VIRAGO vs INTRUDER ?
Stephane Bozet
Hello World,
I am looking to buy a new bike and I can't choose between the Virago
750 and the Intruder 800. Could someone help me to make the right
choice ?
ps: The bike will not be for duo, or perhaps one or two week-end a
year.
Thanks in advance. Bye
BOZET Stephane - Belgium.
)))))
(O O) Stephane BOZET
--------------------oOO----(_)----OOo--------------------------------
PGP key on request/sur demande (E.Mail : sbo...@tornado.be)
Tom Zimmer
Stephane Bozet wrote:
>
> Hello World,
>
> I am looking to buy a new bike and I can't choose between the Virago
> 750 and the Intruder 800. Could someone help me to make the right
> choice ?
Thats easy, I just did the same comparison myself. They are both similar
in functionality, but the Virago has MUCH MORE PERSONALITY. You can't
go wrong with either, but I personally like the sound of the Virago
much more than the Intruder. There are also a bunch of accessories and
chrome parts you can purchase from Yamaha for the Virago. Suprisingly
may of the small chrome parts are pretty inexpensive, and dress it up
a lot. Whne I went looking for a used one of each, I found several
Intruders, but no lat model Viragos. Now why do you suppose there are
almost no used Viragos available. I will give you a hint, their owners
love them.
One final note, the older (pre 86) Viragos are good too, but if you buy one,
go into the deal realizing you will probably have to have some starter
work done. Its only a minor irritation if you know it up front.
> ps: The bike will not be for duo, or perhaps one or two week-end a
> year.
Just make sure you don't let a Virago sit unridden for weeks on end, they
like to be ridden a lot, it helps keep the carbs working well. Hondas
don't seem to mind sitting for months between rides, but Yamaha carbs are
much more finniky, and need to be used almost continuously. Having to ride
your Virago regularly is a very small price to pay for such a wonderful machine.
Tom Zimmer
Cat
Tom Zimmer <ZFo...@ix.netcom.com> wrote:
>Stephane Bozet wrote:
>> I am looking to buy a new bike and I can't choose between the Virago
>> 750 and the Intruder 800. Could someone help me to make the right
>> choice ?
>Thats easy, I just did the same comparison myself. They are both similar
>in functionality, but the Virago has MUCH MORE PERSONALITY.
Well, since Usenet is a diverse place, let me throw in my two cents
on the other side.
I've almost bought a Virago (until the seller backed out of selling
it). I DID just purchase an 86 Suzuki Intruder 700. In retrospect
I am REALLY glad I did not purchase the Virago!
I got a chance to see the Virago again at this person's house, as they
are an acquaintance known through a friend. I saw the Virago 3 days
after I bought my Intruder and the only thing I could think was, "Wow
am I glad I didn't fork over the bucks for that! I really won on
this deal!"
AND the owner of said Virago (750cc btw) saw my bike and the first thing
he said was, "Wow that's a GORGEOUS bike! Is it new?"
>You can't
>go wrong with either, but I personally like the sound of the Virago
>much more than the Intruder.
And again, I'm afraid I'm on the flip side of the coin. There's nothing
I love more than the sound of my Intruder. People stare when they see
an average-sized 5'7" woman take off the helmet and walk off. When I
was polishing it the other day I could barely get through the job for all
of the compliments I was getting from neighbors who were, for the most
part, total strangers before then. I have also agreed to take my next
door neighbor and her daughter for a ride as soon as I get more
comfortable riding two up. :-)
>There are also a bunch of accessories and
>chrome parts you can purchase from Yamaha for the Virago. Suprisingly
>may of the small chrome parts are pretty inexpensive, and dress it up
>a lot.
I haven't really examined accessories or parts for my Intruder yet. I
am looking at purchasing a new saddle for it, as the old one is a bit
worn, but that's about it. Perhaps some saddlebags as well at some
point. What accessories and parts did you get for your Virago? I'd
like to see what other people do with their cruisers.
>Whne I went looking for a used one of each, I found several
>Intruders, but no lat model Viragos. Now why do you suppose there are
>almost no used Viragos available. I will give you a hint, their owners
>love them.
I had, again, almost the exact opposite experience. This was the first
Intruder I ever saw for sale and I've heard and seen many Viragos on the
market. The guy who sold me my Intruder is a coworker who loved the
bike, but just never put the miles on it he figured he would and it was
basement kept for the winter. Someone offered him a deal he couldn't
pass up on another bike he really wanted, and he never figured he'd own
two bikes, so he sold his Intruder to me.
I LOVE my Intruder, and have found at least one other owner of the exact
same bike who loves his as well on the web. What do I dislike about it?
