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bonasativa
 Starting Member
3 Posts
SAN BERNARDINO, CA
USA
Yamaha
Virago 535
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 Posted - 11/03/2009 : 4:56 AM
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We have a 1987 Yamaha 535 Virago. It was in REAL CRAPPY shape & we had the top-end rebuilt but no other major engine work done (not that it doesn't need more work, but at least it's running). My question is how FAST should &/or can you ride it without winding it out, too many RPMs? My husband says he rides at 80-85 mph and says it's not even close to winding out. Considering it's 5 gears & you're shifting into fifth at 45 mph and by the way it feels & sounds to me I think anything much over 75 mph is pushin' it on such an old, not maintained engine. And what is the correct RPM range in each gear? I understand bike engines go higher than car engines, but different bikes have different RPM ranges, do they not?
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Night Train
 Moderator
942 Posts
[Mentor]
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Canada
Harley-Davidson
Softail and Touring
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Posted - 11/03/2009 : 6:25 AM
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The 1987 Virago 535 develops 46 horsepower at 7500rpm. The bike is reputed to do zero to 60mph in 7 seconds, with a top speed of 100mph.
So really the bike is no slouch for its size being a small to mid sized cruiser. I checked the net and couldn't find the rpm shift range for this bike but I did find where you could download the e-manual for it for under $5.00. http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail....xv920-xv1000
When the bike was new, shifting into 5th gear at 45mph was probably under revving it. You don't indicate whether the bike has a tachometer on it or not. If it does, the redline should be displayed on the tach. I would think it would be higher than 7500 but not a lot higher.
Without knowing the mileage, it is difficult to assess whether the engine is wearing out or the bike has been misused or abused. Older bikes that have been sitting around a long time can look pretty "crappy" but a lot of that can simply be cosmetic.
As far as you riding the bike is concerned, you need to stay within your comfort zone and not your husband's. Ride in accordance with your skills, experience and faith in the condition of the bike you are riding.
If the bike is in good mechanical condition with steering, brakes, lights, tires, etc. in good condition and working properly, you should be relatively comfortable riding at normal speeds. |
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Indiana Randy
Moderator
1758 Posts
[Mentor]
Fort Wayne, Indiana
USA
Honda
2000 Magna V4 750
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Posted - 11/03/2009 : 12:27 PM
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OK, since it hasn't yet been said, I'll step up to the plate and say;
Riding this bike 80-85 MPH is within the bike's capability, it's also beyond IMO good judgment. |
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Deseret Rider
Advanced Member
721 Posts
[Mentor]
Helper, Utah
USA
BMW
R1100RT
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Posted - 11/03/2009 : 8:43 PM
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| The Virago had a reputation of being pretty much "bullet proof". But (Pay attention)-- You received very good advise from Night Train and Indiana Randy~you will do well not to take it lightly |
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