XV1100 THE SHAFT
I’m not gonna lie. Of all the bikes we’ve built, this one was probably the least satisfying — for myriad reasons. Appearance-wise, I love it when a rider is in the saddle. When it’s just sitting there waiting — not so much. There are some really cool little features, like the tool roll compartment in the back of the tank, the trick upper triple clamp, the cool banana seat and cowl, etc. But overall, the whole project just had a weird cadence to it. Among other things, some oddball starter issues (on one of the Viragos that isn’t supposed to have starter issues) got us off schedule early on and cast a funk over the project. After delivery, I came across the bike for sale (for a premium) online when an interested buyer in Dubai wanted to know more about. That’s where the bike lives now to the best of my knowledge. I don’t miss it.
SPECIFICATIONS
DONOR: 1989 Yamaha XV1100 Virago
FRONT END: 2004 Suzuki GSX-R1000
TRIPLE CLAMP: Custom billet CM down-cranked 1.75 inches
FRONT WHEEL: 2004 Suzuki GSX-R1000
FRONT BRAKES: 2004 Suzuki GSX-R1000
REAR WHEEL: Stock Virago
TIRES: Avon Distanzia dual sport (front), Metzeler ME880 (rear)
TANK: Yamaha XS400, nickel plated
EXHAUST: Modified XV1100, ceramic coated in satin black
GAUGE: Acewell digital
SEAT: Custom upholstered, Roy Baird, RVA
BATTERY: Shorai Lithium Ion