Well, mostly everything is difficult to get to for maintenance and it has
no trip odometer. That's about it.
As for occassional two-up riding, do you remember the guy I mentioned
above who didn't end up selling me his Virago? He agreed to be my
guinea pig and rode pillion with me (my first time ever doing that)
on Saturday. He was 200lbs and I'm about 60 less than that and it was
absolutely fine. He said I did a great job and bragged to everyone
that he was "Cat's bitch" for the day... ;-) So I suspect occassional
two-up riding would not be a problem for you.
Good luck in your search.
Cat ------------------------------------------- |\ _,,,--,,_ ,) -------
Visit My Townhouse on the Internet At: /,`.-'`' -, ;-;;'
http://www.feline.org/feline/ |,4- ) )-,_ ) /\
c...@rumpleteazer.feline.org -----DoD #6996----'---''(_/--' (_/-' -----F.Lee--
Lockheed WsmrSmts
Stephane Bozet (sbo...@tornado.be) wrote:
: Hello World,
: I am looking to buy a new bike and I can't choose between the Virago
: 750 and the Intruder 800. Could someone help me to make the right
: choice ?
: ps: The bike will not be for duo, or perhaps one or two week-end a
: year.
As an impartial observer, the *only* choice is the Virago. It's a
reliable, air-cooled V twin that's a great ride. I think the Intruder is
liquid cooled (like a car). *Real* motorcycles are cooled by the constant
flow of air as you make you way down the road.
(Just my unbiased opinion)
--
______________________________________________
The Q DoD #42508
95 Virago 750 95 Virago 535
etc...
Cat
Lockheed WsmrSmts <Les...@cris.com> wrote:
> As an impartial observer, the *only* choice is the Virago. It's a
I wouldn't qualify someone who owns two Viragos as an impartial
observer. Not saying it's bad, but you're not exactly impartial,
obviously and you're more than just an observer.
>reliable, air-cooled V twin that's a great ride. I think the Intruder is
>liquid cooled (like a car). *Real* motorcycles are cooled by the constant
>flow of air as you make you way down the road.
Which really sucks when it overheats because you're stuck in traffic,
now don't it?
> (Just my unbiased opinion)
Your opinion is most definitely biased, just like mine is. Come on,
admit it. There's nothing wrong with having a biased opinion, just
don't lie and say it's unbiased when it's obviously not.
>______________________________________________
>The Q DoD #42508
>95 Virago 750 95 Virago 535
>etc...
Cat
86 Intruder 700
Lockheed WsmrSmts
Cat (c...@va.pubnix.com) wrote:
: Lockheed WsmrSmts <Les...@cris.com> wrote:
: > As an impartial observer, the *only* choice is the Virago. It's a
: ^^^^^^^^^^
: I wouldn't qualify someone who owns two Viragos as an impartial
: observer. Not saying it's bad, but you're not exactly impartial,
: obviously and you're more than just an observer.
oops ... What gave me away ?
: >reliable, air-cooled V twin that's a great ride. I think the Intruder is
: >liquid cooled (like a car). *Real* motorcycles are cooled by the constant
: >flow of air as you make you way down the road.
: Which really sucks when it overheats because you're stuck in traffic,
: now don't it?
Wouldn't know, never happened...
: > (Just my unbiased opinion)
: Your opinion is most definitely biased, just like mine is. Come on,
: admit it. There's nothing wrong with having a biased opinion, just
: don't lie and say it's unbiased when it's obviously not.
No need to get personal. I won't admit it. My opinion was *not*
biased, it was just heavily influenced by the superior bike (Virago).
David L. Campbell
Lockheed WsmrSmts (Les...@cris.com) wrote:
: Cat (c...@va.pubnix.com) wrote:
:
: : Your opinion is most definitely biased, just like mine is. Come on,
: : admit it. There's nothing wrong with having a biased opinion, just
: : don't lie and say it's unbiased when it's obviously not.
:
: No need to get personal. I won't admit it. My opinion was *not*
: biased, it was just heavily influenced by the superior bike (Virago).
Oh for Christ's sake, neither of you gave anything beyond touchy-
feelly rationalization for buying one bike over the other. Nothing
about relative performance, reliability, ease of repair/maintenance,
etc. So why waste your time argueing about being "biased" when you
haven't really said anything with enough weight to warrant concerns
about bias.
Truth is, when you compare the bikes, they're more alike than they
are different and it'll probably come down to personal preferences
on relatively minor issues.
David.
