Yamaha Virago 535 (1988-2004) Review and Buying Guide

The Yamaha Virago 535 (code name XV535) was originally introduced in 1988 as an all-new, smaller, more entry-level, novice-friendly cruiser little brother to Yamaha’s XV750 (introduced 1981) and XV1100 (introduced 1986).

• Related: Best cruiser motorbikes

All were purpose-built, air-cooled, 70-75-degree shaft drive V-twins, and as such were arguably Japan’s first credible cruiser rivals to the likes of Harley-Davidson - Yamaha, and the other Japanese brands, had built cruiser styled machines aimed at the US market earlier, but always with engines derived from their existing bikes.

The junior 535, however, perhaps surprisingly, was the most successful and thus long-lived of the bunch.

With pleasant, timeless styling, light, unintimidating proportions (it’s ultra low seat height was particularly appealing to women and shorter riders), surprisingly able handling and an absolute gem of an engine – and all for an affordable price – the 535 became the ‘go to’ first big bike for a generation of riders who wanted the easy manners of a cruiser.

Better still, with rock solid reliability, timeless styling and few credible rivals, the little Yamaha remained the best of this type of bike for the best part of 20 years before it finally went off sale in 2004.

Yamaha Virago 535 - a great used buy

Today, although undeniably ageing and almost all used examples are quite old, the 535 Virago remains a decent used buy for those on a budget looking for an unintimidating first big bike.

Impeccable reliability and understressed performance means it wears well; its timeless style has still barely dated and, as it’s a round-town cruiser rather than a tourer or adventure bike, mileages on even older bikes remain generally low.

The Yamaha Virago 535 may by modern standards be slightly basic, but it’s trusted, easy to ride and with unchallenging but enjoyable performance. It’s also a great value for money motorcycle and perfect for newbies or laid back commuters.

Once you've read this review and our owners' reviews, you may want to join an online community and meet likeminded owners. We'd recommend the Virago Star Owners Club.

Although the Yamaha Virago 535 is a cruiser at heart and its chassis is, on paper at least, unremarkable and slightly old-fashioned, comprising a traditional tubular steel cradle frame with fairly spindly, non-adjustable telescopic forks at the front and quite basic twin shocks at the rear, its ride and handling are, nevertheless, far better than you might expect and are perfect for a novice bike.

The riding position is on the upright side of laid back so delivers maximum comfort and control; the Virago 535 is slim, thanks to its longitudinally-mounted V-twin engine and has an ultra-low 720mm seat height, both of which significantly aid manoeuvrability.

The Virago’s light, too, while its steering is light and precise and it has a decently plush ride. It’s also reassuringly stable and predictable (within the limits of its fairly meagre performance at least), although the front end can get a bit frisky at the very top of the engine’s rev range.

It’s also well-balanced with a low centre of gravity which makes for easy slow speed work such as in town or when wiggling through traffic. Impressively for a custom-style machine, the Virago 535 also has pretty good ground clearance.

When it comes to brakes it’s a similar story. Although nothing special on paper, the single disc at the front and drum rear are more than up to the job, mostly due to the style of the bike and its comparatively light weight.

The front stopper gives enough power while the rear drum has bags of reassuring feel when you need to use it, something that’s particularly welcome in the wet.

Although the Yamaha’s peak power figure of 38bhp may be nothing to get excited about, the XV535’s sheer willingness, flexibility and ease of use for novices makes its engine and power delivery the star of the show.

It’s a purpose-built, air-cooled, SOHC, two-valve, 70-degree V-twin which stands out both for not just looking the correct cruiser part, but also for being an enthusiastic all-round performer and having a useful, maintenance-free shaft drive.

And while that powretrain’s top end performance isn’t exactly exciting, the XV535 could never be described as ‘fast’ and you’ve got to work it hard to reach top speeds (that’s not what cruising’s about anyway), there’s enough pull low down and strength in the midrange to make day to day riding effective and engaging.

The willing accomplice in this is its five-speed gearbox which, although it can be a bit clunky between first and second, is generally smooth and easy to use. While the shaft final drive, is another boon in being maintenance free yet also not heavy enough to affect the Virago’s overall lightweight feel.

As a genuined V-twin the 535’s engine even sounds authentically ‘cruiser’, too – although with the standard, ‘shotgun-style’ silencers retained, it is a little muted, so many fit aftermarket systems.

Both mechanically and cosmetically, the Yamaha XV535 Virago is a highly regarded motorcycle and has the longevity and successful sales figures to prove it. Gripes are few and far between but not unheard of.

