Motorcycle Review - 1995 Yamaha XV535 Virago - Everyone's favourite half-size Harley
Vložit
- čas přidán 30. 05. 2024
- ☕ If you enjoyed this video click this link to buy me a coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/thelonet... ☕
SECTIONS:
00:00 - Introduction
02:05 - What is it?
05:10 - How does it feel to ride?
10:36 - Highlights
13:58 - Lowlights
19:40 - Buying, value in the market and alternatives
24:53 - Conclusion
Music by the band Mannaforra:
open.spotify.com/artist/3ZMAf... - Auta a dopravní prostředky
☕ If you enjoyed this video click this link to buy me a coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/thelonetrader ☕
9:31 ...more image-based Harley....
😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆
That's the spirit! Reading the Harley forums and seeing the ridiculous problems they have due to the abysmal engineering makes my day.
Hearing passersby endlessly praise the Virago's looks is the icing on the cake
BTW, the 250 is a 2-into-2, the rear exhaust needs to loop around behind to get the correct length, there's just a short section of chromed pipe for appearance, but both exhausts are used.
There's an obsession with extreme power today, but a stately cruiser attracts all the ladies. Smoke a cigar while riding for added verve 😆
Nice review! You forgot to mention the XV 500, the predecessor of the 535. I've got one of these and I think it's an awesome bike. The 535 is essentially a bored out 500, with less power (the 500 has got 49 horses, the 535 44), and a different geometry. The 500 has got a monoshock at the rear, and a shorter wheelbase, of only 141 cms. The 500 has also got the YICS- system, a swirl-inducing system for the inlet tract, that lowers fuel consumption. This system wasn't fitted on the 535 anymore. It was intended to improve torque at the lower rev range as well, besides lowering fuel consumption, and works quite well, as I get some 22/23 kms out of a liter of petrol on my 500. The 500 is also a bit sportier than the 535 in my opinion, I reckon it's got a sportier cam, as the maximum torque is delivered at 7.000 rpm with the 500, against 6.000 with the 535. The Dragstar or v-star 650 basically has still got the same engine as the 500 and the 535, but this time with a longer stroke. Yamaha fitted this 650 with a much tamer cam, and a far worse exhaust tract, resulting in a lousy 40 bhp. I think this must be a boring ride, that leaves much to be desired, which is not at all the case on my 500, and presumably not on the 535 either, as you point out. One of the bikes you didn't mention, but was designed as a competitor to the 500, is the Honda vt 500 c. This nice little cruiser looks a lot like the Yamaha 500 in it's overall style, and has got about the same power and torque as the Yamaha. With this cruiser Honda put in some more sophisticated technology, which the Yamaha lacks. It has, for instance, got water cooling, three-valved heads with double spark plugs, a crankshaft with offset crankpins to mitigate vibrations, and a six speed gear box. I reckon this Honda is quite comparable to the Yamaha 500, as they have about the same horsepower and torque. I presume the six speed gearbox on the Honda must be an advantage as well, as the Yamaha's of this era are a bit to low on gearing. I don't know why, but on my 500 I don't encounter the vibration problem that you mention. Even cruising at about 120 kph, at 6.000 revs, there are hardly any noticeable vibrations. the steering bar on the 500 is mounted in rubber, maybe this isn't the case with the 535? But I regret that my Yamaha isn't a bit taller geared, as the engine is so torquey, and could easily cope with longer gearing, in my opinion. I presently can go as low as 40 kph in fifth gear, and when I open the throttle it will very smoothly accelerate to its top speed from there. So it is quite a torquey engine. Thanks again for the review, and please, keep up the good work.
Dont forget that only making it 44hp makes it fit right under the a2 license ;)
Hi. Nice review. I got a XV 250 from 1991 since 8 years and a XV 535 from 2001 since one year. They both run like they´re new. Absolutely reliable bikes. I use the 250 for the trip in the town and the 535 for the longe rides. There are two things I´ve changed on both bikes. I put on a dragbar instead of the Bullhorn and I mounted different foodpegs so it´s more comfortable for me to ride being 182 cm high.😃
Nice, honest and detailed review. One thing, though - this thing has worse fuel economy than the likes of the Suzuki Alto and early-model Swift! That could be a bit of a concern.
