82 Virago 750 Cafe Racer (Done!)

[Virago1113]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

Great setup...any Updates?

Been real busy between working out of town, yard work and the bike. I have to finish my air breather and its ready to ride. Paint still needs to be done. I was going to take some good pictures and post this weekend, so stay tuned!

 

[Virago1113]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

So I think I am close to everything being mocked up. I am still waiting for my air filter to show, but it could technically be put on the road. Took me a little while while to figure out some things. Turn signals had to have resistors put in as they were LEDs on the rear tail light. I also had to solder in two diodes so that my signals would not flash like I had my hazards on. This was because I went from 2 indicators on my speedo/tach to a single indicater on the new speedo. I was backfeeding the other side when I turned on one signal. Right now I have decided not to go with the rear-sets. All in all I think it looks good. Just have to wait for a chance to get it to the body shop. Was hoping to have everything finished by mid-May. I was close, but I think more like mid-June now.

Big shout out to my friends Nate and Zion for help with the subframe (who needs Doc's Chops??? lol).























I know the battery is ugly, so I think I am going to paint it black. I went with a OEM replacement as it seems to start better with the big ole ugly one (and we all know how Viragos start). I think it will also be a good place to put my Dime City sticker...

Let me know what you think.


Enjoy...

 

[Rich Ard]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

Nice work on the subframe - I wonder if you won't end up reworking it when it's ride to upholster the seat (as it sits now, you have a great line through the tank). Hopefully you're a step ahead of me!

Looks good.

 

[o1marc]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

Nice mod to fix the less than desirable cruiser frame for a seat. How much is DCC paying you to run their sticker? Upholstery is going to change the whole look of the seat line, right now it looks right. But Richard has a point, although his sentence was hard to understand.

 

[Rich Ard]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

Ha - 'ride' should have been 'ready'. It's like I barely know how to speak English.

 

[o1marc]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

Ha - 'ride' should have been 'ready'. It's like I barely know how to speak English.

Now I'll wait for VonDouche to come in and chid me again. ;D

 

[Virago1113]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

Nice mod to fix the less than desirable cruiser frame for a seat. How much is DCC paying you to run their sticker? Upholstery is going to change the whole look of the seat line, right now it looks right. But Richard has a point, although his sentence was hard to understand.

It's a cool sticker, it just seemed like a good place to stick it...I wish they we're paying me for it...

 

[Virago1113]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

Nice mod to fix the less than desirable cruiser frame for a seat. How much is DCC paying you to run their sticker? Upholstery is going to change the whole look of the seat line, right now it looks right. But Richard has a point, although his sentence was hard to understand.

Nice...you guys had to notice it now...

Here is the seat that goes with the seat pan

http://www.roccitycafe.com/item.php?path=store/cbbopad,

I did do it the way I did because the pan fit over the tank mount. I have seen too many that just butt up againt the end of the tank and I don't like the looks. To be honest, it's not that uncomfortable to ride without a pad, though around the block isn't riding it to work 30 miles away...

I have thought about making my own seat, thinner than the one I can buy. We will see how it comes out.

 

[Virago1113]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

Update....

My taillight wasn't fitting well, the curve of the seat pan wasn't helping...

I tried making a support using foam and fiberglass...big mess. Didn't work out too well. I have never worked with fiberglass, so my expectations were rather low.

I grabbed some flat stock plate that I had and made a support that I think was way better. Seems to fit well. It will need some tweaking. I was able to cut some foam for a support between the light and the seat.

 

[Virago1113]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

So I am bored waiting for my flight to the UK...

