Ugly Punx XV1100

[Brodie]

Couldn't find anything to replace the o2 sensor with so I removed the core and planned on welding it up.

Then I ran out of welding wire....

So, in usual fashion I thought about other ways to plug the hole instead of buying more wire.

I tried a bolt but I couldn't get a thread as the ceramic core was chewing it up.

So I took a step back and noticed my fishing box... 

Final solution was using old lead sinkers of the right diameter to plug the hole and beating them in with a hammer. 1 medium sinker for the external and 3 for internal. If the exhaust gets hot enough to melt the lead I think I have bigger issues.

[Brodie]

The more fuel I run through the engine the more crud collects in that massive fuel filter. Looks like that will stay on for the first couple of tanks before I upgrade to the small style.

[canyoncarver]

Nice job Brodie.  I dig that pipe you made too.  Bars would change that look alot.  Somewhere 8" or even 12" narrow zeds would look the part.  Would love to hear that pipe rev.

[Brodie]

Sounds great.

Not sure about the smoke though.

[Brodie]

I haven't given people much insight into this projects direction.

I have no idea what definitive style I am after. I do know what I want. So the easiest way to get some direction from you lot is to describe what I am after. As far as I am concerned I am now starting with a strong base point that I know runs well and is in good condition.

Wants:
To be able to haul a decent amount of gear. Such as a carton of beer as well as a small tent and a overnight bag.
A comfortable long distance bike.
Good reliability.
Able to have the occasional passenger.
Stand out from other bikes of this style. I don't people to see another virago.
Less gap between the rear fender and tyre. Be it new shocks or fender.

Do not wants:
Bling Bling chrome. These bikes come with far to much of that to begin with.
Poor handling.
Uncomfortable riding position. I am 6'1 and 225lbs, with a stocky build. Not fat, but not fit. I don't want to be cramped up. Current seat already pushes me a bit to far forward.

Any input is much appreciated.

[Tune-A-Fishİ]

Dechrome as you go bud, look at Corbin for a seat that gives you some height and position should be able to go to a Harley shop and sit on them all... the Heritage has a close ride position so maybe fit with that in mind... a crash bar with highway pegs is a must for long haul and a set of rag or leather bags for camp supplies is awful nice and can be removed for town rides or DD riding.

Don't know if its possible but a 20" front tracks really nice out on the road also... run a tube up front, I find they blow slower and less chance the tire comes off  ... Most important... don't do anything that takes more than a weekend to complete or it may be a month before you ride again 



Custom Virago seat on eBay

[Brodie]

Painted a few more things black. Shocks and cam gear covers. Slowly starting to look the part.

I think new bars are in order.

[Brodie]

Been a while since an update.

But she is on the road as of today. Also running very rough. I expected this and have no doubt I am be cleaning the carbs again shortly. I also just ordered a new set of intake boots as I finally decided to stick with the twin carb setup. Not necessarily the two on it but that is in the future.

So I had to replace the exhaust with the dual pipes it came with as the one I welded up gave me no clearance when turning. Still want different pipes but I am thinking a cone on each side might be the go.

I have also been quite inspired by the HCM XV1100 build and would love to take this bike in that direction once I iron out the issues.

[Brodie]

[der_nanno]

Nice work on the ol' Virago. You contemplated a single carb intake, which honestly you'd totally regret. If you're unhappy with the stock carbs, I am running VM38s on my TR1 and they are the dog's danglies. There's a 2in1 throttle cable for VM carbs and XS650-throttle-grips, which bolts up straight away and you'll need some new inlet manifolds UNLESS you skip the VM38s for TM38s as these are available with a throat in stock-carb outer diameter.

I have to admit I do like Hageman's Vinrago, but I think it would be very hard to build something along the same lines, which a) wouldn't be a blatant copy or b) look right. But then, that's what's called a challenge, right?

Cheers,
Greg