These can include carb icing and corroding regulator/rectifiers, the latter being not at all uncommon on Japanese machines of this era. In addition, on higher mileage bikes (40,000 miles+, although these are, by the bike’s nature, fairly rare in themselves) there have been some reports of top end problems when cams, valves, camchains and pistons can all become a little suspect – although, we hasten to add, this is very much in the minority of cases.

In addition, you also have to factor in the undeniable truth that the Virago 535 is now also an ageing machine that, in many cases, will have been used and abused by non-mechanically-minded novice riders over many years.

There’s nothing particularly intrinsically wrong with the 535’s build quality – or reliability – although the paint, chrome and metal finishes are typical Yamaha of the period and so nothing to write home about, but most examples are likely now, even if relatively low mileage, to have led a fairly hard, neglected life so some corrosion, rust and more should be expected.

On the whole, however, the Yamaha XV535 Virago is a solid motorcycle and still potentially a decent used buy and is endorsed as such by nearly all the owner reviews – even today.

Its popularity and long life span means there’s still plenty of used examples out there to choose from so there should be more than a few good uns. Oh, and keep that exposed V-twin engine and all that cruiser chrome in good nick to maintain its value – it’s a ‘first big bike’, after all, and you’ll probably sell it on after a couple of years, too.

Our Yamaha Virago 535 owners' reviews show mainly happy owners. The bike appears to have been built to last. There aren't any prevailing problems that wouldn't be solved by fastidious maintenance.

The Yamaha XV535 Virago was not only excellent value when new, which was a major part of its original appeal, it remains something of a bargain as a used buy today – and there are plenty of good used ones around to choose from as well.

On top of that, as a fairly small capacity, low performance cruiser, insurance premiums are low as well.

Then you can add on top low running costs due to a combination of factors including its style, fairly meagre performance (and thus a low appetitie for consumable items such as tyres and brake pads) plus the fact that it has shaft drive, so there’s no messy chain that over time would otherwise need adjustment and eventual replacement. Being fairly simple and accessible helps keep annual servicing costs down at the garage, too.

But it’s not all good news. Although the Virago’s 535cc V-twin engine is a willing performer, that very quality makes it prone to being thrashed by owners at which point it becomes quite thirsty.

An mpg figure in the high 40s is fairly average and can be raised significantly with gentle riding. But thrash a Virago 535 and this can drop into the 30s at which point, due to its quite small, 13.5litre fuel tank, you’ll find yourself filling up before you hit the 100-mile mark.

Rivals, incidentally, are few, with Honda’s VT600 Shadow, which is faster, but less engaging and novice-friendly, and Moto Guzzi’s Nevada 750, which is heavier and less-refined, being the closest.

Finally, although a decent, low mileage, Yamaha Virago 535 can still be found for under £3000, there are so many still available that it’s important to buy wisely.

There are plenty of bikes available much cheaper than that, but watch out: the Virago 535 is today also popular with customisers who may have chopped it about, many have been abused and neglected which you’ll want to avoide while others may be slathered in accessories that you don’t want. Take your time and choose wisely.

As with other older custom or cruiser bikes, the Yamaha Virago 535 is both a bike from an earlier, pre-fuel injection, ride-by-wire and electronics age, is a custom/cruiser so is, by very definition, a little minimalist when it comes to equipment and also is aimed at the more budget end of the market. For all of these reasons, when it comes to equipment and luxuries you should keep your equipment expectations in check – as there aren’t many.

So, for example, the XV535 Virago has a clear, analogue speedo – but doesn’t have a fuel light or even a rev counter. At the same time, as perhaps another giveaway to its pre-fuel injection vintage, there’s a fuel reserve switch on the handlebars – although this in reality is actually a bonus as usually it’s positioned down by the carburettors.

Its chromed mirrors are decent enough, although they do vibrate at high revs. While the Yamaha Virago 535's plush, buttoned seat is comfy – but its pillion perch is tiny (although this may matter little as few owners are likely to carry a passenger). The later S and DX versions (see below) also gained more chrome and odds and sods.

But although fairly basic in standard trim, being a simple, affordable and hugely popular custom also means that the Virago 535 also attracts aftermarket accessories more than most bikes – many of which may appeal when buying used. Touring screens, ‘sissy’ bar backrests, engine bars, fruitier exhausts etc are all popular extras and, depending on your personal preference, are often welcome on a used buy.