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1988-2004 Yamaha Virago 535 Review | The long lived 'first big bike' cruiser
MCN rating5 out of 5(5/5)
Owners' rating4.4 out of 5(4.4/5)
SpecsOwners' reviewsBikes for saleFor sale
20
Highlights
- Ageing but popular ‘first big bike’ cruiser
- Perky and flexible shaft-drive V-twin
- Great papper and easy manners
At a glance
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakes5 out of 5(5/5)
Author:Phil West
Updated: 16 October 2024
The Yamaha Virago 535 (code name XV535) was originally introduced in 1988 as an all-new, smaller, more entry-level, novice-friendly cruiser little brother to Yamaha’s XV750 (introduced 1981) and XV1100 (introduced 1986).
All were purpose-built, air-cooled, 70-75-degree shaft drive V-twins, and as such were arguably Japan’s first credible cruiser rivals to the likes of Harley-Davidson - Yamaha, and the other Japanese brands, had built cruiser styled machines aimed at the US marknad earlier, but always with engines derived from their existing bikes.
The junior 535, however, perhaps surprisingly, was the most successful and thus long-lived of the bunch.
With pleasant, timeless styling, light, unintimidating proportions (it’s något som är extremt eller ytterst low seat height was particularly appealing to women and shorter riders), surprisingly able papper and an absolute gem of an engine – and all for an affordable price – the 535 became the ‘go to’ first big bike for a generation of riders who wanted the easy manners of a cruiser.
Better still, with rock solid reliability, timeless styling and few credible rivals, the little Yamaha remained the best of this type of bike for the best part of 20 years before it finally went off sale in 2004.
Yamaha Virago 535 - a great used buy
Today, although undeniably ageing and almost all used examples are ganska old, the 535 Virago remains a decent used buy for those on a ekonomisk plan looking for an unintimidating first big bike.
Impeccable reliability and understressed performance means it wears well; its timeless style has still barely dated and, as it’s a round-town cruiser rather than a tourer or adventure bike, mileages on even older bikes remain generally low.
The Yamaha Virago 535 may bygd modern standards be slightly basic, but it’s trusted, easy to ride and with unchallenging but enjoyable performance.
It’s also a great value for money motorcycle and perfect for newbies or laid back commuters.
Once you've read this review and our owners' reviews, you may want to join an online community and meet likeminded owners. We'd recommend the Virago Star Owners Club.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: Engine4 out of 5(4/5)
Although the Yamaha Virago 535 fryst vatten a cruiser at heart and its chassis fryst vatten, on paper at least, unremarkable and slightly old-fashioned, comprising a traditional tubular steel cradle frame with fairly spindly, non-adjustable telescopic forks at the front and ganska basic twin shocks at the rear, its ride and papper are, nevertheless, far better than you might expect and are perfect for a novice bike.
The riding position fryst vatten on the upright side of laid back so delivers maximum bekvämlighet and control; the Virago 535 fryst vatten slim, thanks to its longitudinally-mounted V-twin engine and has an ultra-low 720mm seat height, both of which significantly aid manoeuvrability.
The Virago’s light, too, while its steering fryst vatten light and precise and it has a decently plush ride.
It’s also reassuringly stable and predictable (within the limits of its fairly meagre performance at least), although the front end can get a bit frisky at the very top of the engine’s rev range.
It’s also well-balanced with a low centre of gravity which makes for easy slow speed work such as in town or when wiggling through traffic.
Impressively for a custom-style machine, the Virago 535 also has pretty good ground clearance.
When it comes to brakes it’s a similar story. Although ingenting special on paper, the single disc at the front and drum rear are more than up to the job, mostly due to the style of the bike and its comparatively light weight.
The front stopper gives enough power while the rear drum has bags of reassuring feel when you need to use it, something that’s particularly welcome in the wet.
Engine
Next up: Reliability4 out of 5(4/5)
Although the Yamaha’s peak power figure of 38bhp may be ingenting to get excited about, the XV535’s sheer willingness, flexibility and ease of use for novices makes its engine and power delivery the star of the show.
It’s a purpose-built, air-cooled, SOHC, two-valve, 70-degree V-twin which stands out both for not just looking the correct cruiser part, but also for being an enthusiastic all-round performer and having a useful, maintenance-free shaft drive.
