1983 Yamaha Virago XV920

Before

After

We purchased this 1983 Yamaha Virago XV920 in Roanoke, Virginia. The Virago had approximately 22,000 miles. Although the Virago had been sitting outside for some time, you could tell that the previous owner had cared a lot for this motorcycle. 

The Virago did not have a battery so we were not sure if it would even start but we had confidence based on the overall shape of the motorcycle. The build idea was a cafe racer with a solo seat and front fork conversion. We also wanted to upgrade the solo shock, carburetors and put a kick-ass stainless exhaust. The wiring was in good shape and we decided to go with a lithium battery. 

Overall, this was a pretty straightforward build and we did not run in to any problems. Viragos have starting issues, aka “box-of-rocks.” To fix this, we replaced the bendix gear and modified it to prevent the, “box-of-rocks” sound when starting. 

We ended up with a sweet build that was more reliable, better performing, lighter and visually stunning. Hearing that v-twin come to life was unreal. What a great build.

Parts purchased and installed:

  • 2015 R6 Forks
  • 485 Designs custom stainless steel pie-cut exhaust
  • 2015 R6 Rim and rotors
  • Cognito Moto Forks Adapter and new bearings
  • New TM38-86 flatslide carburetors
  • Antigravity Lithium Battery and custom relocated battery box
  • New Kendra Tires
  • Mikuni Flanges
  • 2-1 Carb Throttle Cable
  • K&L Fuel Petcock gravity fed
  • R1 Master Cylinder Front
  • Rick’s Motorsports Rectifier/ Regulator (for lithium)
  • MV Agusta rear shock
  • Custom Aluminum rear shock adapter
  • Biltwell solo seat
  • Acewell Speedometer / Tachometer
  • Clutch Perch
  • Helix fuel lines
  • Carburetor turbo elbows
  • Stainless steel carburetor elbow clamps
  • Tank Paint / House of Kolor Wild Cherry Kandy
  • Tank 2K Clear Coat
  • Stainless steel Front Brake Banjo union bolts
  • New Thrust Covers / Swingarm
  • Newer Rubber Drive Shaft Boot
  • Hand Controls / levers R1 2009-2014
  • SS Moto adjustable Clipon Risers
  • Turbo Shop Elbows 90 degree (reducers) 63mm ID to 57mm ID / 2.5” to 2.25”
  • 2015 R6 front brake calipers/pads/bolts
  • K&N air filter 
  • Vans ODI Cult Grips
  • K&N valve breather
  • LED Headlight
  • LED integrated tail / brake / turn signal strip
  • Subframe 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Seat Mount – T2306668
  • Hella Horn
  • Fenrir mirrors
  • New Speedometer Magnet
  • Nylon wiring looms
  • LED flasher relay
  • Front LED turn signals
  • LED license plate lights
  • Core Moto Front Brake Line Custom +6
  • PSR Brake Fluid Reservoir 
  • Mikuni 175 Main Jets
  • Mikuni 6FJ40 Jet Needles
  • Mikuni VM22/210 Pilot Jets #15
  • Copper core 0 ohm resistance Spark Plug Wires
  • Bendix Clip Clamp
  • Antigravity Bluetooth monitor tracker for Lithium Batteries
  • Outlaw racing Brake reservoir mount
  • DC Voltage Reducer Automatic Buck Boost Converter DC 8V-40V to 12V 6A 72W Step Down Up Regulator
  • Bruce & Shark 41mm-51mm Fork Black Headlight Mount Bracket
  • 1PZ XS8-S01 Starter Solenoid Relay for Yamaha Virago 920 XV920
  • Custom made brake and shifter rearset linkages
  • Custom metal for welded seat bracket
  • Custom welded fork stop
  • New Yamaha Bendix gear and spring
  • Most bolts, washers, lock washers, nuts, etc. replaced with stainless steel hardware
  • Amsoil  fluids and grease
  • NGK 4055 BPR7EIX Iridium IX Spark Plug