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Classified Moto Yamaha Virago
XV920
The stock Yamaha Virago is no great
prize, but Classified Moto’s John Ryland loves putting a positive spin on one.
‘XV920R6-R’ is the latest machine to roll out of his Richmond, VA workshop, and
it’s gone straight to lucky new owner Bob Ranew of North Carolina. Bob fell in
love with a Virago 750 that Classified built last year, and once a direction was
agreed, John tore into a 920 he had on hand in the shop. ‘The 920 was blessed
with a rare chain drive,’ he says. ‘I assumed it was a shaftie until I removed
the hard bags.’ So John persuaded Bob to get a rear end conversion as well as
Classified’s signature front-end swap. ‘That way we could have nice wide rubber
at the back, with the added goodness of matching wheels front and rear.’
Classified Moto XV920R6-R, based on a 1982 Yamaha Virago
Classified hooked up with local machine shop Maxum Machine and master welder
Casey Hyatt to handle the conversion. Says John, ‘My part was to design the
swingarm connecting points and then spend a couple of weeks shuttling it between
Maxum, Casey’s place and my garage until it was perfect. I do a lot of my own
welding but I won’t touch that kind of stuff. Casey has been a welder since
before I was born, so he’s my man.’
Classified Moto XV920R6-R, based on a 1982 Yamaha Virago
After the swingarm odyssey, the nickel plating provided the biggest challenge—
especially the tank. ‘I love the bare metal but we needed to stop it from
rusting without paint,’ John explains. ‘I get some flack for not making
everything perfect on these bikes, but honestly, that comes more from bike
builders than the general public.’
Classified Moto XV920R6-R, based on a 1982 Yamaha Virago
The look is instantly recognizable as Classified Moto, with raw mechanicals, a
major suspension upgrade and minimal, high-impact paint. This bike will corner
on rails: the fork is from a 2009 Yamaha YZF R6-R (with a modified triple tree
and upgraded bearings) and the rear suspension is from a 2008 YZF R6-S.
Shortened and modified to mate to the XV frame, it’s hooked up to a Triumph
Daytona adjustable shock.
Classified Moto XV920R6-R, based on a 1982 Yamaha Virago
‘We think we’ve found a nice balance of creativity, quality and price,’ says
John. ‘Yes, we could spend hours polishing an engine cover, but it would drive
the price up too much—and not necessarily suit our bikes. I think that kind of
work is beautiful in a classic way, but it’s just not the Classified Moto
brand.’ [Images courtesy of Adam Ewing.
 
Classified Moto XV920R6-R specification
Owner: Bob Ranew, North Carolina, USA
Basis: 1982 Yamaha Virago XV920R
Front suspension: 2009 Yamaha YZF R6-R with modified triple tree and upgraded
bearings
Rear suspension: 2008 Yamaha YZF R6-S shortened and modified to mate to the XV
frame with a Triumph Daytona adjustable shock
Tires: Dunlop D616 180/55-17 (rear), Metzeler ME880 130/80-17 (front)
Tank: Ubiquitous but awesome Benelli Mojave 360 tank, nickel plated with paint
by our buddy Barry Griffin of Richmond, VA.
Exhaust: Custom with modified Moto Guzzi California pipe and NOS scrambler style
heat shield
Controls: Custom foot controls left and right with left side perforated metal
sprocket guard, nickel plated. Top mounted dirt bike bars with Oury grips.
Lights & gauges: Minimum required in Virginia. Headlight is 5 3/4-inch unit
courtesy of Lloyd Vintage with custom nickel-plated cage made from used spokes.
No turn indicators. Taillight and Acewell gauge from Dime City Cycles.
Fuel & Air: Carbs tuned for 2-into-1 exhaust and pod filter
Electrics: Simplified harness with battery mounted underneath the swing arm.
Seat: Custom seat rails, pan and foam with cover sewn by our buddy Devin’s
delightful and patient mom.
Source:
bikeexif.com
Classified Moto
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