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
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.