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I am looking at bikes and I wanted to get an 250cc yamaha virago, seemed perfect and sat on it at the local dealer. But then I began to wonder would 250 be enough? Maybe I would be better off with the next step 535? Seemed safer with all that extra hp (in a way) and BIGGER chassi/wheels/brakes. I could go on the freeway with that and that would be real good. And of course I wouldnt outgrow it.... not fast anyway....

But I REALLY dont wanna get a bike that is too fast for me. I want to play it safe While getting my moneys worth ofcourse Basicly I want the 535 but unsure how powerful they are.

To sum it up:

1. Is it ok to start out with a yamaha virago 535 or is it better to start with a 250?

2. Is the maintence and gas milage more expensinve on the 535? Insurance is not much more expensive on the 535 for me.

You would be fine with a Virago 535.

Trust me, the 535 is not too fast for you.

Great beginner's bike. I'm on one right now.

Well, not right this second


Maintenance is cheap on the bike. I've had to replace the regulator/rectifier twice ($60 each time) and the fuel pump once ($40). Nothing on it is expensive. It's a great little bike, super easy to wrench on, comfortable at highway speeds, looks entirely decent by modern standards, and gets decent gas mileage (42-45 mpg).

If you do get one, don't get an 87 or 88. Get a newer one. Those model years have only a tank under the seat that's about 2.2 gallons and will only get you 75 miles before hitting reserve. The later models added a second fuel tank in the traditional spot to almost double the range.

I ride a 535 Virago (1994). It's my first bike, and its great! I am 25, ridden a bicycle oh 15 times, I can drive a stick shift car, and Im not very strong lol...and its not to much for me! I need a new regulator, it will cost under 100$. I get about 50mpg I believe. My insurance isnt to bad!

NightNurse wrote:I ride a 535 Virago (1994). It's my first bike, and its great! I am 25, ridden a bicycle oh 15 times, I can drive a stick shift car, and Im not very strong lol...and its not to much for me! I need a new regulator, it will cost under 100$. I get about 50mpg I believe. My insurance isnt to bad!

Pythonmotorsports.com is the place to get new reg/rectifiers nice and cheap.

http://www.pythonmotorsports.com/vmax/v ... g_rect.htm

That's the one you want.

jonnythan wrote:

NightNurse wrote:I ride a 535 Virago (1994). It's my first bike, and its great! I am 25, ridden a bicycle oh 15 times, I can drive a stick shift car, and Im not very strong lol...and its not to much for me! I need a new regulator, it will cost under 100$. I get about 50mpg I believe. My insurance isnt to bad!

Pythonmotorsports.com is the place to get new reg/rectifiers nice and cheap.

http://www.pythonmotorsports.com/vmax/v ... g_rect.htm

That's the one you want.

Freaking sweet!! Thank you. Ordering one now!

I love this forum .

Ok thank you everyone

Now I feel more confident, planning to buy a 92-97 model. Man I hope I get some work when school is over!

Take my word for it. You'll want to go bigger.
Good idea to start small. First bike buy something around a 550. Learn to ride. Might try something used but in good shape to save money. Next season, you'll be scouting for something bigger, Gauranteed!

Good evening folks.
I started with XV535 Virago model of '95. I get about 100 miles on 2.3 U.S gal.
The fstest I went on it was 98 mph but that was with the wind blowing from the back.
I don't have a windshield but ride in full face helmet.
It's fund to ride but I am ready to move on to bigger bike.
I have vulcan 1500 or 1600 in mind.

I am 27,male 200 lbs @ 6'

Have a safe ride.

Nurse,where r u from? Is your Virago red by any chance?

NightNurse wrote:I ride a 535 Virago (1994). It's my first bike, and its great! I am 25, ridden a bicycle oh 15 times, I can drive a stick shift car, and Im not very strong lol...and its not to much for me! I need a new regulator, it will cost under 100$. I get about 50mpg I believe. My insurance isnt to bad!