2000 Yamaha Virago - A Great First Bike!

Before we start....if you're looking to buy your first bike, start with this Epinion on buying a motorcycle and then come back here to finish reading this review for the Yamaha Virago 535.

Okay...you're ready to buy your first bike, but you don't really know what to buy. You've looked at the monstrous cruisers, the seemingly-deadly crotch-rockets, and the "couch-on-wheels" Goldwings, but you still don't know what to get.

Let's see, you need something that looks cool, sounds cool, has plenty of power to get your around town, is light enough to control, and something that responds well as you learn how to ride, right?? Right. Oh, yeah...it can't cost $10,000. Sound about right?

First, let's knock out the crotch-rockets. A 1000cc engine on a bike that weighs 600lbs. To much power for a first bike. While nimble and responsive, these bikes have gotten many a first rider way too many tickets. Plus, insurance is pretty high compared to other bikes.

How about the big cruisers? Trust me, trying to learn how to ride on one of these heavyweights isn't the best idea either. It takes a while to learn balance and control of a bike and the cruisers are a lot of steel. Plus, the price tag is just too high for a first bike.

And the Goldwings? Forget it. You're too young.

So what's left? Street bikes. This scaled-down version of a cruiser will provide you with a smaller, lighter, more nimble version of the cruiser with half the price tag.

And what's one of your best bets when it comes to street bikes?

Definitely, the Yamaha Virago 535. This bike is low-slung, meaning it is very close to the ground, which is perfect for shorter riders. This lowered look, couple with the fact that it's dripping with chrome, gives it a very stylish image which other street bikes have failed to capture.

Secondly, the 535cc V-Twin engine has enough power to get you around without sounding like some whiney little scooter. In addition, its lightweight, low-centered design makes the Virago 535 very easy to control and ideal to learn on. Add on a throaty little growl that coming from the muffler and you've got quite a nice bike.

Finally, the price tag is definitely great at around $5,000 brand new.

So what are the downfalls to the Virago 535?

First, it's not a highway bike. While it is legal to ride it on the highway, the light frame is easily effected by the wind and you're really pushing a comfortable top-speed of around 90mph with the 535cc engine. What this means is at 75mph, you're pushing the engine pretty hard.

The only other downside is the range of the bike. The smaller gas tank doesn't allow you to go very far without re-fueling. This can get a little irritating to your fellow riders if you keep having to stop every 70 miles to fill up when they are looking at a range of 130 or more.

Essentially, the Virago 535 is the ideal bike for a beginning rider or for a rider who just loves to cruise around town. I wouldn't recommend this bike for a lot of road trips, but if you are looking for something to learn on that will be both comfortable and reliable, definitely check out the Virago 535.

Once you've picked up the bike of your dreams, be sure to also check out my review on how to maintain your bike.

Also, if you liked this review, be sure to check out some of my other motorcycle and motorcycle-related reviews:

Honda Rebel 250 - Good Starter Bike, But Easily Outgrown

Honda Shadow VLX 600 - A Great V-Twin Starter Bike

Shake, Rattle, and Roll - My Harley Sportster Experience

Suzuki Savage 650 - Excellent Starter Bike For Small Riders

VTR1000 Honda SuperHawk Is An Excellent V-Twin Sport Bike...For A Niche Market

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