-----------------------------------------------------------
David L. Campbell The Ego Wall:
dcam...@bga.com http://www.realtime.net/~dcampbel
========= Will make computer animations for food! =========
Lockheed WsmrSmts
David L. Campbell (dcam...@bga.com) wrote:
: Oh for Christ's sake, neither of you gave anything beyond touchy-
: feelly rationalization for buying one bike over the other. Nothing
: about relative performance, reliability, ease of repair/maintenance,
: etc. So why waste your time argueing about being "biased" when you
: haven't really said anything with enough weight to warrant concerns
: about bias.
Arguing ? We were *not*. What do you mean by that? I *never*
argue.
: Truth is, when you compare the bikes, they're more alike than they
: are different and it'll probably come down to personal preferences
: on relatively minor issues.
What do you mean minor? My Virago has a tiny piece of chrome on the
left side that makes it *much* nicer than an Intruder. There's nothing
minor about that!
Michael Rah
Okay my 2 cents...
I agree that both bikes are extremely similar.
I happened to pick the Intruder. '95 Intruder 800.
The price had a lot to do with it. I got a great deal on it and I was
leaning that way anyway. I just like the way it looks better.
As for getting chrome parts for it... who needs to!!! it come from the
factory almost chromed out to begin with.
And the resale values I've seen around here seem to be a bit higher for
the intruder over the virago... not by much at all (maybe enough for a
twelve pack and some smokes)
That's it.... thanks for your time
--
Michael S. Rah /| Freedom is found in the wind
/ |
J 29 'Outrage' <__| ms...@freenet.columbus.oh.us
Fanatic, WH, Neil Pryde ,------- uscg...@ibmmail.com
Gary Steinweg
CA> I've almost bought a Virago (until the seller backed out of selling
CA> it). I DID just purchase an 86 Suzuki Intruder 700. In retrospect
CA> I am REALLY glad I did not purchase the Virago! . . . .
CA> People stare when they see an average-sized 5'7" woman take off
CA> the helmet and walk off.
Wonder why they're staring? You're supposed to wear jeans under the chaps.
CA> When I was polishing it the other day I could barely get through the
CA> job for all of the compliments I was getting from neighbors who were, for
CA> the most part, total strangers before then.
See above.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
gary.s...@warpgate.com Black Virago 920, motorcycle jacket,
black helmet, boots, gloves, & jeans - poseur extraordinaire
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
======= =======
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__________________/ / SAN DIEGO / /
O___________________/__________________/ /
O___________________/
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| Standard disclaimer: The views of this user are strictly their own.
| The WarpGate Network Internet Gateway El Cajon, CA.
Steve Allen
>Okay my 2 cents...
>I agree that both bikes are extremely similar.
I just bought a Virago 750, but was torn between that and a vulcan
750 for sometime. I really wanted a Honda Shadow 1100, but
I just couldn't justify the extra $$$$.
As factual, or as fluffy as they may be, here
are the pro's and con's I haggled with myself over the two bikes.
They are purely from my point of view, so yoiu get what you pay for.
Vulcan:
Pro:
- slighly more comforatable for me (I'm tall - 6'3")
- water cooled - always a nice feature
- more mainstream styling
- speedo, etc, use "normal" color schemes
Con:
- I thought the engine block looked rather chunky/blocky/
big hunk of metal-ish.
- water cooling usually make engine work a little harder
Virago:
Pro:
- I had good luck with my '85 Yamaha Radian 600.
- I loved the red/brown paint job.
- I think the chrome engine, with no black frame bars under
the engine looks really great.
- I didn't personally know a single person with a virago.
Con:
- I didn't personally know a single person with a virago.
- slighly smaller (in seating size, etc). Than I really want.
- engine is air cooled, and not vert uniform in the
wide dimension (more unique).
- no "frame" under the engine would probably make
valve adjustments, etc, harder.
- white speedo, etc, is a little strange at first. But
the radian had the same, so I didn't consider that
a real problem.
If I were a rational person, I would have picked the Vulcan (but no
one has ever accused me of that). It seems to have all the
technology I like (including the water cooled engine).
Both had the *key* features I wanted which was: mag wheels, shaft
drive, dual disk brakes up front, 750cc+, comfortable seating.
After owning the Virago for 500 miles now, I can honestly say the
only problem I have with it is the seat (we've heard that before).
It's comfy enough for the 30 miles of riding I do a day, but I'm
going to get a custom single seat that sits a few inches further back
(for a little more leg room). It handles just fine, though I wouldn't
dare try to keep up with a racer.
It sounds great, looks great (I get *lots* of complements) and is a
pleasure to ride.
Unless you do a lot of stop and go traffic (city riding), I don't
think you can go wrong with either bike. If you do, you
may want to learn towards the water cooled vulcan.