Yamaha Virago is a perfect first motorcycle, I bought one for this purpose. No complains, really great all rounder. Ive two videos on my channel about the virago so I suggest giving a look if someone is interested :) great video anyway. Only problems I had with my virago were clutch starting to slip (at 55k kilometers) and fuel filter getting clogged up (easy and cheap fix)
hey, what do you think about breaking ? I'm thinking of buying one 1995 but I'm not sure if the break systeme was changed with 1995 or 1996 ?
@@mertserhanarslan4471 I believe mine was 1997 but breaking is allright its pretty basic but normal for a cruiser
Nice review, will get one soon.
solid review mate. will be subbing for more
Nice review.I had the 400 with the under seat tank. Brilliant little bike. I used to commute to work on it. Brilliant in traffic. I will agree with your comments on the gearing and fuel range. The gearing feels too short for comfortable highway use. The 9 litre fuel tank on the older models doesn't take you far.
Can you go a +1 tooth on front sprocket to help lower the Hwy RPM ?
As long as it lowers revs but still stays in the power band it should help.
Did wonders on my 2008 V-Strom 650 !
Hey, my friend, A friend of mine just got going on a 2006 Yamaha SV 250 Ex training, only 8km on the bike, runs like new!!
The XV250 is a great bike. Comfy, awesome fuel economy and super light handling. Still looks great, too.
A good honest video
Thanks. That's all I look to achieve.
I've ridden motorcycles since 1978. This is one of the best motorcycle reviews I've read on CZcams. Thank You!
You forgot to mention why you don't want to ride it in rain or snow. Please tell us.
Thank you. It's always great to know I'm creating useful content.
For not wanting to ride it in the rain. It's two main reasons. 1. Lack of protection from the elements. 2. They rust and pit as soon as you look at them.
@@TheLoneTrader Thank you.
I bought a 2001 Virago 3 months ago, zero expectations being a kind of motorcycle I do not like. I must say it's really a pleasant ride at low speeds, everything works as it should, it sounds great and many people compliment me about it 😂. After 3 months, I still think it looks dumb with the fat rear tire and bullhorn handlebar, but all the rest makes me love it.
I've been thinking about the Jadus kit actually.
Gets under your skin a bit, right? It's just such a pleasant and plucky little bike.
If it is original it can rev alot more than most people think. In the spec sheet it seis it can go up to 8500rpm. That means in 4 gear at 145km/h.
Yes the Virago looks stupid and I don't like the flat rake angle, but I'm considering buying one too. I used to ride a Suzuki GT550 and a Moto Guzzi 850 California. Now I'm 66 and want something more economical for riding to the opera in Verona and the Salzburg festival during the summer. I just need something reliable and economical. The Yamaha XJ 600 looks and drives much nicer, but I've heard that it has to be started every day or it won't start at all. Con anyone confirm or reject this?
Bought a ‘93 a couple of months ago and it’s been a right royal pain in the a*se since day one...I truly believe it’s cursed, which is why I named it Christine after the film of the same name (though sadly it doesn’t fix itself like the car in the movie lol).
Ah. That's a shame. What issues are you having?
@@TheLoneTrader biggest problem is lack of power (or what I perceive to be a lack of power as I've no comparison to measure against).. just had the carbs balanced which has stopped the spitting and backfiring issue, I've changed all filters, plugs and oil.. maybe that's just how the 535 is..
@@derekcoe9633 You should be fairly easily getting at least 90mph out of it. It'll never be fast but they're not supposed to be super slow. I know that restrictors often get left in. Maybe that could be your issue?
@@TheLoneTrader where would I look for any sort of restriction?
@@derekcoe9633 It's usually a washer in the exhaust. Try checking out the exhaust.
I have one, it has a lot of power for such a small cruiser. When I bought it, I could reach up to 8500 RPM to access peak power just by removing the exhaust tips and larger main jets. However, in the city, it kept stalling. Now I'm running 108 jets with good lows, middles, and decent highs, but it no longer wants to go above 7500 RPM but can keep up whit a new cb500x.
Well, I've owned a 1996 535 for 15 years, and know it's power band well,and I regularly beat my buddy on his1980 Harley Low rider to 75 mph.Keep the Virago in its power band and the power there will surprise you. It's actually as fast or a little faster than my 1973 Yamaha RD350 through the midrange.A very underestimated motorcycle. I get a consistant 43-45 mpg, even when I flog it. I agree, it could easily pull a sixth gear.
I have a xv750 trike and a Xv535 motorbike with a Pro Kustoms spray job all war memorial related. The bikes called "Poppy."