Here are the parts that I have used for my bike:

Horns

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00029XGAU/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Resistors for LED turn signals (rear)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004EDF8HY/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Front turn signals

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VSCDWO/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Front turn signal relocation kit

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GS0BZK/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Tail light

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006W25ZAU/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mirrors

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00167VG90/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Seat pan

http://www.roccitycafe.com/item.php?path=store/cbbo,

Clip ons

http://www.ebay.com/itm/36mm-Clip-On-Handlebars-Black-7-8-inch-22mm-diameter-CafeRacer-Universal-New-/300875163511?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item460d8ea777&vxp=mtr

Speedo

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-electronic-parts-mini-chrome-white-face-speedo-speedometer-490291.html

Pretty bad when your last 2 months history on Amazon and eBay are bike parts...

If there is something I am missing, ask and I will post.

Cheers!

 

[joe_allan]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

Where does the bolt at the front of your subframe bolt into , did you have to weld a nut on ???

 

[Virago1113]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

Where does the bolt at the front of your subframe bolt into , did you have to weld a nut on ???

Replied to your PM. Good luck with you "new" Virago. Unfortunately my project is on hold due to travel and residing/painting my house. Looks like its a winter project now...

Don't be afraid to ask questions on this forum...people on here are very knowledgable...and get your project up on a new post so we can all see your progress!

Cheers!

 

[rundown]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

Nice build, I'm signing up.

 

[Virago1113]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

So I'm trying to get back into the saddle...

With my crappy travel schedule, fixing the house, and the miserable winter we have had, I have put my build on hold.

I'm currently in Iraq with crappy internet service. It feels like I have dial up AOL from '95...

So here are some things I have to work on when I get home (1st week of April):

My tank is in the shop, having some work done to it. I cleaned and sealed it last year with POR15. I am still on the fence about using it. As Rich Ard pointed out, the lines will be off after I put a seat on the pan. I think the sub-frame will have to be re-worked. That being said, I will either have to modify the seat pan so it flows better with the tank or build/buy a different one. I really like the tank in this post:

http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=52023.msg582333#msg582333

I'm guessing its a Norton tank? I'm not even sure if it would work with my sub-frame. I might have to start over from scratch.

Another thing I am kicking around is the carbs. The bike does run, but I just can't get them to straighten out. I'm thinking of swapping them out to something else. With the crappy internet here it is hard to search, so does any one have a suggestion?

Anyone, anyone, Rich Ard?

 

[beachcomber]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

So I'm trying to get back into the saddle...

With my crappy travel schedule, fixing the house, and the miserable winter we have had, I have put my build on hold.

I'm currently in Iraq with crappy internet service. It feels like I have dial up AOL from '95...

So here are some things I have to work on when I get home (1st week of April):

My tank is in the shop, having some work done to it. I cleaned and sealed it last year with POR15. I am still on the fence about using it. As Rich Ard pointed out, the lines will be off after I put a seat on the pan. I think the sub-frame will have to be re-worked. That being said, I will either have to modify the seat pan so it flows better with the tank or build/buy a different one. I really like the tank in this post:

http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=52023.msg582333#msg582333

I'm guessing its a Norton tank? I'm not even sure if it would work with my sub-frame. I might have to start over from scratch.

Another thing I am kicking around is the carbs. The bike does run, but I just can't get them to straighten out. I'm thinking of swapping them out to something else. With the crappy internet here it is hard to search, so does any one have a suggestion?

Anyone, anyone, Rich Ard?

Yes - Manx 5 gallon - so called "Manx TT" model.

Two problems [ we've tried one ! ] Virtually no "tunnel" at the back and relatively shallow [ compared to frame ] at the front. Easier to modify the frame to suit the tank - which is what I'm now doing to fit the Mettisse tank to my project.

Another option - I was making a generic AJS 7R tank mould to use as a cover over a stock tank. There's another UK guy [ Moto-Carbon-Ltd ] now making such covers - one of which is a Manx the other a Metisse !

 

[Virago1113]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

So I am going to take the plunge and switch to a single carb. Ordered the parts off eBay this morning. Should be there when I get home next week.

I am debating if I stick with a single Hitachi carb (splitting mine) or buying a Mikuni...I might try the Hitachi first and if I don't like it, get a different carb.

