With
the success of its 650 V-Stars, Yamaha decided in 2001 to cease
offering the Virago 535, one of the all-time great beginner
bikes. Larger than the Virago 250 but still confidence-inspiring
with its low seat height and easy handling, the 535 is now an
excellent option for those shopping for a used machine. Unlike
Honda's Shadow 600, its chief competition for years, the 535
features shaft drive (read: no dirty grease to clean or oil
to fling itself every which way). Seat height: 28.3 inches.
Not
as bad a choice as a 750 or 800 but still on the very large
end of what I would consider. The Virago250 makes a very
nice first bike and I would go with that first.
These
gems can be had for a song, they have been around long enough
to command low prices so that leaves a new rider plenty
of cash leftover for decent gear. Find one in great shape
and you'll gain an appreciation for the shaft drive when
it comes time to keeping it looking new (aka cleaning time).
However the shaft is an older design, from back in the days
of shaft jacking, so it will take some getting used to.
Hence a B rating.
Recommendations
made by Beginner Bikes Magazine, it's staff, team members
or riding club officers, are based on the skills of a novice
rider, of average stature and do not necessarily represent
the ideal for every rider. While Beginner Bikes encourages
safe, smart riding, we do not assume responsibility for
each individual. Please ride with care at your own risk.
Beginner
Bikes Buyer's Guide
