Virago Cosmetic parts interchangeable?

I found a dirt cheap (80s model) XV750 locally that has starter issues, was curious if any of the cosmetic parts would fit an XJ650? Mainly like the tank, forks and perhaps the MC and Brake assembly?

 

Some parts will interchange like forks,wheels(although the rear wheel is a 15 inch), seats and tanks if the rear tang is the same.

 

Is the drum unit the same on both? If the Virago needs less work I'd like to fix it up, put the rear to front conversion on it and use two XJ 16" wheels.

 

if your virago is an 81-83:
the front wheel is the same as the 650 maxim.
the rear wheel is different.
forks will interchange.
tank will NOT interchange.
no engine parts will interchange
swing arm will not interchange
seat will not interchange
most everything else will not interchange.
front tank mount rubbers will interchange
levers and master cylinder will interchange
mirrors will interchange

If you have an 84-on-up:
virtually all of the parts from the steering stem forward will swap with the 85/86 xj700/750/X except for a few pieces.

Otherwise, most parts are not swappable.

If your thought it to fix the Virago you're gonna sink a couple hundred into it to get rid of the starter issue. It is a common issue to all of the 81-83 viragos. It involves taking the side cover off, pulling the starter, probably replacing it, the oil, the gasket, and some other stuff as needed. If the bike is in REAL good shape and has low miles, it might be worth it. If it has high miles and is still nice, buy it cheap and part it out. Take that money and put it into your 650.

dave fox

 

I believe the drum unit is smaller on the virago wheel. There are a couple of threads on the rear to front conversions with all the details, you'll have to look in the XJ Modification forums. On another note, some Viragos had spoke rims. Have seen some on Maxims.

 

spoke rims were on the smaller viragos....xv250, xv535..................

dave

 

I haven't gone to see it yet and only have a few bad photos to go by. Not spoked wheels, looks like the swirl wheels the XJ has. And it had 34k miles. Kept in a garage or shed.

 

then it's either an xv750 or an xv920. With that kind of mileage, you're pretty well guaranteed to have the dreaded 'box o' rocks' starter issue.

Have fun................

Dave

 

From what I've read I'm sure it's a 81-83 because of the monoshock. I've been trying to find some info on that starter issue to see of its worth a fix. Guy said it was running a year ago when it was out in storage.

 

I'm sure it's the 81-83 simply because you said it has the swirly rims. they changed to the 'straight' 5-spoke rims on the 84-up.

for more info on the starter issue, go to viragotech.com

I'm in the middle of doing the starter fix on my 81. If you do it yourself and take your time you'll be alright. Screw the cost of it. You have a nice bike when you're done if its in good shape to start with. Mine only has about 16k mi on it and has been garaged all it's life.

Dave

 

Not that it helps you bunches, but I have an '88 XV535 and and '82 XJ750 if you're curious about anything re: those models.

 

flynnski, do those vision wheels fit on the virago? I know the axles are the same, but what I'm really worried about is the shaft splines on the rear. The swingarm looks the same, so I'm thinking it will fit. I don't mind having to make spacers. Just figured since you had both bikes, you might now.

 

I don't believe they swap.

I also have a 550 Vision. I'll check some measurements this weekend.

dave