7th Aug 2007, 21:25
I am happy to hear from all the happy Virago owners. I purchased my 1982 920 Virago new and always enjoyed riding it.
My life got so busy that I didn't have the time to ride my bike. Because my daughter was constantly stuck at home with her baby while her husband was at work with the only car they could afford, about ten years ago I gave my son-in-law my motorcycle with the stipulation that if he ever didn't want it anymore, I was to get it back. To make a long story short, I got the bike back recently and it was totally trashed. I plan on resurrecting it this winter, and have it on the road next spring.
13th Aug 2007, 15:30
Just bought a 82 Virago 920; love the look of the "80's" bikes... can't wait to put some miles on it... found out fast about the stand not being up when in gear... LOL... it is missing the battery cover, and I have been looking for one and can't seem to find one; checked on e-bay and still nothing, any ideas?
19th Sep 2007, 17:49
I've had a 1982 XV920J for about 15 years now. I've taken the Yamaha off the tank and filled the screw holes and repainted, took the virago off the side covers also and added straight staggered exhaust. Not that I'm ashamed of Virago, did it just to be different. Also has an antique tag.
Went to little Sturgis (that's in Sturgis Mississippi) and got a lot of looks till they saw it was a Yamaha, then they kinda lost interest. Anyway it was HOT, 103 real temp every day and stuck in traffic most of the time. I started to notice a gas smell, and then it started running on one cylinder (pretty much turned it into a loud minnie bike) But I was able to get some spark plugs and it was back to running fine. Not sure if it was running hot (probably) or just time to foul a plug. Someone told me that when I added straight pipes, I should have re-jetted the carbs. Anyway if you're planning on being in traffic for a while, put some extra plugs in your pocket; could save ya a minnie bike ride.
6th Jan 2008, 20:26
I've owned my 82 Virago XV920J since August of 07 and have really enjoyed it.
The "starter problem" is not the starter at all; it's the engagement gears inside the case that cause the grinding sound.
As a previous poster recommended, I urge all Virago owners to go to: http://viragotechforum.com/ where you can learn more about this issue and how to resolve it. You'll also find lots of other info on your bike.
If your oil light flickers on turns, it's just a result of the position of the sensor. Assuming your oil level is good, you can ignore the light. Replacing the sensor will solve nothing. Keeping the oil to the highest level mark will greatly diminish the erroneous low oil light warning. This is NOT a pressure sensor by the way; it's just an oil level sensor.
It's winter where I live now, but I'm looking forward to the 08 season. I wish everyone safe, happy riding.
16th May 2008, 09:36
Hello everyone. I purchased my 1985 XV1000 Virago in Aug. of 2005 and it had 33K miles on it. It has the gold trim and gold mag wheels, so it's pretty unique where I live.
The chrome is flaking from the gearbox, which is normal and costly to have re-chromed.
There was an electrical problem where the turn signals did not work that cost about $250 to repair. (That was a little excessive). I also took it to the dealer and the mechanic did a full carb job and tune up (another $800). Afterward, it ran like new and had more power.
Over the past couple of summers I have learned to keep a set of spare spark plugs in the "trunk". If you bike starts to back fire a lot and loses power, try changing out the plugs first. Cheap fix and worked great for me.
My starter is loud as well and my oil light goes on occasionally.
This bike has lots of power and gets confused for an HD all the time.
I bought some cheapo saddle bags that help for long trips, and may get a removable windshield and front foot pegs.
Other than that, I love this bike. It is my first road bike and I look forward to driving it every chance I get. The roads of Northern Michigan are a beautiful place to ride! Ride safe.
23rd Jun 2009, 11:47
I have a 1982 XV920J Virago and the fuel sensor is not working properly. It keeps giving a warning on the level of fuel in the tank. It goes on and off. I tried to get a new sensor from a dealer, but they said that it has been discontinued. Does anyone know how to get a new sensor or a used one or how to disconnect it so it does not keep blinking on and off? Thank you.
30th Jun 2009, 13:06
I just bought an 82 Virago 920 for $400, and although it runs great, I can't seem to go over 62 miles per hour. I have brand new carbs ($256) and plugs ($8.99). And everything else done as needed. I'm just puzzled on how it won't go? Any suggestions or help would be helpful. Thanks.

3rd Aug 2007, 17:22
I have been a owner of my Virago for three years. It's a fun ride. It's a 1986 750. The only problem that I have with it is that the front forks leak. I got all the new parts to fix it, but I can't get the front fork separated. Can anyone tell me how?
PLEASE and thank you.