 

[Rich Ard]

82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

I really like my Edelbrock QwikSilver II

 

[Virago1113]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

Got home from Iraq and my 2-1 intake arrived. Put it on and split my carbs to try it out. The Hitachi sticks out way too far. Tried to start it and nothing. Since I wasn't impressed with how far it stuck out and the weather turning nice, I abandoned the single carb project and threw everything back together and took her out for a spin.

My tank is finally out of the shop. The dents are gone and the emblem tabs have been welded and filled. It's primed and ready for a paint scheme.

I was thinking of this for the tank for awhile as my older brother owned one of these when he was 14 and my cousin currently has one, and then I see that Docs Chops did a new Bolt in this theme...

Any suggestions if it would look good on my bike? I would just change the 100 to 750.

 

[Virago1113]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

****UPDATE****

It has been almost 2 years since my last post on this. In this time I got divorced and re-married (sucker) and traveled to Turkey, Saudi Arabia (x3) India, Brazil (x3) and Dubai. I moved out of my house with my garage to another that I slowly had to set up. My new garage had a single 20amp circuit from the house for lights and garage door openers. So I had to install a 100amp panel just so I could run my air compressor. I still have the bike and it is still a work in progress. In this time the bike has transformed slightly from the last pictures posted. I have tried some different mock-ups and then discarded them. It has been a lot of trial and error, swearing and tools thrown...

I registered it and put it on the road last September. I didn't get killed riding it the 90 miles back and forth to work. So up until this point I have done something right.

I bought a powder coating gun and oven and I have been experimenting with that too.

I apologize for not posting my progress, but it has been a very hectic two years. When I found time to work on it I just didn't get a chance to record a lot of stuff, especially the things that just didn't work.

I hope some of you are still interested in this and I hope to get some pictures going here in the next month or two.

Cheers

 

[Virago1113]

Re: 82 Virago 750 Project Cafe

I promised some pictures and updates, so here is a little bit:

In the time I was away, I took the advice of Rich Ard and not only changed the line of the seat and tank, but changed the seat all together...

I played with a few different things on the front end. I tried keeping the original headlight, but I have finally given up on that. I hated how high the speedo was, so that was one of the deciding factors. I couldn't mount it any lower because the stock headlight would not allow it. Another thing I tried was mounting the handle bars lower but I found that I didn't like the ride position. So at this point they are back were they were.

Stole someone else's idea and used a K & N filter with the original air box cut out.

I bought a lithium battery and will someday get a box welded up to put under the seat. That was my project last summer after I finally got a new seat setup but I failed miserably.

Added the fork boots and Avon grips. The one photo I am missing a mirror because my wife tried moving it and the bike fell over on her...needless to say if my bike is blocking the lawnmower she knows now to wait until I get home before trying to move it.

I put it on the road in September and rode it when I could. Some small issues here and there, but it is still a work in progress and I haven't given up.

I finally jumped off the deep end and mounted the rearsets today. I had to remove the exhaust to mount them. I planned on going with the Mac 2-1 anyways. I have to say it was off in like 7 minutes. I remember seeing a video of two guys tearing down a virago and I swear they spent like 4 hours trying to get the same exhaust off...perhaps the motorcycle gods were smiling on me today.

I got the rearsets installed with some minimal grinding, cutting and drilling. I know that the left mount is black and the right is not. I got my powder coating oven wired up one day and needed a victim...I did it in semi gloss, but I may change to gloss. I'm not sure if I am sold it.

I have found that I will definitely be removing the center stand. The part that you stand on when setting it is right where my foot needs to be when I shift. I do like it because it's hard to knock over and I have always worried about that. People bumping into it at work, the kids in the garage and are messing around it. Guess it's time to stop worrying and to tell the kids to stay the hell away from Dad's bike.

It isn't everything, but its a start...enjoy