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Another Motorcycle

Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 10:14 pm
by wvjohn
Got tired of screwing with my project bike (the 79 Suzuki GS1000), and even though it runs like a sumbitch for 20 minutes at a time, decided what I really wanted to do was be able to ride and enjoy this summer. So I bought a bike that's only 25 years old instead.

1983 Yamaha Virago 920 24k

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Paid $1500 for it which was a probably a bit high, but you could eat off the engine and it had almost brand new tires. No dings. It's got the classic Virago starter clank, but it started right up. I rode about 80 miles this morning on back roads and the thing is muy simple to ride. Point and aim. Most of the torque is mid range and it's got lots of oomph if you kick it but is very tractable. Could probably ride it in 1st and 3rd only. It doesn't rear up and try and climb trees like the Suzuki, but I'm getting a little old for that stuff anyway. Just wanted a decent sunday rider to begin with and this looks like it will fit nicely. Probably sell the monster to someone who wants to make a drag bike (I have xtra motor so they can blow one up!) I'll do some serious riding next week after it gets its own license plate ;) .

Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 11:17 pm
by Executioner
That GS1000 - is that a 2 stroker?

With gas prices they way they are, I've been thinking about getting another street bike. The last one I had was an old Yamaha RD350 that I sold in the early 80's. What spooks me about riding bikes now are the idiots on their cell phones text messaging while driving.

Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 11:52 pm
by nexus_7
bike looks great for its age. enjoy it and stay safe!

Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 12:06 am
by [ GK ]
Definitely looking good for a 25 year old bike! :s mile

Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 6:31 am
by wvjohn
The GS 1000 is a 4 cylinder dohc 4 stroke. When it came out it was the fastest thing on wheels. would run sub 12's out of the box.

Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:16 pm
by Shadow250
nice bike, i was thinking of getting something similar to save gas at least in summer but now i find out in a few weeks ill be hitting the unemployment line. :(

i dont know much about motor cycles in general, but i do know ignition coils and condensers can become temperature sensitive. they can work great till hot then be dead till they cool off if even for a few minutes then work again.

Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 10:47 pm
by wvjohn
did about another 50 miles of backroading today - it's got a driveshaft so if you really match rpms when shifting feels like an automatic. opened her up a little more and she has lots of raw power when you want it.

Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 11:03 pm
by eGoCeNTRoNiX
This weekend I'm going to be starting a little resto project of my own. I've got a 93' Kawasaki Vulcan 500cc (Yah, small, but powerful same motor as a ninja). Should be loads of fun and look great when I'm done :)

eGo

Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 12:13 am
by normalicy
Just saw a dude put an electric motor in his motorcycle (with a driveshaft) & it scoots pretty well despite having like 8 batteries in it. I was tempted to try it myself. But otherwise, I'm too chicken to get onto a 2 wheeled vehicle.