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Bob Pickett rides out on Yamaha's long-lived XV535 Virago... and gets a pleasant surprise

XV535 Virago... not a Harley clone and all the better for it If you want a truly successful cruiser, look no further than the XV535 Virago. From debuting way back in 1988 to being killed off in 2004 by the EU emissions regulations, this was a bike that sold in droves. Perhaps the greatest tribute to it's popularity was Yamaha keeping the 535 in production alongside the Dragstar range (including the 650 that in theory at least was brought in to replace it).

Sitting on the XV535, the first thing that strikes you is the riding position. This bike was developed before the Japanese took to aping Harley-Davidson designs. So the riding position is quite upright, with the pegs in very much a 'conventional' riding position, as opposed to the "forwards, wind up your trouser legs" placement en vogue today. The bars are not as wide as modern designs either, meaning that riders of bikes like an ER-5 or even an original Fazer will quickly feel at home. With a saddle height of just 28.3 inches, as long as you're a bit over 5 foot tall you can get the balls of your feet comfortably on the floor.

On the road, the Virago's air-cooled, 535cc V-twin is a real delight. It pulls from next to no revs, but it is in a higher state of tune than most cruisers, feeling perky and keen to get on with the job. Admittedly if you push on around the top of the rev range the vibrations get a bit uncomfortable - at the top of the rev range it felt like my right foot was being shaken off the peg! But the Virago has the punch to overtake with aplomb, aided by the predictable, if slow handling.

With a spot of work it is possible to top the ton on the Virago, but in all honesty it is hard work up there. Back off and it will cruise easily at around 80, but personally I found putting it in top, sitting back and relaxing at 65/70 made for an enjoyable experience and the engine braking meant that if I kept it smooth and worked down through the gears, the single front disc/rear drum combo never needed to work hard - though the anchors will pull up the bike sharp if asked.

It is also a narrow beast, making it an ideal commuter bike. It will squeeze through gaps that a lot of bikes would have you in two minds over and feels poised at slower speeds. When filtering it can be left in 2nd quite happily, allowing you to concentrate on the road ahead.

Talking about the gearbox, the 535 has one that likes precision, rewarding you with a pleasing "snick" as each gear slips into place. That said, it does have a tall 2nd gear, which saw me selecting neutral more than once to begin with. But once used to it, it is an otherwise smooth and pleasant experience.

All this chrome looks great... but be prepared to put in the hours to keep it like this Pleasant… and practical. The XV535 has shaft drive. Low maintenance and utterly unobtrusive on the road, although I have been told than to replace the rear tyre means taking apart the coupling between the shaft and diff each time a tyre is replaced and give a liberal coating of grease. If this is not done the splines will dry out and eventually strip themselves.

Tank range on the 1997/1998 model ridden is just about 100 miles to reserve (commuting is going to drag this back a few miles). Shame the same can't be said for the earlier ones. If you find an early model, be prepared for lots of visits to the petrol pump. In the beginning, the 'tank' between your legs was nothing more than a glass-fibre replica, with the tiny 'real' tank tucked away under the seat. This returned 80 miles (or often much less). Thankfully Yamaha replaced the front dummy with a 'header tank' on later models, increasing the capacity and range considerably.

The mirrors are placed perfectly, giving total clearance of the rider's shoulders and providing a great view behind. They will blur if revving the bike hard, but most of the time you'll be riding in the midrange. And the single clock is nice and clear. A rev counter would have been nice, but again, revving isn't really what a cruiser - even one with a pretty perky engine like the XV535 - is all about.

One final word on practicality; the 535 has the most intelligently placed reserve switch ever. Start to sputter? Then just reach across (I tried stretching my thumb down - it couldn't reach) to just under the starter button and flick onto reserve with a minimum of effort.

It isn't going to be a great pillion bike, despite the comfortable looking seat. The suspension isn't going to like additional weight. Talking about the sissy bar, it has a reasonably large rack attached, meaning the XV353 can be used for a spot of touring, should the urge take.

And well, of course, there is all that chrome to polish; but this bike really showed that with a spot of work (and let's face it, a garage) it is possible to keep them in perfect condition. Also the lack of protection makes upping the pace or wet/windy riding a pain, but personally I think adding a screen to the bike would spoil it's looks… and it is one cute bike in standard trim.

Verdict: It is a fun bike to ride - the more conventional riding position means that a wide range of riders would quickly feel at home - and more involving than some cruisers. OK, it isn't a Harley, but somehow this makes it all the better as it provides an alternative option to the current Japanese tendency to copy Milwaukee's finest.

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