Yamaha maxim vs Yamaha Virago for first street bike?

Question

In my area, it seems the only street bikes worth getting (in my price range), on my local craigslist, happen to be the Yamaha Virago and the Maxim (both 750 cc bikes are pretty common). I understand a 750 is a pretty big bike for a first bike, but I don't really have the funds nor are any smaller bikes readily available to start on a small bike, so I'm pretty much stuck with starting "big" ... plus, as my friend who runs a local bike shop said, "with some common sense, I could go far".

What I'm basically looking for: a bike that'll be comfortable for long distance trips (average of 120 miles, one way, WHEN I do ride long distance to see friends), decent economy, and that is going to reliable, cheap to maintain/fix (ill be doing the majority of the work), and be a blast to ride (not being stupid of course, you can have fun just cruising).

My main concern is the virago, I've heard they're plagued with electrical issues and are typically hot-rodded around because they look and [can] sound like harleys; on the other hand, I've heard the Maxim was probably the most bulletproof bike that Yamaha has ever made, and my shop friend was surprised when I found one for cheap with a starter issue.

That being said, I am heavily leaning towards the Maxim right now. I would be open to other options as suggestions, but I'm afraid I don't have a big selection in town and I don't want to ride 400+ miles home to get that one bad a$$ bike that every one might suggest.

Answer 1

I owned a Virago many years ago and enjoyed it, but I always liked the Maxim better.



If you can find a good, clean example, there is nothing wrong with either bike or the fact that they are 750cc. The older bikes don't have the HP of a current model 750cc bikes. Nor do they have the same brakes..........

Answer 2

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RE:

Yamaha maxim vs Yamaha Virago for first street bike?

In my area, it seems the only street bikes worth getting (in my price range), on my local craigslist, happen to be the Yamaha Virago and the Maxim (both 750 cc bikes are pretty common). I understand a 750 is a pretty big bike for a first bike, but I don't really have the funds nor are any...

Answer 3

its a good deal that bike has a BULLETPROOF motor! I have an 1981 Virago with well over 200,000 miles on it! The only problem you will ever have is with the starter motor and its easy to fix once it happens. parts are still available for those bikes at the dealerships and at boneyards. I would jump all over it!

Answer 4

i would tend to agree, the maxim will probably be more reliable ..