Great review, thank you.
I’m 6ft tall. I have concern this bike might be a little small? Welcome your thoughts. Cheers, Christian
I'm 5'11" and find it very comfortable, It's not a big bike but it doesn't feel cramped to me.
In the video, the handlebars appear to be very forward compared to a normal Virago 535. In my Virago, I barelyhave to bend my wrists. So if you are tall, you might want to adjust it that way. I am 5'6" and fit perfectly.
You said it was a bike for sunny weather, that you wouldn't ride it in the wet and you would explain more later. Maybe I just missed it or switched off at some point, but I don't recall you actually saying why. Are you able to elaborate or post a time stamp for were you cover this?
Basically, they rust easily and the chrome gets pitted. There are just tons of examples on the used market that are basically pitted, rusty messes and you've got to be on top of it to keep them in good condition.
@@TheLoneTrader So maybe not the best choice in an all weather all year round commuter/weekend fun bike? Is there something like this that you'd recommend for such a job that's of a similar price bracket. Looking for my first 'real' bike after passing my DAS but money is tight so looking at older bikes. I love the sound of the v twin or 270 crank so looking for something that delivers that. Style of bike I'm not too fussed about. Most bikes look cool and ride well. A dealer near me has a 2002 535 for sale at 2.5k so was very tempted. But not sure I would be able to keep on top of clean if I'm 100% honest with myself. As I would be riding daily to commute. So it'd get cleaned once a week/fortnightly.
@@MrBeardedgelfling Are you specifically looking for a cruiser style?
@@TheLoneTrader Not really, I do like the more classic/retro/neo retro sort of style but it's not a deal breaker. I love the sound of the v twin or 270 crank in a parallel twin. Love that sound, so anything that delivers that and I'm going to be happy. I've done a fair bit of research myself, but figured you would have a better knowledge of older bikes than I do.
@@MrBeardedgelfling For super cheap and reliable but still a bit different. I would suggest a Honda BROS 400 or 650. They're nice and reliable, a bit funky and stand up to commuting pretty well.
Would you recomend it to a 6 foot ape like myself
I'm a tall 5 11" and perfectly comfortable on it. You just won't fit a pillion on there, too
@@TheLoneTraderEven if ur pillion is 5'2 😅?
@@bve7397 You gotta like 'em quite a bit. They'll be.... close, and it won't be comfy.
Practical bike..easy ride
The ultimate ladies bike.
Ah, sod that. It's a riot to hoon around on. I'm a big fan of big machines too, but this is a great bike for everyone.
Too bad that not once in the video did you run the 535 through it's entire powerband, your short revving it thriough the gears made the bike look like a dog, it's not, Its not a sport bike, but not a slogger either. Other than that, a good video.
Hell yeah, i agree, got one, runs best in mid to high rpm range, doesn't have much push in the lower range. That's all due to having a camchain instead of pushrods like harleys. Also easly beats a sportster 883, tried it.
The 125 is actually also a V-twin.
Huh. So it is. That's pretty cool to have even the entry level be a V. Thank you for that.
Not sure who to say this
Trader, As a viewer I
would like to see the Bike,
now all that time was taken
talking about this bike and not
much to really see . don't take this
the wrong way or anything but there's
much to learn when it come to a high
comfort precision Machine, with old
and new designs that are out on the
market nowadays is worth the display
of this type of style of Yamaha bike.
Please take the time to show the Bikes
you can still talk through video while
Reviewing the Bike to the viewers.
Thank you. I get what you mean and I do take the critique on board. I struggle a bit with finding time for the production process amongst my other work, so I don't have much time for extended B-roll footage or external shots to explain the details but I'll keep it in mind as I restart next spring.
@@TheLoneTrader
The viewer would really appreciate it, there are so many that start out that way then find out later there are different ways they can show this community all there is in a reliable dependable Classic Comfy Cruiser and there are still bikes out there like yours that folks can get and enjoy.
I think they made a 250 virago.
They certainly did.
Show the bike !
I have a 1996, they are an absolute BASTARD to maintain at times.
yamaha is taking the piss with 20 year old parts being sold at insane prices
after market parts are usually insanely cheaply made and cause more issues,
mine got the approval of the big club because of its straight pipes. at first they were like mate your gonna be too slow, after i did a big club ride they were all pretty impressed with it,
you can really rag the nuts off them and it shocks alot of people how well they do.
but when something goes wrong oh boy does it take some work