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1983 Yamaha XV500K Virago Cruiser reviews

3.7 (6 reviews)
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Reliability
3.7
Overall quality
3.7
Performance
3.7
Comfort
3.7

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6 ratings and reviews

Voted most helpful review

Jeff

Ventura, California

Reviewed on September 20, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 1983 Yamaha XV500K Virago view listing

5.0
I had been looking for a medium size cycle to start out on. After looking at some other used cycles that were not in good shape, I came across this XV 500 in a local add. It was in good shape and after test riding it once I bought it right away. I am having a lot of fun on this bike. It is really a nice littl... read more
I had been looking for a medium size cycle to start out on. After looking at some other used cycles that were not in good shape, I came across this XV 500 in a local add. It was in good shape and after test riding it once I bought it right away. I am having a lot of fun on this bike. It is really a nice little cruiser, but if you are over 5' 8", it may be a bit cramped. All in all, I am having a lot of fun riding this bike, and like it a lot. I feel like I can get enough power out of it. Maybe in a couple of years I will think of moving up to a bigger bike, but for now this will do just fine. Before buying a bike, I enjoyed reading the reviews of others, so I hope this helps.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

B.Frailer

USA

Reviewed on April 26, 2001

Motorcycle reviewed 1983 Yamaha XV500K Virago view listing

3.0
I "inherited" my 500 Virago four months ago from my father in law, who purchased it new in 83. After putting a whopping 170 miles on it, he decided to give up on riding "never learned" and it sat for thirteen years in his house. I towed her home, cleaned up the carbs, and painted it.... read more
I "inherited" my 500 Virago four months ago from my father in law, who purchased it new in 83. After putting a whopping 170 miles on it, he decided to give up on riding "never learned" and it sat for thirteen years in his house. I towed her home, cleaned up the carbs, and painted it. Now I ride the heck out of it (just turned 1200 miles). I myself am thirty-eight and after a fifteen year absence from riding, "have discovered my second childhood". Bike has been very reliable so far, after fixing all the minor problems. I'm ready to move up to something at least twice it's engine size, but it has been a perfect little cruiser to get back into riding. Now my wife and I are hooked on riding "forever". Worst part about this bike is that it was only made one year, so parts tend to be very hard to come by and expensive. Gas mileage in the 50-58 MPG range, and the motor is a bit on the taxed side with two up (adults) riding. Safe Journey's!
Reliability
3.0
Quality
3.0
Performance
3.0
Comfort
3.0
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Voted most helpful review

Trevor

Okanagan Valley, Kelowna

Reviewed on November 27, 2000

Motorcycle reviewed 1983 Yamaha XV500K Virago view listing

4.0
We found this little treat while looking for a smaller bike for my son in the summer of 2000. An 83 VIRAGO it read in the local paper. I was dreaming 750-1100 CCs but she was a bit of a disappointment at first sight. Lights mirrors missing and electrical malfunctions. It had been a prairie bike for most of it... read more
We found this little treat while looking for a smaller bike for my son in the summer of 2000. An 83 VIRAGO it read in the local paper. I was dreaming 750-1100 CCs but she was a bit of a disappointment at first sight. Lights mirrors missing and electrical malfunctions. It had been a prairie bike for most of its life and needed T.L.C. The price was right and the repairs were somewhat cosmetic so we tricked it out to street legal again. After riding through The Rockies from Calgary on my brothers 82 650cc Yamaha I found the 500cc to have a very close relationship. Same wheel size -- four years two cylinders but 50 lbs. lighter. Not the same jam at highway speeds but a treat for you guys and gals wanting a taste for the bigger bikes. It's a bit of a sleeper and a pleasant surprise for anyone riding smaller bikes and a great transitional move up the cc ladder.
Reliability
4.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
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CT

Gainesville, Florida

Reviewed on November 17, 2000

Motorcycle reviewed 1983 Yamaha XV500K Virago view listing

3.0
This was my first bike, and is the one that got me hooked. Short wheelbase makes it very maneuverable, but the 500-cc mill keeps you out of trouble with Da Man. This light bike is really fun to throw around, and is a capable commuter. Although it's far from a moped, it's a bit light for extended highway trave... read more
This was my first bike, and is the one that got me hooked. Short wheelbase makes it very maneuverable, but the 500-cc mill keeps you out of trouble with Da Man. This light bike is really fun to throw around, and is a capable commuter. Although it's far from a moped, it's a bit light for extended highway travel. I did one six-hour ride (four of them in the rain) and did fine. It's a really comfortable ride: just not really fast. Characteristic Yamaha reliability (great). The breaks are really mushy compared to modern bikes'.
Reliability
3.0
Quality
3.0
Performance
3.0
Comfort
3.0
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Voted most helpful review

ron

Chicago, Illinios

Reviewed on August 23, 2000

Motorcycle reviewed 1983 Yamaha XV500K Virago view listing

4.0
I bought this bike about 2 years ago. Previous owner beat it pretty bad. Reworked electronics, carbs, new pipes - much better sound (MAC), backrest (Honda ACE), new clutch, etc. One thing to be aware of is the difficulty to get accessories for this bike. Only built one year. Purchased after I took the MSF... read more
I bought this bike about 2 years ago. Previous owner beat it pretty bad. Reworked electronics, carbs, new pipes - much better sound (MAC), backrest (Honda ACE), new clutch, etc. One thing to be aware of is the difficulty to get accessories for this bike. Only built one year. Purchased after I took the MSF class and got my motorcycle license. Now it runs great! It's really fun around town. Likes to rev but not much umph. On the highway it is a little too lite for comfort, but it can do it. I would buy this bike again; it was the perfect beginners' bike and one to learn on. Now it will be the wife's bike since I moved up to a '74 sporty. Like the HD, but for effortless riding around town, the little Virago sure is fun.
Reliability
4.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

K W Larson

Portland, Oregon

Reviewed on April 6, 2000

Motorcycle reviewed 1983 Yamaha XV500K Virago view listing

3.0
I've owned my Virago 500 for about 5 years now and it's always been a great bike. Its strengths are its high level of comfort and reasonably good reliability. The bike is a lot of fun on twisty roads, but keep in mind that the 500 isn't well suited to highway speeds(55 and up).... read more
I've owned my Virago 500 for about 5 years now and it's always been a great bike. Its strengths are its high level of comfort and reasonably good reliability. The bike is a lot of fun on twisty roads, but keep in mind that the 500 isn't well suited to highway speeds(55 and up).
Reliability
3.0
Quality
3.0
Performance
3.0
Comfort
3.0
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