Big guy who loves Virago's.

OK, so it's been a while since I've posted on here. Anyhow I have a problem. I'm looking to upgrade to something with a V-Twin 1000cc's or bigger but I'm not looking for something that looks like a freakin' tank with 2 wheels. I absolutely love the looks of a Virago (streamlined, small gas tank, almost vintage chopper look without being a chopper) but I stand 6' 1'' and I can barely fit on my XJ650 maxim. I would imagine that a Virago would be just as uncomfortable. Is there any difference in the frame size of the different Viragos or are they pretty much the same size? Can anyone recommend any other bikes that might be similar that a big guy could fit on?

thanks,
Graves.

 

I'm kinda in your boat at 6' tall as well. I too have always like the looks of the Virago's. Tis a shame then that the damn things just don't fit me.
I've tried riding the 750's and 1000's and they're both just too small - I'm sure with enough fiddling with bar position or replacement bars, some forward controls, and a custom seat I could probably make it right.... but that's a lot of work just to get it to fit right.

Unfortunately, I can't really give you an option in the cruiser market. I too haven't really found one I like (ie isn't a gigantic retro monster), and fit well.

To be honest, the bike's I've found the most comfortable for riding position have been all pretty recent:
Suzuki V-Strom
Triumph Tiger
Yamaha FZ-1

 

Try one of THESE

 

1100 Honda Spirit!!! Looks similar to a Virago.... This is a pic of a 2002, but they haven't changed in a while.

Link:

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... pirita.jpg

 

OOohhhh but you have no IDEA how I lust after the Norge... or even a Griso for those time you just need to be naked

 

I absolutely love that bike....but until after the wedding I will be making absolutely noooo purchases since I have to pay for honeymoon travels.

I agree with you on both the Norge and Griso.

 

I know it's not a V, it's a inline 1200 4, but it is a XJ

 

what XJ is that?

I like it.

 

Guys, I have a virago 1100 for sale.
I am in charlotte NC, asking 3,000. 26K miles I believe, starter fix done. No problems with it what so ever.
Bike is powdercoated in shiny black with blue glitter and has tons of chrome (more than stock). Its also got blacked powdercoated pipes but otherwise its all stock.
Its really really good looking and will give my maxim a run for the money in the looks department.
Let me know if anyone wants it. In a week or 2 its going in the paper.
Cool.
Srinath.

 

It's an XJR1200 -- Europe/Asian market only :evil:

 

Argh!! No crotchrockets!! Maybe I shouldn't have used the word "Streamlined". Streamlined to me means that it's not a big fat tank of a bike, but it doesn't need to look like a spaceship either. Fat guys should NOT ride crotchrockets!

I looked at a Honda VT1100 the other day but it needed a lot of work. I would've paid more for parts than for the bike itself. A guy on ebay said that a Virago wouldn't be too cramped with forward controls. That's a nice thought but I still don't think that they would be far enough forward on those bikes.

 

That's what I'm talking about.

 

8O

Jim

 

Mine has highway pegs on the engine protector bars. Its too much of a reach for me - my 5 ft 10 with 32 inseam isn't big enough for it. few more inches of inseam and you're good.
Cool.
Srinath.

 

Get a virago and build forward controls. I'm 6ft 1 and have a 1985 xj700 and I had to put froward controls to be comfy.

 

Re:

That's a freakin sweet bike! But looking at the picture i see liquid cooling and a CHAIN? heh almost doesn't qualify for an XJ. :lol:
I'd love to have an XJ900 but i think i'd take the 1200 over it if it were available in the US.

 

How about some pics of these bikes with forward controls and highway pegs? It would be great if either of those helped me but if Virago frames are anything like my XJ frame then neither of those will help much. If I had to put highway pegs on my maxim they would have to be mounted to the freakin' forks to be in a comfortable position. haha.

 

more pics in my gallery

 

Sqaush it all :twisted: ! GET A V-MAX

 

I have an 1981 Virago 750, and I'm 6'2" an yes I feel like a monster on that bike, but it is such a change from my XJ 750 that I had. It is so light feeling, I like the virago but like oyu said you can't stretch out on it. I just like for in town cruiseing

 

Scrapes wish list: One V-MAX for sqaushing

 

Mine to!

 

Did I ever mention your excellent taste in bikes ridz. 8) It's not the case of if I ever get one...it's when! I have to get that bike...no choice...can't help myself. :twisted: