Price for 1982 Virago?

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The549 · #1 Unread post by **The549** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 8:47 am

After a year lull of motorcycling, I'm dying to start riding again....

I found an '82 Virago with 12k miles, looks good. They want $1450, which I think is high. The kbb for it is $755, although that would have an assumed higher mileage.

Secondly, what do you think of that bike for a new rider?

Thanks!

Britjoe · #2 Unread post by **Britjoe** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 9:16 am

things to watch out on them, the starter gear goes, so if it has any trouble stating, Clank CLank Clank, walk away, if its from a store, and in good condition 1400 I guess would be ok, I wouldnt pay 1400, maybe 1000
gear box troubles are known to happen too
dont focus on how many clicks it has on old machines, the exhausts rott out pretty quick too.
I say a good first bike if you like the cruiser style

jonnythan · Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:05 am

FWIW, I got an '87 Virago 535 with around 6000 miles for $800. Excellent condition.

The549 · #4 Unread post by **The549** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 11:37 am

How difficult is it for a layperson to replace the starter motor? I too heard about that problem, and emailed them specifically about it so I'll see...

It'll be my second bike (first was a nighthawk 450 that I romped around my neighborhood before it came to its untimely end, sorta).

Yeah I'm gonna offer probably $950, which is $200 more than the kbb value and see what happens.

Social Distortion · Sun Feb 04, 2007 4:40 pm

i'd try and really keep it under $1000 if possible.....more in the neighborhood of $800-900

just my thoughts

Ian522 · #6 Unread post by **Ian522** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 4:48 pm

Social Distortion wrote:i'd try and really keep it under $1000 if possible.....more in the neighborhood of $800-900

just my thoughts

I agree. $1450 is pretty steep unless the bike is in showroom condition with full maintenance records.

I almost bought a virago awhile back and did some research on the starter issues. This site has alot of good info. www.viragotech.com

#7 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 4:27 pm

There are lots of virago sites and several talk about a fix for the starter. I think that it's a great bike for a return to riding. I started riding again after a long break, (20 - 25 years) and I bought an 1100 Virago to re-enter on. It's actually for sale, I'll probably let it go for around $1500.

I rode it for three years and I figure a $1000 dollars a year for depreciation and that comes close to that amount.

The549 · #8 Unread post by **The549** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 4:58 pm

I'll think about haggling if you ride it down here to California! Yeah I'll update you guys with what happens.

I also need to transport it since I won't have insurance, and I don't want to drive it on I-5. I only have a car, but hopefully I can borrow someone's pickup.

#9 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 6:23 pm

The549 wrote:I also need to transport it since I won't have insurance,

Don't you have transfer permits or day permits....

The549 · #10 Unread post by **The549** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 7:19 pm

I never rode on a highway like that anyways, let alone not riding for almost a year, so I don't want to ride it back; it's over an hour away.