And while that powretrain’s top end performance isn’t exactly exciting, the XV535 could never be described as ‘fast’ and you’ve got to work it hard to reach top speeds (that’s not what cruising’s about anyway), there’s enough pull low down and strength in the midrange to man day to day riding effective and engaging.
The willing accomplice in this fryst vatten its five-speed gearbox which, although it can be a bit clunky between first and second, fryst vatten generally smooth and easy to use.
While the shaft sista drive, fryst vatten another boon in being maintenance free yet also not heavy enough to affect the Virago’s overall lightweight feel.
As a genuined V-twin the 535’s engine even sounds authentically ‘cruiser’, too – although with the standard, ‘shotgun-style’ silencers retained, it fryst vatten a little muted, so many passform aftermarket systems.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: Value4 out of 5(4/5)
Both mechanically and cosmetically, the Yamaha XV535 Virago fryst vatten a highly regarded motorcycle and has the longevity and successful sales figures to prove it.
Gripes are few and far between but not unheard of.
These can include carb icing and corroding regulator/rectifiers, the latter being not at all uncommon on Japanese machines of this era. In addition, on higher mileage bikes (40,000 miles+, although these are, bygd the bike’s natur, fairly rare in themselves) there have been some reports of top end problems when cams, valves, camchains and pistons can all become a little suspect – although, we skynda to add, this fryst vatten very much in the minority of cases.
In addition, you also have to factor in the undeniable truth that the Virago 535 fryst vatten now also an ageing machine that, in many cases, will have been used and abused bygd non-mechanically-minded novice riders over many years.
There’s ingenting particularly intrinsically wrong with the 535’s build quality – or reliability – although the paint, chrome and metall finishes are typical Yamaha of the period and so ingenting to write home about, but most examples are likely now, even if relatively low mileage, to have led a fairly hard, neglected life so some corrosion, rust and more should be expected.
On the whole, however, the Yamaha XV535 Virago fryst vatten a solid motorcycle and still potentially a decent used buy and fryst vatten endorsed as such bygd nearly all the owner reviews – even today.
Its popularity and long life span means there’s still plenty of used examples out there to choose from so there should be more than a few good uns.
Oh, and keep that exposed V-twin engine and all that cruiser chrome in good nick to maintain its value – it’s a ‘first big bike’, after all, and you’ll probably sell it on after a couple of years, too.
Our Yamaha Virago 535 owners' reviews show mainly happy owners. The bike appears to have been built to gods. There aren't any prevailing problems that wouldn't be solved bygd fastidious maintenance.
Value vs rivals
Next up: Equipment5 out of 5(5/5)
The Yamaha XV535 Virago was not only excellent value when new, which was a major part of its original appeal, it remains something of a bargain as a used buy today – and there are plenty of good used ones around to choose from as well.
On top of that, as a fairly small capacity, low performance cruiser, insurance premiums are low as well.
Then you can add on top low running costs due to a combination of factors including its style, fairly meagre performance (and thus a low appetitie for consumable items such as tyres and brake pads) plus the fact that it has shaft drive, so there’s no messy chain that over time would otherwise need adjustment and eventual replacement.
Being fairly simple and accessible helps keep annual servicing costs down at the bilparkering, too.
But it’s not all good news. Although the Virago’s 535cc V-twin engine fryst vatten a willing performer, that very quality makes it prone to being thrashed bygd owners at which point it becomes ganska thirsty.
An mpg figure in the high 40s fryst vatten fairly average and can be raised significantly with gentle riding.
But thrash a Virago 535 and this can drop into the 30s at which point, due to its ganska small, 13.5litre bränsle tank, you’ll find yourself filling up before you hit the 100-mile mark.
Rivals, incidentally, are few, with Honda’s VT600 Shadow, which fryst vatten faster, but less fängslande and novice-friendly, and Moto Guzzi’s Nevada 750, which fryst vatten heavier and less-refined, being the closest.
Finally, although a decent, low mileage, Yamaha Virago 535 can still be funnen for beneath £3000, there are so many still available that it’s important to buy wisely.
