Torque and Chrome

85 Yamaha Virago 750 Good First Bike?

I was looking at getting a 85 Yamaha Virago 750. I was wondering if this is a good starter bike? Here are the details of the one I'm currently looking at. Virago 750 with 10,000 miles - $950 -Clear Title -All Original -Runs Good -New Tires with 600 miles on them -Needs Mirrors -All Lights Work -Mechanical Sound -Chrome in Good Shape -Paint in Good Shape -Historic Tags -One small dent on Tank -Sitting for 3-4 months in storage unit The reason the guy told me he was selling it was because he bought this for his wife to get her used to riding a motorcycle. He's been keeping in a storage unit, because he doesn't have space and wants to make a quick sale. He bought another bike, and wants to maintain one. Do people think this bike sounds like a good deal The bike seems like a great deal! (I haven't physically seen it yet!) Is this bike is too old for a beginner? Should I be looking for something newer? Could I find mirrors to fit this easily? Would it be hard to find parts for this? Would this handle well and be comfortable for a newer rider?

Public Comments

1. No. Stop and think, it's 25 years old! Parts will not be available, dealers normally will not work on a bike that old.
2. hmmmmmmmmmmmmm i had one of these new/it was 2500 25 yrs ago/offr 500 and thats a lot for that bike/going to need batt and tires and mirrors/take to yam dlr//never mind what the guy says/make the 500 offer he will take it
3. Honestly dude thats frekin old...id be scaired that somthing that old would give me more problems than fun...i would suggest a 250 or a 500 for a starter bike...i actually got my first bike early this year, its a hyosung gt250 comet and its been a GREAT bike to learn on...But im go na get somthing else sometime next summer cause now that i got the hang of it a 250 dosent have enough power for me (haha not cause im fat but i need speed and power) but i would highly suggest this bike its got enough for highway speeds (i take it on the interstate all the time) iv got it to 100 but i would say top end is about 90 its also a full sized bike with a 250 engi e in it...(other 250's just felt like a toy to me).also its quick for a 250 but u dont have to worry about accidental wheelies u can wheelie it but u have to clutch it up and its just a fun bike to ride...a nice looking bike too especially for a 250..parts arnt too hard to get i get them online at http://www.epfguzzi.com/hyosung/accessories/gt250_OEM.html and i have had no problems with this thing at all..i did break the end of my shifter off but i made a bad rooki mistake by trying to turn around on a gravel road haha
4. its a good deal that bike has a BULLETPROOF motor! I have an 1981 Virago with well over 200,000 miles on it! The only problem you will ever have is with the starter motor and its easy to fix once it happens. parts are still available for those bikes at the dealerships and at boneyards. I would jump all over it!
5. I currently ride that exact year, size and make. So if you want an honest opinion from someone that actually rides one here is my two cents. Although the bike is 25 years old, for the most part it is a fairly easy bike to work on if don't mind getting your hands dirty. (with the exception of the carbs which can be a real b##ch) but then again depending on the Vtwin, carbs can be difficult. Many shops, like earlier mentioned, do not work on older bikes. But there are many resources specifically for Viragos ie manuals(paper and disk), website that you can use for reference. And for the most part anyone that runs a Virago site tend to be more than helpful. Usually though there is one independant mechanic in a city that will work on older bikes for the very reason that the older dealerships don't. Now in terms of parts Yamaha still make OEM parts for this bike however if your looking for parts in the states keep in mind they did not actually release a US version of the 750 for the 85 (has to do with imbargo (sp?) implemented for years 84-88. The released a 700. However, many parts are transferable between older and newer Viragos. It may take some cross referencing. The most difficult part is looking for used replacement parts. They are hard to come by and those of us who do ride them tend to keep decent parts on our own shelves for replacements. However, if you do a quick search on Ebay will find around 2000 items of used for the Virago on sale. I don't think this is too old of bike for you. As first bike, you won't be as upset if you happen to drop the bike as you might be with something newer. But really it all depends on how deep your pocket book is. Mirrors there are tonnes on ebay and independant sites. As for handling it quite good low to the ground and most people will not have any problems sitting on the bike flat footed. With a little TLC you can make your bike look great. Its amazing how far new paint job will take you. I personally love my bike and if you would like to see what it looks like PM me and i can send you pics.