Yamaha Virago 535 reviews

Im a 16 year old male. Turned 16 2 and a half months ago. i was lookin for a bike, I went to a yamaha/honda dealer near me and found a Honda shadow....I was blown away...but then I tried the Virago, it was GREAT! my parents surprised me with it just the other day. It rides so smooth! It does look like a bigger bike, and people's jaws drop when i say 250cc. Its the most wicked bike in my whole city! Show less

Although I've been a dirt rider for over 30 years, I'd never owned a street bike until I came across a brand new, left-over 1996 model at a local dealer 3 years ago. What a gas! Enough power for most of the back roads, light, comfortable, and absolutely bullet-proof. Only problems I've noticed are: 1. the skinny front tire doesn't like the rain grooves on Oregon freeways, but since I avoid those whenever possible (in favor of rural two lane stuff) that's fine by me; and 2. the small gas tank reaches reserve too quickly (at about 120 miles). Looking to move to a larger bike now that I have some street time behind me, but I'll be keeping this little gem as a back-up and a spare for my bike-less friends to learn on. Show less

Just bought this '89 Virago w/ 11,500mi. + pipes, saddlebags, hiway pegs, windshield for $2600. Had a Maxim 550 in my youth and love the trouble-free Yamaha. I commute 13 mi. to work and this is sweet for that. I too am somewhat bummed at kinda high RPM at 70-75MPH- but for 1989 it's Fine. Beautiful bike that turns heads! Show less

I had a 1987 XV700 for 5 years, then sold it to a relative. This bike had personality & got respect even from Milwalkee V-Twin riders. I liked many things about this bike, but especially the high reliability & low maintenance costs. Engine power was great and she would cruise nicely @ highway speeds all day long. Handlebars felt comfortable and steering was stable. Dual-disc brakes gave her plenty of stopping power. The seat was comfortable, especially being only 5'6". Changing the oil filter is a pain because of the filter cover, the 3 Allen-head bolts & O-ring. If you overtighten the bolts, you WILL crack the billet cover, so be careful! I had some carburetor problems, but they were fixed thanks to a K&N jet kit. All Virago starters are famous for grinding noises. Even though mine never failed, I know many that have. Thumbs up to Yamaha for designing a V-Twin cruiser that was almost perfect out of the box when they designed it over 20 years ago! Thumbs down to Yamaha for those bulky, personality-lacking 650 & 1100 V-Stars that replaced the Virago. Show less

I traded my 1981 Honda CM400 and $2000 dollars for a 1998 Virago 1100 special with 1500 mile on it. "the same as a 1999" Blue book $5400 The bike was wrecked but the only damage is two small dents on either side of the gas tank from the handle bars being bent but they were bent back and you can't even tell, and the tachometer was ripped off. The CM400 was my first bike so going to an 1100, wow what a differece the bike felt heavy at first but I am getting used to it pretty fast. It has alot of power to pass effortlessly even in 5th gear,it has a pretty cool sound to it kind of a whistleing rumbleing sound. I live in NC so I can ride almost every day even in the Winter. I commute to work about 12 miles, and go cruising on the weekends. I love this thing. The only thing that would be nice would be a 6th gear, not really needed for 55-65 but any faster it feels a bit revy. I'm 32 years old and in the Army so it is nice to go for a ride and forget about things teperarely, this bike works well for that. the bike looks nice a good alternate for a Harley for those of us who can't afford one. Show less

I am a 21 male, never was really into cruisers up until now. I have always liked the style of crotch rockets. But being 5'6' at 145lbs it was tough for me to ride a 600cc race bike. I started looking into small displacement bikes and noticed the Virago. Where it was love at first sight. I own one today, love it.. its looks, the sound , the performance. I have absolutely no regrets about it. And don't listen to what people say about thinking twice if you plan to take it on the highway. There are people in cars that don't even do 65mph and this bike can so whats the problem. Just dont be up on it for hours thats all. Please in Italy we would race aprilia rs50's for hours in scortching heat and they lasted through it. Its a great bike for eitheir beginners or people that just are not big enough to handle a big bike. Show less

I had a great time on my 87 virago. It is as dependable as a can opener. Easy to use power, great in town manners, low seat height, great brakes for the time it was built. And when it was built, the speed limit was 55, and it works just great at that speed. I was gonna change the ergos to make mine a little more sporty, but with the driveshaft, the motor gets a little buzzy if you spend a hours at illeagal speeds. And there is no cheap way to change the gearing on it. If you don't plan on spending a lot of time at illeagal speeds, it is a 5 star, but if you want get out on the open road, uhhhh i dunno........... Show less

Kadoos.... Looks great Handles excellent Has lots of power Excellent mileage, mine averages 75 mpg. Will run an honest 75 mph with windshield and a 300 lb. rider. plus (contrary to other reviews here) it feels good at this speed and the engine sounds fine like it will run all day at this speed if so desired. But a 1 tooth addition to the counter sprocket might be nicer yet. Negatives: Has excessive fine vibration at speeds between 50 and 65. Seems to get better again above 65. This vibration renders the mirrors useless for viewing traffic in rear. Maybe some vibration damping mirrors could be used to help. Summary: Overall this is a great little bike. Fun for the occasional jaunt to town or just easy crusing on back roads. A perfect bike for a beginner, low to ground, and easy to manuever. Seems to be bullet proof. Show less

I'm not a beginner but have returned to the wonder ful world of riding. I looked for a light yet powerful bike that I don't have to wrestle to park but can take me where I want to quickly but has a price tag about 3 grand. I considered the Honda Rebel, Honda CBs, Kawasaki Ninja and the Virago. After I purchased my used Virago I already got blown away with the Insurance I paid. Get your quote today to find out. A few days later, I was instantly with the big bike group in the corner of my street. It looks big yet very easy to handle. The Virago pampers medium sized people a lot. The light weight yet torquey powerful engine makes it a quick sport cruiser. Driving in the city is second nature to the bike. And surprisingly, it can go along well in the freeway. It does lack the 6th gear but if you switch gears properly it just works well. I've driven it more than an hour and the seats are as comfortable as other bigger cruisers. I recommend the bike to beginners and those who wants to travel light. As I see it, the 302 lbs engine and it's V engine makes it a contender compared to those bigger engines that had to carry a hefty load. Get one, ride one, and you'll know what I mean. Show less

I'm "cheating" since mine's a 1991 but they are all quite similar, had to write something about it. I got mine in 1996, like new, very low mileage, it is still "mint" and stock, kept up with new OEM parts, tires etc. as reguired. I love the handling and the unique styling. It has been very reliable, runs well, looks good and still draws favourable comments from bystanders. As a solo rider, the 750 has sufficient power and runs smooth for a V twin. Biggest drawback for me is they cannot easily carry large saddle bags. Compared to the latest, new cruisers they have the advantage, in my opionion, of having; cast wheels, tachometer, instruments above the bars (easy to see), center stand, easier oil change than their replacement the V Star, gas cap hinged to the tank not separate. I know one day I'll have to replace it but it will have to be the right bike to take it's place. Show less