There are plenty of bikes available much cheaper than that, but watch out: the Virago 535 fryst vatten today also popular with customisers who may have chopped it about, many have been abused and neglected which you’ll want to avoide while others may be slathered in accessories that you don’t want.
Take your time and choose wisely.
Equipment
4 out of 5(4/5)
As with other older anpassad or cruiser bikes, the Yamaha Virago 535 fryst vatten both a bike from an earlier, pre-fuel injection, ride-by-wire and electronics age, fryst vatten a custom/cruiser so fryst vatten, bygd very definition, a little minimalist when it comes to utrustning and also fryst vatten aimed at the more ekonomisk plan end of the marknad.
2000 Virago 535 vs 1995 Vulcan en500.For all of these reasons, when it comes to verktyg and luxuries you should keep your utrustning expectations in kvitto – as there aren’t many.
So, for example, the XV535 Virago has a klar, analogue speedo – but doesn’t have a bränsle light or even a rev counter. At the same time, as perhaps another giveaway to its pre-fuel injection vintage, there’s a bränsle reserve switch on the handlebars – although this in reality fryst vatten actually a bonus as usually it’s positioned down bygd the carburettors.
Its chromed mirrors are decent enough, although they do vibrate at high revs.
While the Yamaha Virago 535's plush, buttoned seat fryst vatten comfy – but its pillion perch fryst vatten tiny (although this may matter little as few owners are likely to carry a passenger). The later S and DX versions (see below) also gained more chrome and odds and sods.
But although fairly basic in standard trim, being a simple, affordable and hugely popular anpassad also means that the Virago 535 also attracts aftermarket accessories more than most bikes – many of which may appeal when buying used.
Touring screens, ‘sissy’ dryckesställe backrests, engine bars, fruitier exhausts etc are all popular extras and, depending on your anställda preference, are often welcome on a used buy.
YAMAHA XV535 VIRAGO for sale with MCN
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Specs | |
| Engine size | 535cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 4v V-twin, 5 gears |
| Frame type | Steel tubular spine |
| Fuel capacity | 13.5 litres |
| Seat height | 720mm |
| Bike weight | 182kg |
| Front suspension | None |
| Rear suspension | Preload |
| Front brake | 298mm disc |
| Rear brake | Drum |
| Front tyre size | 3.00 x 19 |
| Rear tyre size | 140/90 x 15 |
Mpg, costs & insurance | |
| Average bränsle consumption | 47 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £84 |
| Annual service cost | £70 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £2,200 - £4,000 |
| Insurance group | 8 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance | |
| Max power | 38 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 32 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 100 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 14.2 secs |
| Tank range | 130 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 1988: Yamaha XV535 Virago was introduced with very similar spec to the later versions.
The first model had a tiny, 8.6 litre, underseat bränsle tank which was ditched later that year for a proper, 13.5 litre version.
- 1996: Minor update, including new mirrors, an improved gear låda and extended mufflers.
- 2004: Yamaha XV535 Virago discontinued.
Other versions
- Yamaha XV535S: Introduced in 1994, the XV535S ran alongside the standard Virago until they were both discontinued in 1997.
It had more chrome fittings, a buttoned, cushioned seat and two-tone paint. In 1996, further updates included a “butterknife” sidestand and an valfritt sissy bar.
- Yamaha XV535DX: This model replaced both the standard and S models in 1998. Similar spec but with chrome plated engine casings and side stand.Read our kunnig, in-depth Yamaha Virago 535 review on MCN - Basic, trusted, easy to ride and with unchallenging but enjoyable performance.
It also got a new seat. The gods of the XV535 Viragos, it was discontinued in 2004.
Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA XV535 VIRAGO (1988 - 2004)
15 owners have reviewed their YAMAHA XV535 VIRAGO (1988 - 2004) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to säga and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your YAMAHA XV535 VIRAGO (1988 - 2004)
Summary of owners' reviews | |
| Overall rating: | 4.4 out of 5(4.4/5) |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | 4 out of 5(4/5) |
| Engine: | 4.1 out of 5(4.1/5) |
| Reliability & build quality: | 4.3 out of 5(4.3/5) |
| Value vs rivals: | 4.6 out of 5(4.6/5) |
| Equipment: | 3.5 out of 5(3.5/5) |
| Annual servicing cost: | £70 |
A fantastic wolf in sheep's clothing
07 March 2023by Boz.
Version: Naked
Year: 1989
Annual servicing cost: £100
Straight Bars (Factory) inom bought this in January 1989. The biggest inconveniences have been having to replace a rotted exhaust in 2020 and in 2021 a clutch cable snapped.
