# 1987 Yamaha Virago 750 - Good first bike? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 24, 2003, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880 "2003-03-24T21:37:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Anonymous\_Coward](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/94ad74/32.png) [@Anonymous\_Coward](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anonymous_Coward)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2003, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/1 "2003-03-24T21:37:13Z")
I’m looking to get my first bike and one that has caught my eye is a 1987 Yamaha Virago 750. I’m not looking for a crotch-rocket, but I don’t know if I would like the cruiser feel. Looks are not really important for me, and I don’t plan on cross-country trips. I’m mainly planning on puttering around town and the occasional 2 hour trip. The bike has 8000 original miles on it and is well kept. It comes with upgraded highway pegs, roll bars and a “nice set of street pipes”. I assume this is an upgraded louder exhaust? I don’t know how to use a bike or have my bike license yet, so I will have to get a friend who knows about bikes to test drive it for me. From what I read, these bikes do make good starters but may not be comfortable for large people (I’m 6’1 and 230 lbs) but again I won’t know until I learn to drive. I do plan on attending a good driving school and learning how to ride without killing myself or others. So, I need opinions! Yay or nay? ---
**Author:** ![bernse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a9a28c/32.png) [@bernse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bernse)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2003, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/2 "2003-03-24T22:29:27Z")
Well, IMHO: A 750 for a first bike for a person that has no experience riding a bike whatsoever is on the big-ish side. Normally, I wouldn’t recomend anything more than a 500 or so for a first, and even that can be pushing it. However, that being said a Virago is quite low and hence has a low center of gravity so it’s quite forgiving and relatively easy to handle. You’re also a fairly large person so it _shouldn’t_ be much of a problem. My advice: Take a bike riders safety course. The people that run the courses usually use 250cc for these. Good to learn on and you can learn to ride properly the first time. Whike you can still get into trouble with a 250, you’re not going to have your hands full like how a 750 could. bernse - who’s first bike was a 1200cc Goldwing Interstate when he was 15. ---
**Author:** ![mishaa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/34f0e0/32.png) [@mishaa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mishaa)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/3 "2003-03-25T00:58:48Z")
Hey, hubby and I had a Virago when we were newlyweds! Lots of fun, and very comfortable for short or long distance rides. Have fun! ---
**Author:** ![Osip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/4491bb/32.png) [@Osip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Osip)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/4 "2003-03-25T01:34:16Z")
I had an 82 Virago 750 as my first bike. I really did enjoy that Bike. I am glad to see you are going to be taking the proper courses and learn how to ride the thing in a safe manner. A 750 is a bit much to start on… but not so difficult a thing. The important thing is learning how to handle the bike. I now miss my motorcycle. This shall just fuel my desire to save up and buy a Ural 🙂 Have fun and be safe. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/5 "2003-03-25T01:39:16Z")
> [@](#): > > This shall just fuel my desire to save up and buy a Ural 🙂 Don’t forget the sidecar. 😉 How much are those, anyway? Personally I wouldn’t mind a Royal Enfield, which are still being made in India. (Wanna guess which state they’re _not_ legal to buy new in?) ---
**Author:** ![Murcielago](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/da6949/32.png) [@Murcielago](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Murcielago)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/6 "2003-03-25T01:40:47Z")
I began with 125 & 175 trail bikes, moved up to a street 450 and 750. I always thought I had an advantage over some other riders just from experience and learning to get out of bad situations without panic. Sounds like you are going about things the smart way. One thing to pay attention to is slowing down and stopping at various speeds, particularly in traffic. The scariest thing I have seen is a rider lock his brakes, loose control and wind up on his back in the middle of the highway (not good for the bike, either). ---
**Author:** ![roadrunner70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e19b73/32.png) [@roadrunner70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/roadrunner70)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/7 "2003-03-25T02:07:49Z")
The 750 is a bit powerful for a starter, but then again, your size will cut down your 0-60 times a bit. And the cruisers, IMO, are _much_ more comfy than the rockets. The most important thing to remember, is that the bike has no conscience. As you get more and more comfortable with the power and handling, keep in mind that you’re only a throttle turn away from becoming a thread on Ogrish. An '87 Virago with only 8K? Wow. First thing that comes to mind is the tires. I’m betting the front is original, and if so, will probably suffer some degree of dry rot. The rear probably is the second, but still, it’s worth looking at. Nothing worse than losing your rubber on the road. I would inquire if the bike has been sitting up for a few years, or did the person only ride it an average of 500 miles a year. From your description, it sounds like he took care of it, but ask a few questions about the maintenance history. Can’t hurt. Good luck, and enjoy. ---
**Author:** ![Anonymous\_Coward](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/94ad74/32.png) [@Anonymous\_Coward](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anonymous_Coward)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/8 "2003-03-25T13:08:34Z")
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts! I’m pretty much sold on the bike… now the tough part is selling it to my wife. 🙂 **roadrunner70** - I’ll inquire about the tires. Thanks for the heads up. **bernse** - The safety courses have their own bikes? I didn’t know that! I’ll look into one earlier than I planned. ---
**Author:** ![Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/9 "2003-03-25T13:45:42Z")
The Virago won’t be that bad as your first bike, depending on how long your safety course is. But just picture it with dents all along one side after you’ve fallen over going around a turn… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Edward\_The\_Head](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ce73a5/32.png) [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/10 "2003-03-25T13:48:16Z")
