Author Topic: Cafe'd Virago?  (Read 44014 times)

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Offline mikethejeepguy

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Cafe'd Virago?
« on: May 29, 2009, 08:42:06 PM »
Ok, I am generally not a big fan of Viragos. Actually, I think in their stock form, they are damn ugly, but to each their own I guess. (apologies to Virago owners, but that is truly how I feel) Design was not kind to that bike.  Until I stumbled across this one.... DAMN! I just might get me one :D

Here's a link: http://www.caferacer.net/forums/post.asp?method=TopicQuote&TOPIC_ID=7484&FORUM_ID=4

And here are some pics...


Before and after
 
and more after...









And a sister bike


Man I love the look of this bike!
« Last Edit: May 29, 2009, 10:00:32 PM by mikethejeepguy »
'76 Honda CB550F, Dana-S'd, Uni filtered, HID'd, LED'd, and mildly cafe'd with many plans still.

fuzzybutt

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Re: Cafe'd Virago?
« Reply #1 on: May 29, 2009, 09:36:33 PM »
i like that. i think i want a virago now  :D

Offline Bodain

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Re: Cafe'd Virago?
« Reply #2 on: May 29, 2009, 09:38:09 PM »
Amazing. Just goes to show you can take any basically ugly bike and make it a beautiful cafe.
2009 Suzuki TU250
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1984 Kawasaki GPZ 750
2005 Yamaha Zuma 50
1974 Honda CB 750
1979 Kawasaki Z750 Twin

Offline Pinhead

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Re: Cafe'd Virago?
« Reply #3 on: May 29, 2009, 10:35:42 PM »
But I'll bet it still runs like a Virago.  :P

I do like the look, though. How 'bout this one?
« Last Edit: May 29, 2009, 10:38:48 PM by Pinhead »
Doug

Click --> Cheap Regulator/Rectifier for any of Honda's 3-phase charging systems (all SOHC4's).

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Quote from: TwoTired
By the way, I'm going for the tinfoil pants...so they can't read my private thoughts.
:D

fuzzybutt

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Re: Cafe'd Virago?
« Reply #4 on: May 29, 2009, 10:57:18 PM »
thing is, i see really cheap viragos for sale around here all the time. usually less than a thousand


Offline mikethejeepguy

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Re: Cafe'd Virago?
« Reply #6 on: May 30, 2009, 08:54:48 AM »
Wow... that is pretty nice too. Hope it doesn't come with the dude! That's a lot of work, I wonder if he is getting his $ out of it for $4000?  I never realized how nice that motor looks though. I was always distracted by the ugly bars I think :D. They are really inexpensive bikes. I think some were made with a chain drive, which might be nicer to ride than the shaft. It will likely be no speed demon, but likely not a bad cruiser. OMG I can't believe I am defending a Virago! LOL that some serious progress for me.

The fact that this guy uses a rear wheel for the front is interesting. He says he used a  BT 130 x 90 x 16 inch front tire.
The bike is originally a  XV750.

I found one here in Ontario for $800 including a parts bike.... tempted
« Last Edit: June 02, 2009, 09:28:18 AM by mikethejeepguy »
'76 Honda CB550F, Dana-S'd, Uni filtered, HID'd, LED'd, and mildly cafe'd with many plans still.

Offline Pinhead

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Re: Cafe'd Virago?
« Reply #7 on: May 30, 2009, 12:08:03 PM »
just went searching on ebay looking at prices on viragos and ran across this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982-yamaha-virago-custom-bobber_W0QQitemZ170336937253QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_motorcycles?hash=item27a8df6525&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A317%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1308

Why the eff would you want to ride like that? I doubt my back could stand more than a mile or two!
Doug

Click --> Cheap Regulator/Rectifier for any of Honda's 3-phase charging systems (all SOHC4's).

GM HEI Ignition Conversion

Quote from: TwoTired
By the way, I'm going for the tinfoil pants...so they can't read my private thoughts.
:D

Offline Pinhead

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Re: Cafe'd Virago?
« Reply #8 on: May 30, 2009, 12:21:50 PM »
Here's one that I think would be really fun.



I'd have brought the front tire a little closer for less rake, though.
Doug

Click --> Cheap Regulator/Rectifier for any of Honda's 3-phase charging systems (all SOHC4's).

GM HEI Ignition Conversion

Quote from: TwoTired
By the way, I'm going for the tinfoil pants...so they can't read my private thoughts.
:D

Offline cb(r)

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Re: Cafe'd Virago?
« Reply #9 on: May 31, 2009, 08:03:24 AM »
BAD DADDY MAM o'LADDIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Offline mikethejeepguy

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Re: Cafe'd Virago?
« Reply #10 on: June 01, 2009, 10:10:34 AM »
The silver looks good but I'm trying to figure out what the riding position would be like? :) I've never noticed that the virago motor is actually kinda good lookin. This is some serious therapy for me. :D
'76 Honda CB550F, Dana-S'd, Uni filtered, HID'd, LED'd, and mildly cafe'd with many plans still.

Offline sinister902

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Re: Cafe'd Virago?
« Reply #11 on: June 02, 2009, 08:37:42 AM »
more info on those two cafe viragos from the original post please!!! they look friggen SICK

Offline mikethejeepguy

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Re: Cafe'd Virago?
« Reply #12 on: June 02, 2009, 09:26:52 AM »
Here is a link to the original thread... http://www.caferacer.net/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7484

You might have to pick through the responses to figure out all the work he did. I do remember him mentioning that the tank has been modified to be more horizontal. Trimmed and re-welded subframe, using a rear rim for the front with a reversed tire, and some other stuff.

The guy's name is Engelbert Visscher and is from the Netherlands.

Here are some more pictures of the sister bike for your drooling pleasure ... I am actually thinking of getting a Vir-hoggo now to do this.





link to sister bike page... http://www.caferacer.net/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7656

Also, I think he was considering going BIGGER on the tires initially...

'76 Honda CB550F, Dana-S'd, Uni filtered, HID'd, LED'd, and mildly cafe'd with many plans still.

Henrik Y

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Re: Cafe'd Virago?
« Reply #13 on: June 12, 2010, 05:13:34 AM »
I've been thinking about getting a Honda CB 750 to build a cafe racer but until then I'm about to convert my virago 535. I might even try to put a turbo on it some day  ;)



[youtube=425,350]UWuHD_CrY1M[/youtube]
« Last Edit: June 12, 2010, 05:17:25 AM by Henrik Y »