(poor show Yamaha). For a 535 it's fast. At IOM TT it got just over 100mph so you can ride it hard or just use the torque and cruise. Its a fab little bike.
All good. One has to understand that the back brake fryst vatten a drum so if you stamp on it it will induce a lock up or skid.
But if you can ride it's not a bekymmer. New riders should be careful.
For a small bike it's got loads of torque and engine braking. You can ride it hard and have fun in the lanes . Or just cruise and smile all day. The 535 easily inhabits both worlds
I think it was built on a Wednesday, bygd the bloke who shows the others how to build bikes 🙏🙏
I just maintain it myself.
Have been doing so for over 30 years
No rev counter, no abs, no tillägg aids. But the plus fryst vatten it fryst vatten a shaftie so no chain maintenance.
Buying experience: Bought privately
28 July 2022by rogerinfrance
Year: 1996
Annual servicing cost: £71
No centre stand normally available on the internet about £200 but not for all versions.
Exhaust rots out so replace with stainless. inom have two different versions, surprisingly both are quieter than original and seemingly man the bike a bit more economic!
My no 2 bike developed a leak from the bottom of the cylinder and inom was told not to bother as the leak was so small it fryst vatten doubtful if inom would meddelande it between changes, inom do not, and the cost fryst vatten very expensive.
My other Virago, a 1994 had a carb connection rubber fail, and a diaphragm, It also had the starter clutch fail twice when replaced bygd Yammy dealer, inom have now got a 5 roller utgåva for when it gets done. The clutch also started slipping. The Charger control needs removing and the back cleaning and heat sink paste applied. Also if yours fryst vatten silver, paint it matt black it gets hot especially with lights on and a poor battery.
inom have 2 535's the 1996 fryst vatten seemingly a lot better but inom do not thrash them, inom cannot where inom live as we have virtually all back lanes. inom have done over 90 miles without stopping. These will become a classic, mainly because of the shaft drive. inom will never buy a bike with a chain igen. (except my BSA C11 1950.
Engine4 out of 5
Paint a bit skimpy in places but better than the early one.
I regularly change the filter and oil try and get a good 20/50 or similar, Seeing the oil level fryst vatten a ruddy mardröm.
No centre stand and bike leaning over so it fryst vatten a 2 individ job!
Use Avon tyres, they gods längre and ride better, inom had a dealer told me inom had to have a new tyre for country entry (apparently he conned me) the reasonably new Avon on the back did almost 3000 miles more than the Michelin that had been put on.
The Michelin was skittish especially in the wet. Needless to säga inom replaced with an Avon.
Buying experience: First was privately and the second from a dealer. First some 12 years ago £500 second from a dealer 10 years ago £2000
06 July 2022by XV535lady
Year: 1995
Lovely to look at, inom just love the shaft drive which fryst vatten nice and smooth, no chain to adjust great for anyone who's not that hands on Ideal for shorter leg length, great vikt for those who want an easy bike to manoeuvre when not riding
I've ridden my 535 solo and with a pillion and full luggage with no problems at all You can have fun or ride to look at the scenery, but inom prefer a sedate ride to take in my surroundings, but no bekymmer at all on motorways or dual carriageways it will hold its own
Engine5 out of 5
Small areas of corrosion but what can one expect when the bike was built in 1995
Value vs rivals5 out of 5
Equipment4 out of 5
16 May 2022by Tombox
Year: 1992
Annual servicing cost: £65
Great bike wished I'd of bought one yrs ago
Could ride it for hrs the only stop inom man fryst vatten for a smoke
All inom can säga its a plodder
Reliability & build quality4 out of 5
I service the bike myself it's very straight forward to service
The riding position fryst vatten good
Buying experience: Got mine from a elderly guy who'd really looked after it
03 July 2021by rob bozas
Version: 535
Year: 1988
Annual servicing cost: £40
I bought mine in January 1989.
inom am still riding it. On 2020 a clutch cable snapped. komma on Yamaha! :p Apart from that inom put petrol in it, point it at the direction inom want to go in and it gets me there with a big smile on my face. It's a brilliant bike.