Good luck.
Steve A
Tom Zimmer
>
> I just bought a Virago 750, but was torn between that and a vulcan
> 750 for sometime. I really wanted a Honda Shadow 1100, but
> I just couldn't justify the extra $$$$.
>
I don't know how the new Shadows are, but the 1985 Shadow 700 I used
to have had very loud exaust. I had to (and I do mean HAD TO) wear
ear plugs to keep from getting too irritated by the noise on the
way to work. I dumped it on a dealer, and now I have an 1100 Virago.
The Virago is much nicer. Quiet enough, without being silent. Just
a nice throaty tone.
If I were you I'd be glad I didn't buy the Shadow Boulevard Blaster.
Tom Zimmer
David L. Campbell
: Steve Allen wrote:
: >
: > I just bought a Virago 750, but was torn between that and a vulcan
: > 750 for sometime. I really wanted a Honda Shadow 1100, but
: > I just couldn't justify the extra $$$$.
: >
: I don't know how the new Shadows are, but the 1985 Shadow 700 I used
: to have had very loud exaust. I had to (and I do mean HAD TO) wear
: ear plugs to keep from getting too irritated by the noise on the
: way to work. I dumped it on a dealer, and now I have an 1100 Virago.
The new Shadows (1100) are pretty reasonable volume-wise. Tone is
nice and throaty.
Cat
>Cat c...@va.pubnix.com (Cat) wrote:
>CA> People stare when they see an average-sized 5'7" woman take off
>CA> the helmet and walk off.
>Wonder why they're staring? You're supposed to wear jeans under the chaps.
Damn! Is THAT how they work??
Actually, I haven't gotten around to getting the chaps yet. :-\
I desperately need a pair, for when I wear leggings (for ice
skating) or want to wear denim shorts under 'em.
Mail order or local store?
Cat
rolland whittle
Intruder because its styling is so much cleaner. The Virago may have better
dynamics, but on a cruiser, styling is the number one criteria for purchase,
and the Viragos are a throw back to the days when the Japanese didn't have a
clue on how to style a cruiser type bike.
rolland whittle
Tom Zimmer
>
> The Virago may have better
> dynamics, but on a cruiser, styling is the number one criteria for purchase,
> and the Viragos are a throw back to the days when the Japanese didn't have a
> clue on how to style a cruiser type bike.
That explains why the Virago has been around for almost 16 years with almost
no changes in style. The Japanese may not have had a clue, but they
managed to hit the nail square on the head.
Tom Zimmer
Another Virago Owner/Enjoyer
DarrylTD
(Stephane Bozet) writes:
>I am looking to buy a new bike and I can't choose between the Virago
>750 and the Intruder 800. Could someone help me to make the right
>choice ?
>ps: The bike will not be for duo, or perhaps one or two week-end a
>year.
>
>
I looked at the smaller Intruder against the Virago 535 I bought.
Intruder was cheaper, but sitting on it, the Virago just 'felt' better.
Totaly subjective. Any chance you can drive both?
---------------------------
Darr...@aol.com
Darryl Brooks
Atlanta, Ga.
---------------------------
Kjell Arild Sandvik
wrote:
>If the question is whether to buy a Virago or an Intruder, the answer is the
>Intruder because its styling is so much cleaner. The Virago may have better
>dynamics, but on a cruiser, styling is the number one criteria for purchase,
>and the Viragos are a throw back to the days when the Japanese didn't have a
>clue on how to style a cruiser type bike.
Well said rolland!
To say it with other words, the looks of the virago is really uncool! It's
full of compromises, and that's not what your are looking for in a cruiser.
Yama tried to do the impossible thing, to build a cruiser full of sense.
Sounds stupid, is stupid and had to be a failure. For a cruiser anyway. But
it's a reliable, well handling, easy maintained uncool looking bike. The
Intruder is reliable, easy maintained, not so well handling, very clean,
and a lot cooler looking bike. What do you want?
Someone mentioned the nice fact of lotsa chrome stuff on the virago. Gimme
a break! Fake peeling-off chrome on plastic is *not* cool. It's stupid,
cheap and ugly. And you want to buy even more of it? Geezez.....
BTW, check out this picture, http://www.powertech.no/~morteas/dk4244.jpg
and tell me if the virago is good looking compared to it....
