Virago or Intruder for a newbie

[roks]

already seen it....I reckon I know darn near every 250cc cruiser style bike for sale in the country...phew!! I'm exhausted even before I start to ride, I think I need a drink!!

[Virago]

Hi Roks - welcome!

I too am a Virago fan - great for the vertically challenged! I've tried out a few 250 cruisers, and recommend the Virago for it's smooth power, highway capability, and "big cruiser" looks.

As you say, there's not much around in the south at the moment. There's this one in Dunedin:

http://www.bikepoint.co.nz/DesktopDe...as=bikepointnz

They want too much for it, but it's been in the showroom for over a year, so it might be worth a cheeky offer. I've got a short video clip of my daughter trying it out (she's just under 4'10"!) - let me know if you want to see it.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

[roks]

thanks...I've sent you a private message about this...would like to see the clip. :spudwave:

[Rashika]

thanks...super friendly site....

welcome to the gang Roks! esp big welcome to the chch gang of kbrs.

and as an ex-virago rider i can highly recommend them...okay so I had a 750 not a 250, but I had it for 10 years so there must have been something damn good about it
I did look at the 250s when I was at that stage but settled on a GN as the virago were just way outa my price range then (long time ago now), then went to the 750 Virago when I got my full licence.
excellant bike tho, from memory over the 10 years I:
-had one flat tyre
-replaced the regulater when it went bung, eventually altho the bike stayed going till the last wire went
-fixed the front fork seals once
and just the usual oil, and plugs changes

Comfy ride, and pretty forgiving for a beginner...I'd say get one if you can afford it...it'll keep you going for the next couple of years till you want more power

and i know what you mean about checking out every damn bike in the country...I've just got my new bike and it took a lot of looking to get the right one, but alls good now!!
Good luck and if you need any help just holla

oh yeah and that pic up the top left is the arse end of my old bike, with a beaut Waiau sunrise in the background

[roks]

Thanks, I can't get over how helpful people are. It seems that the Virago is the bike of choice and I'd rather a little more for something a little more special, with the Intruder being second pick. How come when you want something though there's none around

[Scorpygirl]

I'm only 5'2" hence my need for something low to the ground.....like me!

At 4 ft 11 and short on the legs AKA ducks disease the Virago 250 does me - I am still on my learners.

[The Preacher]

lol Just a tiny bit.
Guy on this site called Virago has an 1100 down in your area I believe (well, Otago mostly) Same with another bloke calling himself The Preacher. Not many XV250's down that way that I know of though...

Several up this way though. 2 in Auckland (used to be 3) another in Tauranga and a few other Virago's here and there of all sizes.

Waylander, another 1998 VX1100 has appeared in Timaru. A 45yr fella just purchased it from someone in Christchurch 2 months ago. He debaffled it the other day and man does it sound lovely. He was telling me that the fella who helped him, his wife owns a XV1100 also not sure of the year. She hasn't ridden it for 2 yrs since surgery or something like that.

[Waylander]

Waylander, another 1998 VX1100 has appeared in Timaru. A 45yr fella just purchased it from someone in Christchurch 2 months ago. He debaffled it the other day and man does it sound lovely. He was telling me that the fella who helped him, his wife owns a XV1100 also not sure of the year. She hasn't ridden it for 2 yrs since surgery or something like that.

Wicked, lots ore Virago's on the road.

[The Preacher]

Wicked, lots ore Virago's on the road.

And when you follow one from behind, they do look like a H-D but at a fraction of the price

[Paul in NZ]

Nothing I have ever seen on a guzzi could be classed as ellegant mate. And who was the idiot that thought putting a v-twin in a bike sideways was a good idea anyway?

Horeses for courses mate, just cause you don't like them doesn't mean they aren't cool.

Elegance is entirely subjective...

I don't particularly like Viragos, nor do I dislike them overly BUT the Japanese have always struggled to produce a nice handlebar bend - which is the ugly bit I refer too... The Virago can be improved (again in my opinion) by swapping the bars for a more suitable bend. Something it shares with the GN250... I do admire greatly the longevity of the model in a market reknown for changes of style. Some people obviously like em! Good for them!

As for the idiot.... I know you are young and in your lifetime Guzzi has become an eccentric brand but trust me. There is more to them in terms of logic and common sense than most people give them credit for.. In fact, the idiot was building world championship winning motorcycles that Yamaha has yet to even consider attempting while your lot were still figuring out pianos. Even now, in a straight race, I'd probably back my shitty old 'inelegant' push rod Moto Guzzi against your modern OHC marvel over the Rimutakas.... Plus I can still buy virually any factory part delivered to my door in 3 days at modest prices AND it's actually worth more than your bike too despite being a lot older.... Yeah! Musta been a genuine moron....

[dangerous]

Elegance is entirely subjective...
As for the idiot.... I know you are young and in your lifetime Guzzi has become an eccentric brand but trust me. There is more to them in terms of logic and common sense than most people give them credit for.. In fact, the idiot was building world championship winning motorcycles that Yamaha has yet to even consider attempting while your lot were still figuring out pianos. Even now, in a straight race, I'd probably back my shitty old 'inelegant' push rod Moto Guzzi against your modern OHC marvel over the Rimutakas.... Plus I can still buy virually any factory part delivered to my door in 3 days at modest prices AND it's actually worth more than your bike too despite being a lot older.... Yeah! Musta been a genuine moron....

Paul...... that is just like reading poetry, mate your awesome
Waylander...... are you forgeting that Honda coppied the Guzzi in 78 with the CX500

Roks... welcome to KB I never knew there was a 250 Intruder that would be my pic or one beter.... the VTR250

[scumdog]

And when you follow one from behind, they do look like a H-D but at a fraction of the price

And a fraction of the charisma, sound, performance but twice the reliability!Or so they say!!

[scumdog]

Waylander...... are you forgeting that Honda coppied the Guzzi in 78 with the CX500

Yeah, that would be the Honda-Guzzi model eh?

[Waylander]

And a fraction of the charisma, sound, performance but twice the reliability!Or so they say!!

Charisma should be more dependant on the rider anyway, and the Virago can get just as loud if not louder than a harley if you get the right pipes. Performance, don't know about you but I've never heard of a Virago falling apart due to the engine vibrations. The rest of your post is true though

[scumdog]

Performance, don't know about you but I've never heard of a Virago falling apart due to the engine vibrations. The rest of your post is true though

Give 'em time. give 'em time!!

Never had a Harley 'fall apart' due to engine vibration though!!

Nyloc nuts and Loc-tite does the trick!

And rubber mounted Sporty's are an oxymoron.