STRIPPED FOR SPEED
Yamaha’s Virago would have to be one of the most enduring models in the history of motorcycling.
Introduced in 1981 and offered in a variety of capacities, the 250cc version of the Virago v-twin introduced in 1989 can still be picked up from a Yamaha dealer today, while the current bobber-styled Bolt is a close relation.
For a brief period in the 1980s, the Virago was a flat track racer, too, and the bike pictured pays tribute to that footnote in the Virago’s history.
BACK IN THE ’80S
The Virago was a Harley-styled cruiser created by Yamaha primarily for the US market. Launched as a 1981 model, the XV 750 had the v-twin engine, high bars, low seat and forward conmtrols thought essential to tap into the cruiser market, but the monoshock rear suspension was groundbreaking for the segment. Perhaps a little too groundbreaking, as a twin shock rear replaced it a few years later.
By that stage, 981cc and 1063cc variants of the Virago had followed the original 750cc version, as well as 399cc and
