1982 Virago 920 engine up build

I've perved on this build 3 times in the last 2 days. I have one question. I don't know the technical term but because your motor mounts don't have any ribber bushings or anything whats stopping the bike from vibrating like crazy? I know on my old Cagiva they used aluminum motor mounts and that works well. do you have something like that in mind? Regardless, Bloody lovely work man. I cant wait to see the final product.
 
thanks to everyone who has responded, i am blown away by the reception on this site. i saw a thread on here building a 70s honda CB that started with modification to the frame and with through completion and that has really influenced my work so if i can give anything back i will.

I will try and answer the questions posted but if i missed something it isnt personal, and you arnt going to offend me by having a different opinion or approtch to something... so question away. :p


flaco said:
cool built man , did you make the adapter for the front wheel ,if you did haw can i purchase some from you they look awesome.

i did make the adapter, and while it is designed to the specific offsets i need i can modify designs to make them work for you.. send me a PM and i will see what i can do about getting you hooked up.

BCBarker said:
NICE WORK!

Nasa/VA... You in Williamsburg?

i am about 20 min south of Williamsburg, in northern newport news near Ft. Eustis.

gnarshread said:
I've perved on this build 3 times in the last 2 days. I have one question. I don't know the technical term but because your motor mounts don't have any ribber bushings or anything whats stopping the bike from vibrating like crazy? I know on my old Cagiva they used aluminum motor mounts and that works well. do you have something like that in mind? Regardless, Bloody lovely work man. I cant wait to see the final product.

you are absolutely spot on. actually this is one thing that i wanted to keep stock. so i designed my rear motor mounts around the rubber bushings that come stock on the bike. I will be running those during normal operation, but i made steel ones to hold the frame rigid to the engine while setting up and welding and so that i wouldn't melt the rubber ones. those little rubber grommets are actually the only new OEM yamaha parts i have bought.

thanks for all the replys and interest. i am hoping to be able to keep the interest up as i will have an update coming soon. going to be doing some more tutorial style posting as i do that carbon fiber work as there is alway interest in that, and i also have been busy with a 78 suzuki GS750 that my co-worker just gave me. 8)

more soon!
~Chris
 
Just went out in my shop and looked at what I thought was my very bitchin Virago I just completed, pissed on it and kicked it over!! fuck it im done! anyone want to buy my tools?
 
wow. just wow. i've seen some cool virago builds, but the stock wheels always take away from the finished product, in my opinion, so nice job on adapting spokes wheels. heck, nice job on EVERYTHING! you've got serious skills.
 
Excellent build and not too far from the ideas I have in mind for my XV. Seeing your posts have given me inspiration for my frame build, I've been tossing a few ideas around my head on the best way/type of frame to build. I'd be interested to know the spec and size of your main frame rails as I'm thinking of building a single backbone frame although I don't have access to a machine shop so I'll have to farm some of my engineering out. Please take a look at my thread, any advice will be most welcome http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=44804.0 or find it in Big Arse Projects - Cafe Racers - XV500 Cafe Racer.

Cheers Karlloss
 
Karlloss said:
Excellent build and not too far from the ideas I have in mind for my XV. Seeing your posts have given me inspiration for my frame build, I've been tossing a few ideas around my head on the best way/type of frame to build. I'd be interested to know the spec and size of your main frame rails as I'm thinking of building a single backbone frame although I don't have access to a machine shop so I'll have to farm some of my engineering out. Please take a look at my thread, any advice will be most welcome http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=44804.0 or find it in Big Arse Projects - Cafe Racers - XV500 Cafe Racer.

Cheers Karlloss

hey,
my main rails are 1.5 OD tube. I actually was inspired by someone else builfing this frame so i cant take full credit for it. The original builder used a single tube 2" i think, and he put alot of thought into it, which is why i was able to modify his design (with his concent) and use it as my own. I didnt have access to 2" tube and thought that the 1.5" stacket tube design would be slightly more rigid, however you have to do what works for you. i would check out his build especially as he didnt replace the lower frame/swingar-support like i did.
http://www.customfighters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54046&highlight=custom+frame+virago

Before i post pictures of the virago, i thought i would post up part of why i have been delayed in my progress...

got a 1978 Suzuki GS750 for free from a friend i work with. it is Canadian so i have to get the title switched over, but not bad for free.
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it has some external rust on the foot pegs and such, but the important stuff is in nice condition, like the inside of the tank.
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the previous owner took really good care of this and has been working on bikes for the past 30-40 years. all the stock stuff was still there, nothing is broken or missing.
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and now for a bit of an update on my build...

The foam plugs have been sealed with resin, brush-on squeegee-off to seal the foam. i did however need to "cover" the areas i recessed to allow the tail to sit on the frame so that i can use it as a plug.

so, i laid up a single layer of fiberglass and pulled it taunt over the bottom of the tail.
301_1207.jpg


then once it was cured i trimmed the excess fabric away.
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then i decided to stink up my garage with bondo and fill in the dips to make everything flat
301_1209.jpg


all sanded smooth:
301_1210.jpg


and here the tail is sanded down and only needs a couple spots glazed before getting primered. this body-work is a paint but the thought is, do all the work now get it just right and then when the part comes out of the mold it is perfect. no body-work needed. which is a good plan when you want a nice clean weave.
301_1212.jpg


and i started sanding down the tank.
301_1211.jpg


i am hoping to have these primered and and sanded smooth by this weekend. if all goes well i will be able to make my splitter plate and spray the gel coat for the first side of the tail and tank.
 
Nice work man, I like the tail section and the tank. Killer score on the old Zook! Have a 750 myself and love every second of it.
 
Thanks for the steer, I was planning on keeping the original swing arm mount, then your design got me thinking again, I'll take a look at the link :)
 
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