Big Rog’s TVV (C12) Virago Project XVS 1100 2009

Last July I decided to go and find myself a nice Virago to try and enhance. I found one in Hatfield, it belonged to an ex member of the Road Runners, he is a mechanic and it was immediately clear that he had really loved the bike. It was a very nice example but had a number of accessories I would replace.

It had raised T bar handlebars, foot boards, home made crash bars, an old and sad looking windshield, skull head brake levers and tassels. The starter clutch was faulty so that was the first job on my list.

I wanted to get it back to as near original as possible and used the picture from the front of the Haynes workshop manual as a guide. Thanks to Kevin Hoyte and Steve Tyson for guidance on just what were the right things to do.  I’ve had great fun getting all the parts and have included, original Yamaha bars, Goodrich braided cables, new Yamaha brake levers, billet ali forward controls from Highway Hawk, Yamaha starter clutch, original Yamaha chrome horns, Yamaha front headlamp glass, Puig small touring screen, new chrome wing mirrors, new leather luggage from “Held”, re upholstered and customised seat from Digger Dave in black Snake skin and Hagon progressive front fork springs.

I think the bike is now finished; I know I have probably spent too much money on it but who cares! I think it looks fantastic and can’t wait to take it to a couple of rallies, the first being the International in Eastleigh. I have been on it to a couple of club nights and two decent ride outs and it is brilliant fun to ride, the forward controls transform the whole experience and I would wholeheartedly recommend trying them to anyone else with the same machine.

 I would love to win a prize with it but I Know we have a lot of great bikes in our club and many of them are in fantastic condition; I shall just keep my fingers crossed and see if she gets noticed.

All the best and hope to see you at a rally this summer

Big Rog