An old Yamaha Virago doesn’t quite have the same appeal as an old Harley, but there was a time when the Virago and its ilk had The Motor Co. worried. Back in the mid-80s, the influx of Japanese-made cruisers prompted Harley-Davidson to lobby the US government to impose tariffs on large-capacity imported motorcycles. It’s safe…
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Some bikes just build easier than others. Honda CBs, Yamaha XS650s and Harley Sportsters are a few that come to mind, and you’ll find tons of parts and inspiration for these platforms. But there are many reasons it can pay to start with a less known quantity, and give a little love to the weird…
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The Yamaha Virago is one of those bikes that just keep on giving. Yamaha’s V-twin cruiser first popped up in the early eighties, and by the time it disappeared from showrooms in 2007, multiple variants had been built—from a teeny 125 to a whopping 1100 cc. The shaft drive XV750 was one of the most…
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Like the Honda CX500, the Yamaha Virago is one of those “sow’s ear” bikes: it’s a challenge to make a silk purse out of it. Plenty of custom builders have taken the bait, and a few have succeeded. This Virago from Kerkus in Malaysia is an oddball example, but there’s a reason for it. “The…
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A Yamaha Virago with Ducati superbike suspension from the US, a stripped down Ducati 1198S Corse from France, a Norton Commando from…
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Despite having a population of almost ten million people—more that Denmark or Switzerland—Hungary has a pretty low profile on the European custom…
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Curating a publication like Bike EXIF is a daunting task. Selecting the right motorcycles to feature is more art than science: it’s…
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Think of a custom Yamaha Virago, and you’ll probably picture a sleek, waspish build from Greg Hageman or Moto Adonis. The seats…
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Five years ago, if we were asked to describe the stereotypical café racer it would probably be a Honda CB. Today, the…
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The Benelli Mojave is an endangered species. In the 1960s, it was virtually disposable, and sold by a chain of department stores.…
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When it comes to old motorcycles in need of resurrection, owners often face a dilemma: restore to original spec, or rebuild as…
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Not many custom builders have been invited to display their bikes in Harrods and the Saatchi Gallery. But then again, England’s magnificently…
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