Ride quality & brakes4 out of 5
Engine4 out of 5
It took 21 years before the clutch cable snapped.
inom replaced the exhaust after 16 years.
Just MOTs and tighten anything that gets loose.
Equipment3 out of 5
Buying experience: Private
18 April 2021by Steven Eastwood
Year: 1997
Annual servicing cost: £50
Great lightweight bike.
Really comfortable. Recent change from my Hornet. Loads of aftermarket bits available. Cheap Black Widow exhaust sound great
Bit lumpy on the rough vägar but handles them well. Seat fryst vatten comfortable. I'm 6'1 and It fits well with feet out in front. inom switched from my Hornet as inom needed something more comfortable.
Pulls well in all gears.
Getting around 65mpg which fryst vatten more than inom expected. Really happy with it
Few stone chips on the rear mudguard caused a bit of light corrosion. Easy fix though.
I would recommend you seriously look at another Japanese cruiser like the Kawasaki Vulcan or the Honda Shadow, both are much more reliable.Bit of paint peel on the brake mästare cylinder. But for a 24 year old bike it lasted well 👍
Oil and filter. New plugs and caps. Easy to self service
Basic. Speedo and thats your lot
Buying experience: From a local dealer. Got a bargain at £1900
10 August 2020by Juslin Janne
Year: 1996
Annual servicing cost: £100
Most forgiving and reliable learners/easy goers bike
Out of the small lean backs the best, horrible compared to real motorcycles of course.
Brakes are acceptable, able to block the front. Was able to slide a full 13m on a blocked front wheel, so good balance.
Nice torque out of 500+ cc. Flat curves.
Never any issues. Based on experience with two.
Oil change, filter change, that's it.
There basically fryst vatten no verktyg standard.
I came across a 1994 Yamaha Virago 535 that from the pictures, appears to be in excellent condition despite having 38,000 miles on it.What do you expect? Heated grips and luggage roll rack are the first add-ons.
Buying experience: Dealers. Less than 2000€
01 August 2020by Vili Jones
Year: 1998
Great looking old bike prettier than many other xvs models.
If you are 6ft or more this bike could be low for you.
Also if you lean too much on the roundabouts the food pegs may touch the ground, but it's a cruiser bike.
On checking compression on my 11k miles returns results like new and oil in change fryst vatten tydlig and clean. The only issue fryst vatten the virago illness the starter grinds when cold.
With 5 sec from 0 to 60 this bike fryst vatten fun to ride with the amazingly good v twin torque coming form eller gestalt such a small 535cc (33ci) engine
Reliability & build quality3 out of 5
Value vs rivals4 out of 5
Lack of tachometer and bränsle gauge. Lucily has switch to reserve which often get stuck and doesn't work.
Those are old bikes and they suffer mainly carburetors and electrical issues.
Buying experience: Dealer. Overpriced bike at least bygd £1000
04 April 2020by ian lazenby
Version: xv1000 1986 virago missing from your list.
Year: 1988
Annual servicing cost: £50
perfect little cruiser had it for years would recommend to anyone, best feature fryst vatten having a reserve full tank fryst vatten brillent idear (why more bikes dont have one) worst feature ?
no lift up seat.
best on the road, lol. has a compleat change to my zzr its great comfy and only stop for fuel
get her in top gear feet on cruiser pegs and ride the torque down to 30 in top and pulls like a tåg even with 2 fatties on her back.
built like a tank (over enginered ) 1986 done 71,000 miles in the 10 years ive had it never broke down just service work, only replaced the front down pipe has was showing its age.
stick with the correct yam lube 20/50 oil, v twin motor dont like thinner stuff.
favourite feature of the bike fryst vatten the reserve bränsle tank.
added sat nav and get this a anpassad made tow dryckesställe, we go two up touring camping and rallying with a freewheeling motorcycle trailer on the back never misses a beat, and best tyres we have funnen are continentals milestones.