Oh, if you like braking, buy the virago. The brakes are a lot better. ;-)
--
/KAS
_\\|//_
(-o-O-)
|------------o00--(_)--00o-------------------------------------------|
| Bamsemums MC #002 http://www.powertech.no/~morteas/bmc.htm |
| DoD #4344 DEC Riders #18 |
| '93 Suzuki VS1400 Intruder, |
| '92 Honda CBR600F2 "Cave ursem ferocem" |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
Lockheed WsmrSmts
.oh.us> <4qtvam$7...@decius.ultra.net> <31D2DC...@ix.netcom.com> <4quu4u$21...@news3.realtime.net> <31d4a40e...@news.inetnow.net>
Organization: Concentric Internet Services
Distribution:
rolland whittle (rol...@inetnow.net) wrote:
: If the question is whether to buy a Virago or an Intruder, the answer
: is the Intruder because its styling is so much cleaner. The Virago may
: have better dynamics, but on a cruiser, styling is the number one
: criteria for purchase, and the Viragos are a throw back to the days when
: the Japanese didn't have a clue on how to style a cruiser type bike.
Total crap! ... nope ... wait ... sorry, the part about the Virago
having better dynamics _is_ true.
--
Juliana L Holm
DarrylTD (darr...@aol.com) wrote:
: In article <31cee486...@news.tornado.be>, sbo...@tornado.be
: (Stephane Bozet) writes:
: >I am looking to buy a new bike and I can't choose between the Virago
: >750 and the Intruder 800. Could someone help me to make the right
: >choice ?
: >ps: The bike will not be for duo, or perhaps one or two week-end a
: >year.
: >
: >
: I looked at the smaller Intruder against the Virago 535 I bought.
: Intruder was cheaper, but sitting on it, the Virago just 'felt' better.
: Totaly subjective. Any chance you can drive both?
The 535 iwss a classic great first bike, because it handles so well, and
feels so natural. That is why the decision whether or not to stpe up to
abigger bike s such a dillemma. . .
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Julie Holm (ENTP)| We're all mad here. I'm mad and you're mad.
jh...@gmu.edu | If you weren't mad, you wouldn't be here!
| - Lewis Carroll (approximately)
| DoD #1604 AMA #397939 1987 Virago 535 "Kate"
| 1995 rec.moto "newbie of the year" UKMC# 0003
|*** Nasty Girl Gang Armourer, Shopping Consultant,
| and Travel Agent!!!
| I'm home at http://osf1.gmu.edu/~jholm
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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In <f8f_960...@warpgate.warpgate.com>, gary.s...@warpgate.com (Gary Steinweg) writes:
> ======= =======
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> / / ==== ==== / /
> __________________/ / SAN DIEGO / /
> O___________________/__________________/ /
> O___________________/
>
>---
> * SLMR 2.1a *
>---
>| WarpGate: Gary Steinweg 52:1000/252
>| Internet: gary.s...@warpgate.com
>| Standard disclaimer: The views of this user are strictly their own.
>| The WarpGate Network Internet Gateway El Cajon, CA.
You stole my sig!!!!
======= =======
/===== =====\
/ /==== ====\ \
/ / ==== ==== / /
______________/ / / /
+O_______________/ ______________/ /-------------------------------------+
|Philip Hamm O_______________/ 1985 Yamaha 700 Virago |
|Phil...@aol.com VOC # 4009 |
|phil...@ix.netcom.com 1995 Kawasaki GPZ 1100 |
| ukmc # 1,000,000,000 |
| I do not belong to the DoD but I follow its rules strictly |
| Happily multitasking since 1992 thanks to OS/2 |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Dennis S. Smith
I looked at the Virago, Intruder and Shadow. All in the
under 1000cc class. I ended up with a Virago 1100. I love
it. It is only my second motorcycle, so take that for what
its worth.
Juliana L Holm
Dennis S. Smith (dss...@nswc.navy.mil) wrote:
: I looked at the Virago, Intruder and Shadow. All in the
: it. It is only my second motorcycle, so take that for what
: its worth.
When did they start making the 1100 Virago in the under 1000cc class?
This sounds like the bike of my dreams!!!!! What I could save in
insurance!!
Stephane Bozet
Hello everybody,
When I started this thread, I thought to receive just a few reactions
and discover witch bike is the best. Damned! now I am sure I couldn't
go wrong with either the two bikes because Virago owner and Intruder
owner are in love with their machine.
So after visiting *many* show-room (in Belgium and Luxembourg) I
finally made my choice : a '96 Virago XV1100 with the black/dark red
paint job. My wife love it too!
I ear you 'why the 1100 and not the 750' as in my original message. I
think it is the big torque at low rpm that seduce me and also the fact
it is air-cooled.
I will receive it around the 15th of July... what a long delay, hehe.
Thanks for posting in this thread and helping me to choose.
Bye.
Stephane.