Updated: 19th July 2007 14:31 GMT

Scale 1/12 Kit Manufacturer Tamiya Year 1986

The Virago Bikes from Yamaha began back in 1981 when the XV750 Virago was born. It was very different to any other Japanese mass produced bike and was the first to use a single shock rear suspension. Other unique features were a low maintenance shaft drive, air-adjustable forks and cast aluminium wheels. The engine was hung from the stamped-steel backbone frame in stressed-member fashion. The unusual frame also doubled as an air box, housing the air filter. It was an immediate sales hit, one that continues today. And it was the start of an importer's phenomenon - the V-twin cruiser - that had all the other manufacturers following suit.

Since the early days there have been several changes to the bike, In 1982, Yamaha introduced a larger version, the XV920 Virago. This offered extra features such as dual front discs, adjustable handlebars, and liquid-crystal display gauges. In 1983, a XV500 Virago was born - the small of the family. The 750 and 920 Viragos each came in a Midnight version for 1983, replete with high-gloss black paint, and blacked-out engines with gold accents. The troublesome liquid-crystal display on the 920 was replaced with more traditional analogue gauges.

1984 saw a mjor re-design for both the 750 and 920 Viragos. Riders wanted the bikes to have even more custom styling features - like more chrome and even more of a "chopper-like" appearance. So the air filters were moved outboard of the engine and chrome air cleaner covers were mounted over top. The mono-shock rear suspension was scrapped in favour of exposed, dual shocks with bright chrome springs and bodies that actually worked much better than the mono-shock ever did. The gauges were enlarged for improved readability, and a "teardrop" gas tank completed the styling make-over.

The bikes then remained the same until 1986, when the 1000 was increased in displacement to 1,063cc and renamed the XV1100 Virago. The secondary fuel tank was eliminated and the main tank enlarged to 4.4 gallons. Other than the introduction of new paint schemes every couple of years, Yamaha hasn't changed the Virago since. The bike has a cult following these days so much so that there is now Virago Owners Club.

The bike has been built essentially 'out of the box' with one or two little detailed add ons here and there - I couldnt resist!

Details added:

• Scratch built add ons;
  Luggage Bars either side of rear wheel
  Leather Roll-up bag on front of bike
  Oil return lines
  Springs on stand and rear brake
  Added scratch built switch detail to clutch lever

Completed pics