Yamaha XV535 Virago Bike Overview
The Japanese firms put a lot of effort into making Harley-Davidson-styled cruisers in the 1990s, and came up with some pretty good machines. Most of those were large-capacity heavyweight custom V-twins, but the Yamaha 535 Virago did an amazing job in a small package.
It’s got an excellent little engine, that makes modest peak power – just 38bhp. But it has a strong torquey bottom-end, and is super-smooth around town. Unusually for such a small unit, it has (virtually) maintenance-free shaft drive, saving a lot on chain maintenance, lubing and mess.
The super-low seat makes it perfect for shorter riders, but it’s not a cramped ride for normal sized folk either.
Suspension and brakes are standard mushy cruiser fare – but that’s not really what this bike is about. It’s a machine to look good on, and there’s plenty of chrome and polished alloy to buff up on a weekend. Spoked wheels and pull-back handlebars give loads of style, finished off by the neat peanut fuel tank.
The XV535 was built from 1988-2004, so there are plenty out there, from well under £1,000 for a decent runner.
Yamaha XV535 Virago Bike Spec
- Top speed100mph
- Weight190kg
- Average fuel consumption47mpg
- Capacity535cc
- Seat height700mm
- EngineAir cooled, four stroke, V-Twin cylinder, 2v
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Owner Reviews
Pros
The size, not too big not too small
Cons
The design in some places
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Pretty comfortable really, but I'd suggest a tourer for touring!
Pretty well built, though it's kind of poorly design as far as accessibility to certain parts go. Having an under seat is useful if you change the top tank for something that actually holds a decent amount of fuel.
Surprisingly good! Very responsive
The physical size being a bit smaller makes for a nice cruiser that doesn't feel like driving a bus round corners
Not bad for a small cruiser, certainly not a sports bike! Maybe a little under powered for a lot of motorway use but I guess that's what the 1100 is for
Cheap as chips really
Pros
N/A
Cons
N/A
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I love it I love all the chrome on it and I love the way it rides
Strong durable and rides really well
Brenda stopping
Brilliant Bike
535 cc plenty of power
Cheap it has about hundred miles to £12
Pros
Lightweight, low seat height
Cons
More comfortable seat for the pillion
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Easy to ride
Great for someone who has just passed
Cheap as chips!
Typically good Japanese build quality
Back brake particularly good
Pros
It’s low seat height and easy to handle
Cons
Yamaha could’ve improved on the brakes and the standard handle bars are not suitable, they’re not very comfortable and i found I’m always hitting my passengers in the knees with them
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Shaft driven, it’s really smooth, handles quite well on corners and have scrapped the pegs a few times , it’s a lightweight Machine which is low to the ground
For being 535cc and about 45bhp, it’s pretty powerful considering it’s a cruiser, it will top over 100mph, not that I’ve ever taken mine that far but know a few people who have
Tax is only £60 odd pound and petrol about £1.10 every ten miles which is excellent economy but you’ll find yourself filling up around every 100 miles which isn’t exactly ideal, insurance is cheap at less than £250 for the year with 2 years ncb on this specific policy, compared to other bikes I’ve owned it’s pretty cheap servicing it’s cheap as you can do it all yourself and for tyres you’ll be looking I think at around 80+ for the rear and around 60 for the front which isn’t to bad
It’s well built, bit of a nightmare to work on, haven’t had any major problems with it, just things the previous owner had neglected like fork seals etc
Brakes are adequate hydraulic front brake, single disk on the front and a massive rear drum brake, Yamaha could’ve made the brakes better but have had to use them in a few emergency situations, I.e people pulling out etc and they’ve worked everytime
Pros
Being vertically challenged its low and still keeps up with the big boys
Cons
Nothing bad to say, sorry.
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Handles well, great fuel economy
For a small bike has great pickup
Nothing bad to say, sorry.
Sturdy, reliable and easy to work on
Does what it should
Pros
Comfort
Cons
Hold extra fuel
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Handles lovely
Enough power for the job
Not to bad could do with bigger fuel tank
Made 20 year ago by hand not by a machine like new bikes
Good all round
Pros
Comfortable all day riding an cheap to run reliable bike. There was no xv750 in your list but that's what I have. Not the fastest bike but a great bike to own and ride.
Cons
I have in the past had bikes like GPX750 and ZZR600 so do at times miss the speed and rapid ecceleration.
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Not the fastest bike but plenty of power to give a ride on on all roads either back lanes or keeping up with motorway traffic with no problem.
As a 750 twin it has it's limits but motors on mile after mile.
£60 full com insurance and 12miles per ltr. being a basic bike service charges are also affordable
It's a 1995 bike and still looks good and rides great with everything working as it should.
No problem stopping it. but am a rider that try's to be prepared and always looking well up the road.
Pros
Easy ride, inexpensive
Cons
Brakes and power
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Light for a cruiser, easy in traffic
A bit more power would be good
Cheap as chips
Great build quality for an old bike
Disc brakes at the rear would be beneficial