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YAMAHA VIRAGO 535 Stylish fun at a bargain price

YAMAHA'S VIRAGO 535 appeared on the cruising scene in 1987, but after three years of production and four years of availability, was discontinued. Now Yamaha, citing increased interest in cruisers, especially in Europe, has reintroduced the Virago 535. It is fundamentally unchanged from its 1987 form, except for a larger, 3.6-gallon fuel tank. The Virago’s centerpiece is its sohc, air-cooled, 70degree, V-Twin engine, styled to appear larger and more powerful than it actually is. In reality, the motor’s 76mm bore and 59mm stroke yield the smallish 535cc displacement that gives the bike its moniker. Still, the smoothrunning, four-valve powerplant provides enough punch to push the 411 -pound Virago along quite smartly.

Though its engine performs well, the Virago’s softly sprung and lightly damped suspension is a letdown. The conventional 36mm fork delivers 5.9 inches of travel and works well enough as long as the pavement is bowling-lane smooth. Factor chuck holes or a series of ripples into the equation, though, and the fork reacts harshly. To make matters worse, the spindly, non-adjustable shock absorbers have just 3.3 inches of travel and bottom easily, transmitting surface irregularities directly to the rider.

Despite its suspension inadequacies, the Virago handles decently enough, considering its intended mission. Steering effort is light, straight-line stability is good and ground clearance is impressive, although the folding footpegs will touch down in tight corners. Stopping the Virago is easy, as the single 11.7-inch front disc and single-piston caliper provide solid, two-finger performance. The rear brake, an inexpensive drum, also works well, but has a tendency to lock easily.

Fortunately, Yamaha didn’t skimp on the Virago’s appearance. The beautiful metallic-blue paint, mirror-like chrome and stacked dual exhaust pipes should satisfy all but the most picky custom enthusiast. The upright seating position, provided by the buckhorn handlebar, plush seat and forward-mounted footpegs, is great for around-town commutes, but becomes tiring after a tank’s worth of freeway miles. Even so, this mini-Virago, with its increased fuel capacity and 50-mpg average, should cover about 180 miles between fill-ups.

Buoyed by its attractive appearance and V-Twin powerplant, and further enhanced by its $3999 sticker price, the Virago 535 is a very good entry-level cruising motorcycle, with only its poor suspension standing in the way of greatness.

Matthew Miles