Considering another project...

Hi guys, I need some help. I am considering getting a virago project bike. I think I might be able to find one for cheapish. Then, seeing that it is the closest thing to a v-twin engine I could get my hands on, pick up a hard tail frame and throw that engine in with all the electrical from the original bike. The only problem that I can foresee is the drive shaft. Is it possible to buy longer ones? Or have them extended? Or even switch over to chain?

I am just wondering how the rear end of the bike would work because a chopper frame would require a bigger rear tire then stock and I don't know how I would work this all out.

Any ideas or suggesting on what to lookout for would be very helpful.

 

Anything is possible with enough $$$ Good luck!

 

That's not completely helpful seeing that I am not loaded lol.

Any useful advice? lol

 

I don't want to burst your bubble, but using a Virago Engine would be my last choice for a power-plant for any project.

There is no Bona Fide fix for the poorly designed Starter problems which are commonplace on the Virago Engine.
The Parts counter man at the Yamaha Dealership will be using your nickname to say hello after you show-up looking for the parts needed to keep that bike starting without running along side, hopping-on and popping the clutch.

Believe me; that gets old in a hurry!

Having someone offer you a Virago for cheap is like someone giving you an old horse for nothing.

You can be sure of one thing ... that horse ain't going to win The Derby!

 

If you already had a frame with that Virago, why not just convert it to a hard tail ? Easier than stretching that shaft unless you want to run it open(no shaft tube over it).

The dual carbs are a PITA to get setup properly, but when you do, they run great. A lot of people have converted to a single carb & manifold.

Starter problems plaqued these bikes as well as TCI problems.

Go here and look around and ask questions. Good group of people there as there are here.
ViragoTech

 

Anthony- - Considering that when you are done, you will eventually sell it, why not build an XS 650 hardtail that has a great reputation, and following, loads of parts, reliability, kick start, good looks, just build it the way you want it.

Don't paint it brown and make sure you install a front brake ! :lol:

 

Alright guys, I'll scrap the project. Don't need a engine with a bunch of problems.

TimetoRide, I will look around and see what other project I might be able to get my hands on.

Would it be worth to get a project Virago, fit it and then flip it? Or just stay away from the bike period?

 

Not enough money in the flip, Too much repair / maintenance cost's.

I've had one and that was enough!

Find you a good XJ for your project.

 

I wouldn't get involved in doing a Virago Project and flip it.
You'd be setting yourself up for bad blood between you and the buyer if the starter goes south.

Within the Motorcycle Community, the word has gone-out far and wide about how Virago's have a design flaw that affects the Starter.

 

Alright, I'll stay away lol.

Just looking for something bigger to tinker with what could I get for around 1500?

 

Guys, I found someone who is selling a 1990 Harley Davidson 1340 cc Evo Motor for (he wants) 900, but will take less. There is a slight crack in the case, and I know I could get that welded back up, either by my self or by a friend. You think it would be worth it, to pick that up, then a 400$ tranny off ebay, and slap them into a 500$ frame? I know mechanically that I could do it, just wondering about the wiring - would this be difficult? I have never wired from scratch before....

Let me know what you think...

 

I'm not up on all the Harley models, but this MIGHT be the motor that ate itself slowly, and the dealers would not fix them under warranty, because, hey! it's still running!! So people kept running the motor, metal fragments grinding into piston skirts, cams wearing, ETC. hoping it would break.

Anyone hear about this?

 

Hi guys, I was doing some more research, and I found a 1988 Honda Shadow VLX 600 for a grand - I can probably get it cheaper to. I have not seen the bike yet, but the guy said he took it to a shop and everything was ok, and all it needs is the timing to be adjusted - or something like that, I am waiting for a more specific explanation.

Do you think it would be worth it? From what I see, it seems that from 88 to 08 they are all pretty much the same, other than the odd engine design change, but so much the same, the exhaust from a 88 will fit a 08.

Any good or bad news about these bikes? I tried google, but not much out there.