1982 Virago xv750 Cafe Build

[98cobra#1222]

I picked up a project for this winter since the cobra's engine is at the builders and I finished up the cage install and RSD so everything with it is on hold. I was able to pick up the bike for cheap. Bike ran somewhat and everything worked but I have been really interested in cafe bikes for the last couple years as I love the look of stripped down bikes. Anyway here is it the day I picked it up.

Then I proceeded to strip it down and install a 'Docs Chops' bolt in subframe.

Then came the time to install the tank and seat as well as the clip on's and rearsets.

And then time to install a rear wheel on the front to give it more of an aggressive look.

Bike still isn't finished as I am waiting to strip out some wiring and install the tach and lights. But its getting close, just thought I would share and see what you guys think. Once it is completed I will start back up on the cobra and hopefully get it finished this year.

 

[Almighty-One]

oooooo damn

love a good cafe build, and I really like that seat

 

[timpryor]

Very nice. Wish I could find a steal on a bike like that.

 

[Stangeralf]

Awesome work! Love the seat but please please please invest on some new wheels for the project. It'll really take it to the next level aesthetically.

 

[98cobra#1222]

Awesome work! Love the seat but please please please invest on some new wheels for the project. It'll really take it to the next level aesthetically.

Thanks, I completely agree with the wheels however with it being a shaft driven there are severe limitations on what wheels you can run. I'm trying to source some spoke wheels for it but the proper hubs were only available one year and it required modifying the axles. It can and has been done but its costly so I am trying to hold out on it for at least a little while. Especially with the cobra project being costly and time consuming.

 

[98cobra#1222]

oooooo damn

love a good cafe build, and I really like that seat

Thanks!!

Very nice. Wish I could find a steal on a bike like that.

Thanks, this one just took some time to find at that price. They are out there but it helps sometimes to pick bikes people tend to not be huge fans of. That's the case at least with the cafe crowd and viragos.

 

[Krwy]

Awesome! I'd really like to get back into building bikes.

 

[Deceptive]

I'd love to have something like this. The cafe racer craze is so amazing.

 

[98cobra#1222]

I'd love to have something like this. The cafe racer craze is so amazing.

Go for it, you can build them relatively cheap if you keep your eyes out for deals and don't go crazy throwing on needless parts. All in all I have a shade over $2000 in this bike and all thats left to get it on the road is wiring and a little fabrication work. All the parts I need are purchased though so the only thing left going into it is my time. I am sure some random things may come up but as it sits I should be able to drive it out of my garage for $2000 and that included the cost of the bike.

 

[7998]

I love it! I'm old enough to remember these the first time around and owned a Kawasaki Z1 all Mad Maxxed out. If it were mine I would black the lowers out and change the wheels when your budget allowed. Can I ask how much you have into it?

 

[98cobra#1222]

I love it! I'm old enough to remember these the first time around and owned a Kawasaki Z1 all Mad Maxxed out. If it were mine I would black the lowers out and change the wheels when your budget allowed. Can I ask how much you have into it?

Nice! Z1's are really cool bikes. Like I said the wheels may be swapped when the cobra is taken care down the road, but then again they may not bug me as much when I start riding it. Of course they could start bugging me more haha. All together I have 1,600 in it, that included everything in the pictures as well as the parts I haven't had time to put on. Right now I have everything I need to finish it so I could have the bike completed for the 2000 and that included the initial bike purchase.

 

[7998]

I had a Triumph Speedtriple 955i too but I hurt my back so I can't ride. I still want to do something like you did. Them old UJM's and Standards to me embody the true essence of motorcycling.

 

[leftlane86gt]

Hell yeah. I love cafe bikes. Nice build.

 

[oldmodman]

Very nice!

I'm so happy to see that there is still some creativity in the bike world.
I especially like the simple and classy paint job on the tank.

I built my first cafe job from a 60's Honda 450 twin. Built my own rear set out of sheet aluminum stock. The last bike I built was a Z1-B (1975) that I turboed and built the motor. Got 330 whp out of it. Not bad for 1979. Modified the frame, added 6 degrees of rake to the neck. Converted the neck to tapered Timken bearings and the swing arm to needle bearings. handled and ran great.

Remember when there were entire magazines dedicate to home built and modded bikes? I still have a bunch of issues of Big Bike and Street Bike before they both stopped publishing.

 

[BDF8]

Nice! Z1's are really cool bikes. Like I said the wheels may be swapped when the cobra is taken care down the road, but then again they may not bug me as much when I start riding it. Of course they could start bugging me more haha. All together I have 1,400 in it, that included everything in the pictures as well as the parts I haven't had time to put on. Right now I have everything I need to finish it so I could have the bike completed for the 1,400 and that included the initial bike purchase.

If you ever want to sell it what do you think it would be worth when your done?

 

[98cobra#1222]

Hell yeah. I love cafe bikes. Nice build.

Thanks!!

Very nice!

I'm so happy to see that there is still some creativity in the bike world.
I especially like the simple and classy paint job on the tank.

I built my first cafe job from a 60's Honda 450 twin. Built my own rear set out of sheet aluminum stock. The last bike I built was a Z1-B (1975) that I turboed and built the motor. Got 330 whp out of it. Not bad for 1979. Modified the frame, added 6 degrees of rake to the neck. Converted the neck to tapered Timken bearings and the swing arm to needle bearings. handled and ran great.

Remember when there were entire magazines dedicate to home built and modded bikes? I still have a bunch of issues of Big Bike and Street Bike before they both stopped publishing.

330 on a bike is nuts especially in '79 haha. Thats the main reason I wanted to tinker with this bike is you really don't see them much. I've always liked the looks of street bikes but you see those everywhere, thats when I first say the cafe bikes and thought it would be a lot of fun to do.

If you ever want to sell it what do you think it would be worth when your done?

I am really not sure as some cafe bikes go for crazy money, however realistically its still a virago which isn't as chased after as say a CB750. What I think its worth and what I would sell it for are way different as well but I think if I did decide to sell it I would probably ask like 3,500 or 4 for it. I could be way off on that though as I really haven't researched what finish bikes go for since I really wanted to build it not just buy a completed one.

 

[BDF8]

Even so. Beautiful bike, and even better workmanship. Congratulations!