14 in Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania; for information contact Gary Blank at (215) 763-1143. The Western Roundup is August 25-28 in Fallon, Nevada; contact Chuck Rogers of the Desert Cruisers Motorcycle Club; (702) 423-7205.
The club is open to all; you don't have to own a Virago to join, and non-member rates are available for rallies. Annual dues are $18 ($25 Canadian).
For Virago owners and lovers
If you're a fan of the Yamaha Virago, contact the Virago Owners Club c/o Tony Mei, 6785 Threshold Point, Homosassa, Florida 34446; (904) 628-1445. Members receive a bimonthly newsletter, membership directory, sticker and discount card good for special pricing at participating dealerships.
The club's annual rally is called the Family Reunion, and in 1994 it will be held August 11-14 in Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania; for information contact Gary Blank at (215) 763-1143. The Western Roundup is August 25-28 in Fallon, Nevada; contact Chuck Rogers of the Desert Cruisers Motorcycle Club; (702) 423-7205.
The club is open to all; you don't have to own a Virago to join, and non-member rates are available for rallies. Annual dues are $18 ($25 Canadian).
Here's a 1994 XV535—colorful fun on
two wheels!
fifteen years of virago heritage 4 / 4
