82 Virago 750 for beginner?

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jonnythan · #1 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 8:12 am

I learned to ride on a Harley Sportster 883 Hugger a couple of weeks ago. Spent a day learning from an experienced biker and put up about 30 highway miles and some city cruising with a passenger. I did pretty well with it.

I was immediately hooked and really want to buy a cruiser now. I really want a Softail (I'd settle for a Sportster) but I figure I can work up to that..

I've been looking at used bikes in the under $2k category to learn on, and just happened on a good condition 1982 Virago 750. What's the consensus on how suitable this would be for a first bike?

(I'm 5'8, 165 lbs if that matters.)

#2 Unread post by **bok** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 8:57 am

it's a decent bike to learn on, if it fits you well, go for it.

do your passengers a favor though and practice with it before taking them for a ride. most folks will say ride solo for a year or so before taking passengers.

since i am one of the resident safety nuts around here i would be remiss if i also didn't suggest you take a MSF course when you get the chance since statistically those who are taught by a friend are usually the most likely to end up in an accident.

jonnythan · #3 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 8:58 am

Absolutely taking the course, no worries. Also plan to do a lot more solo riding before taking a passenger again

jonnythan · #4 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:17 pm

What do you guys think about this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1985-HON ... dZViewItem

1985 Honda VT500 Shadow, 32k miles, new tires.

flynrider · #5 Unread post by **flynrider** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:40 pm

Assuming that everything they say about it is accurate, that looks like a good bike to start on.

Are you located close enough to go check it out before you buy it? I wouldn't buy a bike sight unseen.

I'd also ask the seller what exactly he means by "small brake work" needed on the rear brake. If the rear drum is shot, that can get expensive. Since it's being sold by a motorcycle shop, I'd wonder why they wouldn't just fix it if it was really minor.

I'd definitely say it was worth checking out. If you have any motorcycle savvy friends, take them with you to check it out.

jonnythan · #6 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 2:00 pm

flynrider wrote:Assuming that everything they say about it is accurate, that looks like a good bike to start on.

Are you located close enough to go check it out before you buy it? I wouldn't buy a bike sight unseen.

I'd also ask the seller what exactly he means by "small brake work" needed on the rear brake. If the rear drum is shot, that can get expensive. Since it's being sold by a motorcycle shop, I'd wonder why they wouldn't just fix it if it was really minor.

I'd definitely say it was worth checking out. If you have any motorcycle savvy friends, take them with you to check it out.

I thought I was close to the Honda, but apparently it's almost a 4 hour drive. Oh well.

I'm going to go next week and get my learner's permit and call tomorrow to sign up for an MSF course.

The Virago is close enough to check out, though. I think I will.

Thanks

#7 Unread post by **bok** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 3:22 pm

hey Jonnythan, glad to hear you are gonna try and get in the course. that being said, if you have a bike and a big parking lot to practice in that can fill the time until you can take the course, just remember not to push yourself too much and if you start getting tired, that's the time to call it a day

Wizzard · #8 Unread post by **Wizzard** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 3:46 pm

The Virago will be a great bike to start out on . Imnsho .........

Also , you might want to go here http://hometown.aol.com/iamflagman/viagromanxv1100.html
This guy is too kewl and has lotz of tips and tricks for Viragos .
Somewhere amidst the pics are some of my old Virago .
Best regards, Wizzard
Oh yeah and thru him I am one of Hell's Old Farts...........

#9 Unread post by **motogirl** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 2:54 pm

My first bike is a '94 Virago 750. I just got it about 3 months ago, while I was taking the MSF class, and haven't had a single regret. Love it, love it.

Good luck with yours!