oh i know, don't you worry yer poor lil heart none.


I'm beginning to wonder if I could really use it, though. It's much larger and it'd be much harder to manage around town than my other bike, so I'd end up still riding the Yamaha for the daily 1 mile commute and around town. Slow as it may be, its nimble and manageable like the 02. The 650 seems more like you're straddling a 4cylinder car motor on wheels.
The 650 would be good for the highway or going to the parents house. But.... I'm usually hauling cargo for any such trips... so I'd take the 02. That doesn't leave me with much time actually using the 650, except for the rare occasions I can make time to go for some rides on twisty backroads.

Still, its tempting for only 200 bucks to get a more 'real' bike. I know I'd end up spending much more than that, creating another rapid money drain. And I've gotta save 200 bucks for a track day at Mid-Ohio next month....
But if any of you guys think its some kinda gem or steal at that price, I might have to get it. I can post pics later, its just sitting up the street from my house.
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1974 2002, 4224479, #74 EP/FSP, daily driver, track toy
1983 Yamaha RX50: 7hp/70+ MPG, in town run-about
1992 Miata: #43 CSP, winter beater

Pretty informative

http://www.dansmc.com/troubleshooting.htm

KFunk wrote:

The 650 seems more like you're straddling a 4cylinder car motor on wheels. get a more 'real' bike.

Save your money and get a REAL real bike. You ain't straddled nuthin' yet, my friend.

http://www.bosshoss.net/products.asp

ah, i know about those. a friend has one. i just pull over and let him have the whole frickin road to myself.

but really, ive mentioned the bike to a few people, and hope someone grabs it before i do. if its still there by the weekend tho.. it'll probably be mine. if i can't get used to it or don't use it enough, then i'll just get it in good running condition and sell it.
_________________
1974 2002, 4224479, #74 EP/FSP, daily driver, track toy
1983 Yamaha RX50: 7hp/70+ MPG, in town run-about
1992 Miata: #43 CSP, winter beater

Of the Rice Burners from that era, the Virago was a much better bike. It was the first Japanese bike to drop the seat to cruiser (Harley) style. Unfortunately, it didn't sell (it was ahead of its time) and plunged the Yamaha Corporation into financial chaos. But it was a great bike. It had that beautiful V-Twin engine - great looks, great ride.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_Virago

Useless tidbit - it was designed by Dennis Stephani, Gwen Stephani's father.

ah, that looks more like a wannabe harley to me. pretty common.
in case you missed it, my 83 RX50 is pretty much a mini-Virago:


don't get me wrong, if there was a Virago down the street from my house for 200 bucks, i'd consider it. but for now, the kz650 looks pretty damn cool and vintage looking. Plus I've never heard good things about the V-twin design...seems a bit sloppy... the kz650 has a DOHC in-line 4... and the ladies love it...

http://jarle.eltelevest.no/Kawasaki/Images/Z650/Neil/CZ650models2.jpg
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1974 2002, 4224479, #74 EP/FSP, daily driver, track toy
1983 Yamaha RX50: 7hp/70+ MPG, in town run-about
1992 Miata: #43 CSP, winter beater

These bikes are indestructable. The motor will run for ever. Cheap on parts and very low maintenance.

It's no rocket or a real looker but it is a classic, dont expect great cornering either as the frames flex but that's how bikes were built back then.

If that is the actual bike I would jump on it in a heartbeat to use as a commuter. Plenty of power for that and a nice torque curve too, plus very evvicient with gas

You can also switch it to a belt drive that was the LTD I believe.

KFunk wrote:

wannabe harley

According to Dennis (who previously worked at HD), the Virago was a response to the oil-spitting Harleys of the day. Plus, the Japanese bikes were simply too upright in their seating positions, for U.S. tastes. Ergo, the Virago. Whatever the case, Yamaha bet wrong and the marketplace killed the bike. The 4-cylinder ricers of the day, however, did much better in the marketplace.

If it were me, I'd save the $200 and spend it on pipes that you could bend yourself into a cool frame - and later, drop a crate engine and the running gear. Then again, if it were me, that sort of project would sit around for 5 years waiting for completion. So maybe you are better off, just getting something that runs.