Yamaha Virago Custom Chopper Project

by Brian
(Moose Jaw Sk. Canada)

Hi everyone,
My bike is an '85 Yamaha 1000 Virago. I know, to many. These wanna-be customs are not too attractive, but when you strip off all the unneeded crap they don't look too bad.

My bike has had the steering head of the frame raked out, but I don't know how far (possibly 3/8" pie cut by previous owner). There is also an early 750 Honda fork, wheel and brake. The bike even has a fairly rare laced rear wheel.

The rear fender is an after market Dyna one. I shortened the rear springs to lower the rear about 2" and the fender is mounted nice and low.

I have modified the stock handle bar risers to be about 3" taller and mounted some drag bars. I made a side licence plate bracket and the tail light is one off a old dirt bike.

I have modified the rear exhaust pipe to exit out the right side above the trans not below.

So far no mufflers, no air filters and no electrics. But I hope to have her road worthy by spring. So far e-bay has been a great resource as well as web sites like this one.

The only colour is semi-gloss black.

I'll get a photo of it when I can. It actually looks not too bad.

Keep working and if it looks like it'll fit it can be made to fit.
Brian