1981 Yamaha Virago - 2-Page Vintage Motorcycle Ad

Description

1981 Yamaha Virago - 2-Page Vintage Motorcycle Ad
Original, Vintage Magazine Advertisement
Page Size: Approx. 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm) each page
Condition: Good
THE YAMAHA VIRAGO.
Introducing the most revolu-
tionary improvement to theV-twin
engine in 75 years.
We made it a Yamaha. And put
it in the bike you see here.
It’s calledthe Virago. And if
you think the looks are a radical
departure from the ordinary wait
till you slip into the seat and make
your own radical departure.
THE ENGINE: BRINGING
HISTORY UPTO DATE.
We started with the classic fore
and aft Vtwin configuration de-
veloped nearly a century ago.
Over the years, it proved to
have a lot going for it Reliability.
Narrowness. Highly efficient
weight distribution. And an inher-
ent fuel economy that made it an
ideal engine for today now that
gasoline is measured in dollars.
Still, theV-twin lacked some-
thing only we could give it.
Yamaha engineering.
Looking at’the outside of the
engine, you’ll notice we took the
liberty of moving just about every-
thing around.
For instance, we placed the
cylinders at a 75°angle, creating
the ideal combination of engine
height and length, while leaving
plenty of room in between for car-
buretors. Intake components. Plus
extras lite two separate oil pumps.
Rotating the rear cylinder half
a turn keeps tire exhaust pipe
from interfering with our unique,
individually adjustable dual car-
buretor set up. While off-setting
the cylinders slightly improves
rear cylinder cooling.
. By simply reversing the crank-
shaftrotation, we shifted any
ambient engine vibration from the
frame to the rear wheel. So you
leave it somewhere on the road
behind you.
Finally to eliminate the V-twin’s
.traditional “dead stroke!’ we de-
veloped our own firing sequence
on alternate crankshaft rotations.
The power produced is so smooth,
there’s no need for a balancer.
And so torquey you can pass an
18-wheeler without even down-
shifting.
THE BIKE: SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL,
BEAUTIFULLY SIMPLE.
Even a casual glance at our beau-
tiful new Virago will tell you that
when we set out to revolutionize
theV-twin engine, we didn’t stop
at the engine.
The Virago’s highly sophisti-
cated, yet brilliantly simple mono-
coque frame design, for example,
makes the engine a stressed frame
member, eliminating the excess
bulk and weight of downtubes.
That gives passersby an unob-
structed view of your dynamic duo.
And allows the engine to sit
lower without sacrificing
ground clearance. The
29.5 inch seat height
and extra-low center
of gravity give new
meaning to the
words comfort, con-
trol and stability
While the engine
functions as part of
the frame, the frame
functions as part of
the engine. Airactually
passes through the
frame, eliminating side-
mounted air cleaners, for a 14.8
inch engine width that can have
you and your Virago banking at a
better than 47° lean angle.
Our roadracer-proven Mono-
shock rear suspension system—
the first ever onaproduction street
machine—keeps the rear wheel
running straight and true. And
our state-of-the-art, fully enclosed
shaft drive adds its own uncanny
smoothness and quiet to the
virtually vibration-free power of
the engine.
Over the years, Yamaha has
established a reputation for out-
doing the competition.
This year, with the remarkable
new Virago, we’ve enhanced that
reputation.
By outdoing ourselves.
YAMAHA
THE WAY IT SHOULD BE
13584-AL-8102-09