opinions/thoughts: 2000 model with 20k km vs 1996 model with 10.5k km

5:12

5:12

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hi all,

i would like to get your thoughts opinions on these 2 yamaha virago 250cc bikes:

bike 1:
year - 1996
km - 10,500
accessories - windshield, fork pouch, another small bag at the back (instead of backrest, theres another bigger pouch).
- no accidents/drops, 3 owners prior, owners claims will pass cert with no issues

bike 2:
year - 2000
km - 20,000
accessories - saddle bags
- no accidents/drops, 3 owners prior, owner claims will pass cert with no issues, new battery, throttle cable

other differences such as paint colors, different side mirrors, seats etc., both have been in storage most of the time.

they are pretty much identical to say the least. so the big difference is the year and mileage of the bike and this is where i pretty much would like to get everyone's opinions/thoughts. let's also say price is pretty much the same, give or take 200$ to be generous.

thanks.
 
I don't see a difference.
Buy one or the other.
Which ever one is cheapest.
 
Low rider said:
I don't see a difference.
Buy one or the other.
Which ever one is cheapest.
Click to expand...

Pick the color that you like?
Did you compare age/condition of tires, brakes, chain? Some people prefer to have valve adjustment to be done on their bikes around 20k, stuff like that.
 
how is the price related to the mileage and age of the bike? i mean, more mileage cheaper supposedly, but how would that be with an older bike but really low mileage? lets just say that the condition of the bike is ok (ie: looks ok, feels and runs ok, but unless the 'inside' is fully checked no one knows of issues). for example, i'll use the same bike sample above with a twist:

1990 yamaha virago 250 cc
19, 000km
$2000
- no accidents, some cosmetic damage or little scratches, tiny rust spots for a 22 yr old bike, essentially no visible damage thats significant enough to prevent thew bike from running

so i guess unless the bike is thouroghly checked by a licensed mechanic, it's hard to tell if the bike has any issues. regardless of this statement, based on the age and mileage, is the bike worth 2k? considering this type of bike has a good resale value and demand.

thanks for the input.
 
We bought a 2003 Virago 250 last August. It had 4500 km on it and it has 6500 now. It's a great bike. A ton of fun to ride. We added an 1100 Virago now but I still find the 250 is a blast. Given the choice of the bikes you are looking at, the mileage means nothing, which one appeals to you more. Whichever one you get you're going to want to make sure the chain is adjusted right and do an oil change and change out the spark plugs. Also the headlight is incandescent on these early Virago's swap an H4 Halogen bulb (You need to modify the holder slightly for the H4 to fit, which saves you on Yamaha's proprietary H4 replacement). Throw 1/4 can of Seafoam engine cleaner into the first tank of gas then run it through to make sure the jets are nice and clean (Made a difference of 15 mpg for ours). When you do get your Virago, check out the Virago tech forum for technical help and some ideas on the kind of mods that can be done on these bikes. Google Virago tech.

Also, when you get one you'll be tempted to ride it like a big V-Twin, ie low revs. It will do OK, but being a small motor it really doesn't make power until over 3,000 rpm (redline is at 8000). Wind it up a bit and it'll reward you with acceptable performance.
 
Look, both bikes have very low mileage for their age. Hopefully the readings are true :toothy9:

$2000 for 1990 even with very low mileage - is too much, I guess. I think for about $3000-$3500 you could find a pretty 250 about 5 years old.

The main problem with old vehicles - wiring and all robber parts (all tubes, etc), because the robber gets old by age.

that's my $0.02
 
thanks for the replies.

virago tech forum is pretty neat.

i think all the prices are high for all of them except the year 2000 with 20k km. anyhow, it's a learning experience for me :) live and learn. ride safe.
 
cknowles said:
Also, when you get one you'll be tempted to ride it like a big V-Twin, ie low revs. It will do OK, but being a small motor it really doesn't make power until over 3,000 rpm (redline is at 8000). Wind it up a bit and it'll reward you with acceptable performance.
Click to expand...

just wondering, since it only has 1 dial/odometer, how do i know the rpm? thanks.

u prolly have seen it on my other posts, i ended up getting a 1990 xv250. :)
 
Funny, I just went over this with my wife. Since there is no tachometer you have to go by ear. Good shift points are 1st to 2nd at 30km/h 2nd to 3rd at 50km/h and 3rd to 4th at 70km/h 4th to 5th at 80. Those speeds are for every day driving. You can wring it out a bit more if you like and run higher rev's. At wide open throttle listen to the engine it runs out of grunt pretty fast before it nears the redline and the rev limiter will prevent over rev'ing anyway. You only need to hit the limiter once to know you don't want to do that often. It feels like you just dropped anchor! LOL
 
cknowles said:
You only need to hit the limiter once to know you don't want to do that often. It feels like you just dropped anchor! LOL
Click to expand...
I hit the rev limiter on my 08 R6 mid corner once. Never did that again I tell ya :(

-Jamie M.
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