A sexy, elegant cruising legend. (Yamaha Virago XV535DX)

Name: Virago999

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Product:	Yamaha Virago XV535DX
Date:	14.09.06 (2994 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lightweight, powerful, looks excellent, turns heads.

Disadvantages: Small 2nd gear range, small petrol tank, uncomfortable on long journeys.

Well I hope you didn't think that I was going to miss an opportunity to review the Yamaha Virago XV535DX with a username like mine?

I have owned this bike since 1999 and it still makes me feel exhilarated every time I ride it. The Virago has since made way for a newer breed of Yamaha cruiser such as the Dragstar and the Wildstar, however, these new cruisers have sacrificed a certain element of functionality to look good and sound gravely.

The XV535 is 535cc as the name suggests. Models of the Virago include a 125cc, 250cc, 535cc and 750cc version. The XV535 however, definitely boasts the best power to weight ratio compared to its siblings. A very low centre of gravity and its relative lightweight construction despite packing a modest 535cc’s makes this bike very popular with women riders. Indeed, I have seen many an XV535 sprayed pink at biker shows.

This shouldn’t put off the beardy male biker though. The angled handlebars, leathered upholstered seats and brake pedal / gear lever positions invite a classic Harley Davidson riding position which always makes me smile when catching a glimpse of my reflection in a shop window on the high street.

The 535 Virago has excellent acceleration in 1st gear, a quality Yamaha gearbox means that selecting 2nd and the three remaining gears after that very smooth indeed. However, I have found that the range of speed in 2nd gear is very limited; I often max out the revs before feeling comfortable to change into third gear. The range in the rest of the gears is adequate if driving in an urban environment where the need to accelerate to top speed is not necessary.

The 535 is shaft driven as opposed to belt or chain driven. This makes it safer as there is no likelihood of a chain or belt breaking or snapping and entangling the wheel. The shaft is shrouded which also extends the life of the component as it is not exposed to the elements.

The petrol tank on the Virago is small. Too small! I have found that if considering a long journey, I must ensure I'm never far away from a petrol station. There is no petrol tank indicator so you MUST zero your mileage every time you fill up. I have found that in normal use which is a 50/50 use between town riding and rural riding, the tank is good for about 240 kilometres. Whilst on the subject of distance, I have also found that the riding position after a while (2 to 3 hours) begins to make my back ache, but that could just be me!

As with all bikes, wet weather commands extreme caution. The Virago will slip and slide like every other bike if you break too hard and I have had my fair share of those certain parts of the body twitching when the bike has slid a little. The low centre of gravity and relative lightweight however, has meant that I have never come off. I would like to say that it was because of my skill as a rider but honesty states that the bike's design is probably the real reason.

I tend to do most of the routine maintenance myself and have found that some of the simpler tasks such as changing the battery are fiddly and annoying, but once the bike is in order and you push the reliable electronic ignition button, most of these niggles disappear very quickly.

I'm now looking for a new bike as my confidence has grown thanks to the robust yet gentle Virago and will very reluctantly give my Virago to my girlfriend, who will probably spray it pink. I will however, remain with Yamaha and stay in the cruising market as my experience to date has been very positive.

Happy riding!

Summary: Poor mans Harley Davidson but loads of fun!

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