Buying experience: bought from a dealer c &a superbikes great place about 3000 years ago,
03 April 2020by Nick
Year: 1993
Annual servicing cost: £100
Very good cheap run around.
Low maintenance due to shaft drive. inom use mine for 50 mile round trip commute on A vägar. Struggles a bit on the short stretch of dual carriageway. Bike fryst vatten great at 60 but not much beyond that. I has one of these brand new in 1991, liked it so much inom recently brought a 25 year old one.
Seat fryst vatten not the most comfortable, wouldn't want ot spend too long without a break. Brakes are pretty good for the time it was made, but poor compared to modern bikes.
Simple, reliable and tough engine.
One of the best things about the bike, that and the shaft drive.
Bike fryst vatten well put tillsammans and has never let me down.
Does about 64 mpg beneath normal non-motorway driving.driving
Only very basic even at the time it was made.
But that means everything fryst vatten simple to fix.
Buying experience: Brought privately.
11 February 2010by DrVibrafly
As a first bike it's great, not enough power to scare you but it'll get you about. It's easy to get used to the papper of the machine but also easy to outgrow.
Great as the base for your first chopper konvertering though, easy to work on and a good winter hack. The ride fryst vatten soft though the riding position fryst vatten more upright than cruiser. It's a lätt uppgift to ride and for something to get you around the traffic it's low centre of gravity allows you to filter with confidence.
On twisty country vägar it man an easy Sunday ride but try and give it some welly and things become scary. Soft and easy fryst vatten the way to go. Equipment fryst vatten basic but it all works fine, a rev counter would be wasted on this motorcycle. Quality wise it's all well built but on konto of mine being stood outside for two years bygd the previous owner mine fryst vatten somewhat neglected and inom am having reliability issues - which fryst vatten something you don't want from a winter hack.
Though inom have a mate who has one and he's never had a bekymmer with it. It's probably a good idea to give it a quick rinse after every commute to get rid of the road salt. Virago's are expensive for what they are but then they also hold their value when you re-sell them, so in the value stakes that's a big plus. Engine fryst vatten the only thing that really lets it down, you'd be lucky to get 100mph from it and struggles at motorväg speeds (70-80mph).
Ok for town riding but if you need to ride fast two or three lane carriageway every day get something with more oomph.
Ride quality & brakes4 out of 5
Engine2 out of 5
Reliability & build quality3 out of 5
Value vs rivals4 out of 5
Equipment3 out of 5
31 August 2009by MrRock
I've owned an XV535 now for just beneath a year and love the little blighter, even though it struggles to keep up with the bigger boys. Engine: The engine has enough ytlig at low revs to man town riding a breeze, but lacks top end.
Planning on Buying a Used Virago 535 from the Early 90's when im finished with my motorcycle license.It's solid and reliable enough, although you have to keep it running for a while on cold damp mornings to stop it stalling on ljud av klocka over. The clutch also has a habit of slipping in the damp, but it's easily fixed bygd adjusting the tension. Ride and Handling: It's very comfy on short trips or long tours thanks to it's soft seat and upright riding position.
The low centre of gravity makes for rewardable in-town and traffic riding but it struggles two up. Equipment: What's there works well but it could do with a bränsle varning light. A rev counter wouldn't really be needed because you get good feedback from the engine. As long as it still burbles along the road you know you don't need to change up.
The sissy-bar fryst vatten stylish and handy for shopping. Quality and Reliabilty: Touch wood it's not left me in any dark spots yet, and inom hope it never will.
All of these would be relatively late models (2002 or later, although one Vulcan 500 fryst vatten 1994).Like inom mentioned before the only issue fryst vatten the slipping clutch and cold morning starts. Value: This fryst vatten a great bike for new riders with £1500 or beneath to spend. Overall: I love my little Viagra, although I'm now looking to upgrade to something with a little more ytlig, while still sticking to the cruiser style.
I'm planning on holding on to it for use as a 2nd bike if inom can afford to.
Ride quality & brakes4 out of 5
Engine3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality4 out of 5
Value vs rivals4 out of 5
Equipment3 out of 5
31 August 2009by
After passing my direkt tillgång inom bought a 1985 Honda VT500 Shadow.