I wouldn’t say that a Virago 750 is going to be too much, it is a cruiser and not any kind of rocket. I would say go for it, if you can convince the wife. ---
**Author:** ![bernse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a9a28c/32.png) [@bernse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bernse)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/11 "2003-03-25T14:25:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Anonymous Coward \* > \*\*bernse- The safety courses have their own bikes? I didn’t know that! I’ll look into one earlier than I planned. \*\* Not all of them, but many do. Inquire when you call! ---
**Author:** ![cornflakes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@cornflakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cornflakes)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/12 "2003-03-25T14:33:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Anonymous Coward \* > \*\*The bike has 8000 original miles on it and is well kept. It comes with upgraded highway pegs, roll bars and a “nice set of street pipes”. I assume this is an upgraded louder exhaust? \*\* These pipes can completely screw up the jetting, but one test ride will tell you whether this is the case. Virago carburetors are extremely sensitive to changes in jetting, float level, etc. and more open pipes can really make the bike stumble at partial throttle. Beyond that, Virago ignitions are weak, and the plugs will foul on old gas. The bikes are also cold natured due to the big cylinders and the type of choke used on the carbs. It takes about five minutes for the bike to accelerate smoothly without a little spitting and backfiring. All the same, they’re nice bikes. They’re a little too plush for my tastes, but the engines are fairly solid and and they are comfortable. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/13 "2003-03-25T15:04:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by bernse \* > \*\*However, that being said a Virago is quite low and hence has a low center of gravity so it’s quite forgiving and relatively easy to handle. You’re also a fairly large person so it _shouldn’t_ be much of a problem. > \*\* My experience with Viragos is the complete opposite. Compared to other bikes in the same size range, Viragos are HIGH and have a HIGH center of gravity. I took a motorcycle rider’s course in 1997 or so, and my husband at the time had a mid-80s Virago. After graduating from the course, he and I took his Virago out for some practice in a parking lot. I immediately dumped the thing - the center of gravity was just way too high for me to handle as a first bike. I ended up buying a Kawasaki Vulcan 750. Same size engine, but much easier to handle in the turns. I heard the same thing everyone else says - a 750 is too big, don’t get it as your first bike, etc. etc. I never had any problems with my Vulcan. Never thought it was too big. In fact, a year later I traded it in on a Road King, an ever BIGGER bike. I say go for a big bike, if that’s what you want. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/14 "2003-03-25T15:06:30Z")
> [@](#): > > The bikes are also cold natured due to the big cylinders and the type of choke used on the carbs. It takes about five minutes My XJ600 is cold-blooded, so so was my ex-g/f’s. I have the impression that this is a “Yamaha thing”. ---
**Author:** ![cornflakes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@cornflakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cornflakes)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/15 "2003-03-25T17:38:43Z")
Yes. I think that Yamaha had to lean the idle circuits out on 1980s bikes to pass EPA emissions requirements. Also, it took longer to warm up the big cylinder bikes (i.e., the 600s and big twins.) ---
**Author:** ![casdave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c6cbf5/32.png) [@casdave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/casdave)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/16 "2003-03-25T19:39:01Z")
Personally I think that a 750 Virago is a nice gentle bike afor a beginner. Sure the weight whilst low speed riding, paddling with your feet while trying to manoeuver, could be a bit of a nuisance, but such a bike is going to be very forgiving about being in the wrong gear and the wrong revs. Small bikes take a lot of awareness, you get knocked around by the wind, by bumps in the road, you have to get in the right gear or you make very poor progress, and the brakes are very often pretty poor. I don’t think I’d like to ride anything much smaller than a 500, unless it was a 2-stroke lonny bike. Talk to any biker and you’ll find they tend to have more accidents on small bikes than big ones. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/17 "2003-03-25T20:19:51Z")
87 Virago? Better be free or damn cheap even with low miles. I always thought the Virago handled poorly, primarily due to seating position, but you can learn to deal with it. I would say it is a good first bike, very reliable and low maintentaince, not worth much, but kinda ugly! Ride safe and have fun. * * * Fagjunk Theology: Not just for sodomite propagandists anymore. ---
**Author:** ![bernse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a9a28c/32.png) [@bernse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bernse)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/18 "2003-03-25T21:04:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Athena \* > \*\*My experience with Viragos is the complete opposite. Compared to other bikes in the same size range, Viragos are HIGH and have a HIGH center of gravity. > \*\* If its the one I’m thinking of, I thought it was a very low center of gravity. Anyone have a pic of an 87? ---
**Author:** ![Anonymous\_Coward](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/94ad74/32.png) [@Anonymous\_Coward](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anonymous_Coward)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2003, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/19 "2003-03-26T13:05:30Z")
Here is a tiny little picture here that I googled. [http://www.mcreports.com/Bike-Picsx200/Yamaha/Virago-75-87-97.gif](http://www.mcreports.com/Bike-Picsx200/Yamaha/Virago-75-87-97.gif) The asking price is $2500 Canadian, so it’s pretty cheap if it can be safetied as is. Good opinions here! Thanks very much. ---
**Author:** ![roadrunner70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e19b73/32.png) [@roadrunner70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/roadrunner70)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2003, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-yamaha-virago-750-good-first-bike/163880/20 "2003-03-26T13:13:24Z")
$1700.00 U.S…hmmm, seems a bit pricey IMO, but I’m not familiar with the Canadian bike market.