The Yamaha Virago 400 cruise motorcycle is a representative of the legendary family from a Japanese manufacturer. The digital designation indicates the volume of the power unit. One of the translations of the word Virago is a vixen. This is due to the very characteristics of the bike, which combined aggressiveness and a certain femininity. In fact, the car is a mixture of chopper and classic model. Consider the features and characteristics of this technique.
Power point
The Yamaha Virago 400 is equipped with a reliable and durable engine. Among the many advantages, the owners distinguish only one minus in the motor. As practice shows, it does not have the best sump. The element is located very low, which contributes to its damage on rough roads, up to the appearance of chips and cracks. Also, the series under consideration have problems with the starter bendix.
The Yamaha Drag Star motorcycle was first produced with a fuel tank, which was placed under the seat. Its capacity was 8 liters. Fuel was supplied to the system using a gas pump. After 1989, a decorative tank appeared on the modifications, and the volume of the main tank increased to 13.5 liters, thanks to the installation of an additional tank.
Suspension and transmission
The front fork is equipped with thin feathers measuring 35 millimeters, which are twisted with the active type of control and sharp braking. In conditions of frequent driving with a passenger, the silent blocks of the rear shock absorbers wear out actively, since the suspension is too soft for pair movement. Strengthen the node under consideration by installing gas-filled analogues.
Chopper "Yamaha" 400 series is equipped with a reliable gearbox with five ranges. True, some users note the difficulty in terms of the softness of gear shifting.
Exterior
The motorcycle in question is divided into two modifications. The first was produced with one tank placed under the saddle. The updated version received a pair of fuel tanks, so that the fuel supply increased to 13.5 liters. It is almost impossible to find a starting model with one fuel tank in the secondary market.
The carrier frame of the bike is durable and thoughtful design. This solution allows you to provide good controllability of the machine and partially compensate for the softness of the suspension fork.
Yamaha Virago 400: specifications
Below are the main parameters of the technical plan of the motorcycle in question:
- Type - cruiser (chopper).
- Years of production - 1988-1998.
- The frame material is steel.
- The power unit is a V-shaped two-cylinder four-stroke engine.
- Engine capacity - 399 cubic centimeters with a power of 40 horsepower.
- Compression - 9.7.
- Type of cooling - atmospheric system.
- Fuel supply - carburetor.
- Maximum torque - 7 thousand rotations per minute.
- Drive - driveshaft.
- Brakes - front disc assembly, rear drum.
- Suspension - telescopic fork with a stroke of 150 mm.
- The rear suspension is a pendulum type with a double shock absorber.
- Length / width / height - 2.22 / 0.72 / 1.11 m.
- Wheelbase - 1.52 m.
- Speed threshold - 135 km / h.
- Acceleration to 100 km - 7.5 seconds.
- The equipped weight of the Yamaha Virago 400 motorcycle is 199 kg.
- Tires - 3.0-19 / 140-90-15.
User Feedback
According to the owners, 400 cubes on the Virago is enough to make the bike one of the most powerful in its class. Users often compare the motorcycle with the legendary Harley-Davidson. Separately, it is worth paying attention to the exhaust system.
Reviews of the Yamaha Virago 400 indicate that the exhaust unit reduces about 80% of the sound produced. The design consists of cylinder tubes that converge into a common resonator tank located at the very bottom of the machine. Then one pipe goes into the silencers from the resonator. Such a design design provides not only the original sound, but also makes it possible to adjust the low center of gravity of the entire motorcycle. It is worth noting that the weight of the exhaust system is about 15 kilograms.
Motorcycle "Yamaha": price
The considered modification has not been made for more than 15 years. It can be purchased only in the secondary market. The price of a Yamaha motorcycle depends on the condition of the car, as well as the distance traveled. The average cost of a bike on the domestic market will be at least 100 thousand rubles.
Many owners and specialists note that it is not so difficult to find even a model released more than two decades ago, the state of which can be equated to perfect. The most popular are the 400th and 535th versions. In general, a motorcycle is great for professionals and beginner motorcyclists.
Interesting Facts
The following is a brief history of the creation and development of a motorcycle:
- The start of production of the Virago 400 series, built on the basis of the American 535th version, is 1988.
- In 1989, the bike was equipped with an additional 4.5-liter tank, and the seat is divided into two parts, of which the passenger seat can be removed. Providing access to the glove compartment.
- On the steering rack. The engine cover and carburetor are replacing aluminum parts with chrome-plated analogues.
- In 1996, a modification came out known as the Yamaha Drag Star.
- Production Completion - 1998
Tuning
As they say, there is no limit to perfection. So the owners of the chopper "Yamaha" are trying in every way to improve the motorcycle. An additional incentive is provided by the wide range of additional accessories that the manufacturer offers. Most often, the changes relate to the appearance of the “iron horse”. Users equip it with a body kit, updated mirrors, sensors and seats.
One of the most optimal tuning options is to replace the steering wheel, overcook the exhaust system, install new brakes and wheels. Those owners who are tired of the standard color of the machine repaint it in specialized workshops to their liking and preferences. Some craftsmen manage to weld the strollers, mount the wardrobe trunks or make a more powerful variation from the model with the help of afterburner or engine replacement.
Competitors
In this line there are several rivals of the Yamaha Virago 400 motorcycle. Among them:
- "Honda Steed 400" (Honda Steed).
- "Suzuki Intruder 400" (Suzuki Intruder).
- "Kawasaki Vulcan 4002" (Kawasaki VN 400 Vulcan).
Features
The main feature of this bike is a two-cylinder air-cooled V-shaped power unit. It produces 40 horsepower and 34 Nm of torque. The motor is corrected for even traction in all ranges at a maximum speed of up to 8.5 thousand revolutions per minute.
In addition, the modification is distinguished by a high-strength steel frame in a classic version, as well as a five-speed informative gearbox and 19/15 inch wheels. The package includes a front disc brake, a telescopic front fork, a dual rear shock absorber and a cardan drive.
Finally
Cruise motorcycle "Yamaha Virago 400" was produced until 1998. His replacement came a more modern analogue under the brand name "Star Drag." This model went into mass production back in 1996. The new version is fundamentally different from its predecessor. The main differences were in appearance, technical equipment and carburetor device. Despite the considerable age of technology, it is still successful in the secondary market. Among the Virago line, modifications 250, 535 can be noted. The last variation was produced exclusively for export, since, according to the laws of Japan, training and road bikes should not have a volume of more than 400 cubic centimeters.