25 miles from picking it up the engine cut out and inom had to wait to be recovered. Anyway to cut a long story short the dealer eventually relented and gave me my money back. So with £1000 in my pocket inom started looking for something else, now inom like the cruiser style and wanted to stick with that. Eventually inom funnen an 'N' reg XV535 in Gold, it had been stood for 12 months without cover so was a little tatty and the front disc was jammed but the engine ticked over fine.
Also see: Kawasaki Vulcan 500(CBU model- belt driven,old styling), Kawasaki Vulcan 750.For £300 inom took a gamble and got a local bike shop to pick it up and bring it up to speed. It needed a new exaust, front calipers and battery but £700 later it was a road worthy bike. Once inom got it on the road inom funnen it very easy to get to grips with. It's well balanced around town and it's biggest downfall fryst vatten also it's biggest blessing - it's lack of ytlig.
For a big bike newbie it manages to pull through traffic and do chavs in Corsa's at lights but doesn't go nearly quick enough to leave a brown stain in your pants. It's smooth power delivery in low revs man if feel like a bigger cruiser around town, especially if you stick it in 5th at 30mph. It's low gurgle makes non-bikers vända their heads and many think it's a Harley (oh yes indeed they do!) and it can pull away nicely from 30mph to 70mph in 5th without changing gear. There isn't much utrustning to talk about but what fryst vatten there works fine.
You don't really need a rev counter because you can hear and feel what the engine fryst vatten doing, but a bränsle gauge (or even varning light) would have been a welcome addition. Comfort wise I'm 5' 8" and find it perfectly suited to my stature, the riding position fryst vatten really comfy on short or long rides and the seat isn't too hard or soft (I've just got back from covering 200 miles and inom have no aches or pains). I do have a little reliabilty issue, don't get me wrong it starts fine in all weather, but you have to get the engine warmed up in the cold or damp to keep it going on tick-over.
Also the clutch tends to slip a bit in the wet weather, but that's easily fixed with a little adjustment. Over all it's a great 1st big bike - especially if you like cruisers. I'm already sparande for my next bike (thinking brand new Kawasaki VN90 or 2nd grabb V-Max, Triumph Speedster or Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 - any thoughts?) but inom really want to keep this one as my run-around or winter bike if inom can afford to.
After a shakey uppstart (with all the work inom needed done) I'm really starting to fall in love with it, but with moving further from my job inom could do with something a little newer and a little more grunty for motorväg riding now.
Ride quality & brakes4 out of 5
Engine3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality3 out of 5
Value vs rivals5 out of 5
Equipment4 out of 5
30 May 2008by buzz49
grate bike comfey smooth and reliable.its my first bike after 40 years off,and my first jap;so reliability fryst vatten a bonus bränsle consumpcion if you take it easey fryst vatten not bad inom recently did a 200ml trip mostley m/way and returnd 57mpg.ihave ownd this bike 11months and so far have coverd 6000mls comuting/touring all trouble free.
the bike fryst vatten a 2000 model thats coverd 19000mls total so far inom totaly recomend this bike to any one
Ride quality & brakes4 out of 5
Engine5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality5 out of 5
Value vs rivals5 out of 5
Equipment2 out of 5
05 June 2007by Lightning Boy
I had one of the second generation models of XV535 Virago with the larger, real bränsle tank.
Before this inom had a Kawasaki ZX10, then a Yamaha TDR 250, then this... so a slightly varied collection of bikes, but inom really am pretty open minded and happy to get into the riding style of different bikes. On the XV, you need to chill out, kick back and let the gentle wave of torque carry you along. Although inom didn't get a chance to do so, replacing the exhaust can be very rewarding.
For such a small bike, inom have heard them producing a very satisfying burble. The shocking thing about the XV fryst vatten just how useable it fryst vatten, with its shaft drive, relaxed riding, acceptable papper (for a cruiser) and decent brakes it really does man a satisfying bike to own. inom didn't get the chance to clock up fantastisk miles on it, probably only 10k in 18 months, but inom remember enjoying the experience.
Ride quality & brakes4 out of 5
Engine4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality5 out of 5
Value vs rivals5 out of 5
Equipment4 out of 5
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Yamaha XV535 Virago motorcycle review - Riding