Cheap Project???

Anyone looking for a project. This thing was s sitting at the shop I just took my “new” bike to (2004 Suzuki Volusia VL800). He said he was working on it for a kid and the kid just left it there. He only wants $100 for it.

I thought it was a Maxim at first glance, so I was maybe going to pick it up for spare parts.

 

Wife would kill me. Any idea what it is?

 

That's a first generation Virago. Grab it. Enough is there to turn into a rider if the compression checks out.

 

Can I keep it at your house? My wife said no more projects and until I finish one. I have the XJ on the lift and a ‘90 GSXR 1100 hiding back in the corner...

 

Same here!!!

 

Heck ya you can keep it at my house. I'll even buy you out. I had to sell my first-gen Virago project before I moved.

What year is the Gixxer?

[EDIT] Burbon may have played a role in this post. That does not mean that I'm not interested (assuming that the kid can be contacted).

 

Looks like a Virago 920.

They are in high demand for custom builds and probably the larger displacement has a factor.

Here's a Greg Hageman build:
https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-japanese-motorcycles/yamaha-virago-zmwz12mjzbea

Buy it and put it behind the garage.

Tony

 

You guys suck! You have me wanting to buy it and stash it now. If it was abandoned by a customer what are the chances I could track down a title for it? If I could get the title I’d consider flipping it for a few $’s.

gixxer is a 1990 1100

 

Vermont does not require a title for registration of old vehicles. Vermont allows registration by out-of-state owners. All states have to accept Vermont registration as proof of ownership when titling a vehicle "brought in" from out of state.

 

Seriously though.... if anyone wants this I can pick it up for you and hold it until you can get it. I’m in Chambersburg, PA.

 

That is hilarious..... what a loophole!

 

CT now has it set up where you can transfer "ownership" by getting a bill of sale and completing an affidavit on any vehicle 20 years old or older. They won't issue a title, but will issue a current reg. with new plate. And of course, you need valid insurance coverage to be able to legally ride.

I also promised my wife no more project bikes or else I'd consider it.
That was our agreement in order for her to give me the green light to purchase the FZ10 over the summer.

Tony

 

Okay guys I got a 82 920 virago that I've been working on. What is first generation? I would probably consider mine is because the starter sucks so bad.

 

1st gen has the monoshock rear. Yours is 1st gen.
The 2nd gen left engine cover (with a real Bendix) is a direct swap, but hard to get anymore. Blame Yamaha USA and their penny-pinching ways for the starter trouble. The rest of the world got a real Bendix gear on the starter setup.

 

That’s actually what I did with my XJ750 years ago when we were in NC. I bought it for $650 and stashed it behind the shed for a few weeks. I’m not doing that again

 

Hah, it's the same the world over, alcohol and project envy, like a male disease that surfaces every now and again. Must fight it......

 

Anyone ever put a Virago motor in an XJ frame?

 

I doubt anyone has but cannot deny for sure. Even though Yamaha loves to build parts bin specials I really don't think there is more similar between the 2 other than the final drive and the wheels. Of course you can put anything in anything if you have enough money.
John

 

TRUE..... true

 

Generally speaking you want to put in an engine with more horesepower, not lesss.

 

I don’t remember the specs on the XJ750 motor and I don’t know shit about the Virago.

I know the bike is only $100, but I think all of my play money is going to be set aside for a few tools that I’d like to add to the shop..... TIG welder, bender, torch set, and plasma cutter. Not sure of which one I’ll save up for first.

 

XJ750 makes about 80 hp peak, Xv920 makes about 55 hp peak. The XV engine is a sweet runner though. Smooth and torquey.

 

Wow, so my XJ750 should blow away my ‘04 Suzuki Volusia VL800 then.... nice!

 

Me? I would put the money in the tools before a Virago. When they came out I thought they were the thing but not so much anymore. That one looks like a money pit, and likely doesn't have a title. That means if you need specific, pricey, hard to find parts it is a deal.
John

 

I’m definitely not buying it unless it’s still sitting there in a few years. I’ll buy it and hold it for someone else though.

 

Virago engines have different dimensions, and they are stressed member. They hang under the frame, not cradled in it.