Here's a pic. I hope this isn't what you're talking about(it's fugly)
No idea what the kit was or is.

 

Here's a pic. I hope this isn't what you're talking about(it's fugly)
No idea what the kit was or is.

 

I love old bikes customized to look like something even older. But this one just doesn't do anything for me.

 

I love old bikes customized to look like something even older. But this one just doesn't do anything for me.

 

Thats hilarious. I can see the potential, but jesus that is horrible execution right ^ there.

 

Thats hilarious. I can see the potential, but jesus that is horrible execution right ^ there.

 

They made those kits in the mid-1980s, or at least that is when I remember seeing one at the NY motorcycle show. I don't remember the company that made them but I do remember a lot of guys complaining how expensive it was.

 

They made those kits in the mid-1980s, or at least that is when I remember seeing one at the NY motorcycle show. I don't remember the company that made them but I do remember a lot of guys complaining how expensive it was.

 

Hmmm... not quite right indeed, however...
It looks much better than any Virago I've ever seen, and series D Vincents did have a similar subframe supporting the seat. I think seat supports end to high on the main frame, and might be a little thin. Beefier subframe spars going from the rear of the seat to a lower spot on the frame (swingarm pivot, perhaps) and it would be much better:

If I had a Virago (and any discretionary income), I'd do it.

 

Hmmm... not quite right indeed, however...
It looks much better than any Virago I've ever seen, and series D Vincents did have a similar subframe supporting the seat. I think seat supports end to high on the main frame, and might be a little thin. Beefier subframe spars going from the rear of the seat to a lower spot on the frame (swingarm pivot, perhaps) and it would be much better:

If I had a Virago (and any discretionary income), I'd do it.

 

Swagger posted a photo about a year ago of a Yamaha TR-1 (Virago with chain drive) re-made to look like a Vincent. But I don't think it was a kit. I found the thread (title: "This bike makes me happy"), but the photos have been deleted.

 

Swagger posted a photo about a year ago of a Yamaha TR-1 (Virago with chain drive) re-made to look like a Vincent. But I don't think it was a kit. I found the thread (title: "This bike makes me happy"), but the photos have been deleted.

 

that virago could be good if the subframe and seat weren't so fugly.

 

that virago could be good if the subframe and seat weren't so fugly.

 

I am blown away by the speed and number of responses to my little query!

And, "qs1327", thanks so much for the photo. I don't think it is the same design I remembered, but it gives me a starting point. I think I can design a seat a bit less fugly than that one, but I can't recognize the tank origin?

Again, thanks! If anyone has any other leads, please continue.

All best,

Jay

 

I am blown away by the speed and number of responses to my little query!

And, "qs1327", thanks so much for the photo. I don't think it is the same design I remembered, but it gives me a starting point. I think I can design a seat a bit less fugly than that one, but I can't recognize the tank origin?

Again, thanks! If anyone has any other leads, please continue.

All best,

Jay

 

It is def something I wish was still around, ESP now tha viragos are cheap and plentiful. What is nice is that now with all the vincent repop parts out there you can build one using actual vincent parts if you are handy.

Not the same thing but there is a cafe conversion for the new bikes ( what used to be the virago 400).

 

It is def something I wish was still around, ESP now tha viragos are cheap and plentiful. What is nice is that now with all the vincent repop parts out there you can build one using actual vincent parts if you are handy.

Not the same thing but there is a cafe conversion for the new bikes ( what used to be the virago 400).

 

my mistake it is the suzuki savage 400, not the yamaha:

http://www.rycamotors.com/

 

my mistake it is the suzuki savage 400, not the yamaha:

http://www.rycamotors.com/

 

Again, thanks! Nifty design on the Suzuki, but pricey and with belt drive. Prefer the shaft-drive of the Virago.

 

Again, thanks! Nifty design on the Suzuki, but pricey and with belt drive. Prefer the shaft-drive of the Virago.

 

Way pricey - but their website is kickass! Love the circuitry and the crank/piston for the loading....sweet.

 

Way pricey - but their website is kickass! Love the circuitry and the crank/piston for the loading....sweet.

 

Go here, be happy: http://www.tr1.de/pages/gallery_sepp.php

That first bike looks pretty good, I dunno what you nancies are mincing on about? What's 'fugly' about it?
Yuca and gs1327: What's the rub? Looking at the pic posted, it's a well executed conversion, pays homage to the original, integrates nicely etc. So what's the issue? I'd proudly ride this and give you the finger passing by, but I'd still turn around and help you fix whatever POS YOU happened to be stuck with.