1983 Yamaha Virago 500 review from Canada

After purchase I discovered it was a rebuilt, so mileage numbers are doubtful. I put tires on it, a seat cover, and I had the carbs balanced (and that made a huge difference). As it became harder and harder to start, I began to have troubles with the starter jamming (the thing would overheat, and the brushes were about done in).

The gas tank was stupidly small. 160 km on a tank was a good day.

It finally gave up the ghost as the timing chain was so stretched that it no longer started or ran reliably.

I liked it, but as it was only made 1 year as a 500 - it was enlarged to a 535 cc the next year - parts and support are very thin.