Literally building this exact same bike right now. It's been 2 years sitting in my garage apart and I'm slowly collecting parts and building it as I go. I hope I can get it done soon to enjoy the riding season!
Awesome build man. You nailed the look, the stance, and that pipe you have really enhances that vtwin sound. Im contemplating whether to push thru with an xv or save myself the headache of figuring out loads of problems with the motor. You just made me pull the trigger. Liked and subbed. Safe rides man.
Thankyou so much mate! I agree, 2 into 1 sounds awesome. Good man! I swear by the virago. Honestly Havnt had much go wrong with her. Just tuning things when I change pipe length and stuff. The carbs have been great but my carb tuning skills are not where I’d like them to be. Good to hear mate! Thanks heaps for the comment, sub and like! Legendary.
I feel you about the; 'l'll keep it until i take my last breath'. Have the same feelings towards my 1st custom build. My own way and ideas became a reality.
It’s a powerful thing building something with your own hands and having it work. I’ve sold a lot of things that I’ve owned, I just sold my Superbike which was without doubt the fastest and best bike I’ve ever ridden/raced. But it’s not my cafe racer, I didn’t build it ANDDDD I couldn’t justify a $17k race bike sitting in my shed and not being used much. Haha I have a much cheaper R6 race bike now 😍.
Argh, I’m getting a lot of comments on the colour lately 😂 it’s funny because I’ve been toying with the idea of changing the colour. But perhaps I’ll keep it for now haha
Unreal! I hope you’re videoing the process! You’re welcome. It’s always good to get abit more in depth. Any question you have feel free to email me or contact me through socials!
Very nice job - finishing up my cb750 now but I think a virago is in the future. Was wishing I had a small lathe for bushings/etc - might see about a mini lathe after seeing your success.
Yeah get on the viragos mate! Cheap and great bikes IMO. Yeah the lathe has honestly been a great tool. I Havnt touched it in abit but I’m thinking about a couple of small things I can neaten up on the cafe so I’ll have to fire it back up!
Thanks mate! I appreciate that! Abit of a struggle with the amount of pics I had! Yeah for sure. I was actually planning on doing a whole episode on the harness of it. I’ll strip her down and give everyone a detailed look at the system I made and what I need/want to change.
Thanks so much, that’s very kind. Yeah I’ve seen his channel, I love the direction he’s taken it with all his new tooling and skills shaping metal. Very cool to watch.
Thanks mate! Much appreciated. I really need to pull the finger out and make some more videos! Oh unreal! Thanks for the sub mate. Good luck with the build.
I watched this so many times, you did an amazing job! I just pick up an 82’ xv920 and you have been a huge inspiration! I couldn’t figure out what you had done with the battery on the side of the bike but then seen you relocated it under the swing arm, did you buy the bracket or fabricate it yourself?
Hey! Jeez so sorry for the slack reply. Thanks so much for the kind words! That’s heaps nice to hear. Yeah I basically removed the centre stand and welded in a couple of pieces of angle iron and fabricated a custom retainer nut/bracket. Goodluck with your build mate!
That’s very kind! I think she’s beautiful. There was a point where I was seriously considering turning it into a scrambler but I think it’s perfect the way it is.
Hey Matt. Great build. How difficult was it to fabricate the shock adapter? And did you have to fabricate your own bushings for the bottom of the shock?
Thanks mate appreciate it! Nah not difficult. But it all honesty it’s probably one of the things I’m not super happy with anyway. It’s on the list of “re-do” parts. Nah no bushings. The top is bolted to the frame. The lower part of the top mount doesn’t pivot very much at all so I didn’t think it needed it. I’m going to give the cafe a bit of a birthday soon. New dash, remaking some brackets, revise some of the electrical. Fixing some other things aswell! Should be much better.
Cool build. What throttle are you using? I have a xv750 83 with R1 front and I believe I have the same throttle cable. The cable isn't sitting nicely which is causing a high idle at my bike. I also noticed that the throttle cable doesnt have a thread at the end of the throttle side. Does yours?
Thankyou kindly! I’m using a R6 throttle tube and a weird eBay throttle housing and 2-1 mikuni cable. I’ve had a couple of issues with the cables being stuck in weird positions and what not. They really need right angles from the top of the carb. But my issues are nothing to really whinge about. Nah the cable just sits in the top of the brass adjuster. I like the design. It allows you to make needle adjustments easier for sure.
Matt, do you happen to have a wiring diagram for the Mo.Unit portion of this build? I am stuck and can't find a complete reference. I have synthesized everything I could find between Revival and forums to no avail.
Thankyou so much. I actually used the stock collar and machined out the centre of it to accept the 1” 3/4 primary tube. I actually have another video on the exhaust aswell. I did a little modification to it due to ground clearance issues. I got the tubing from ECS exhaust local to me. Great bloke, good prices. The tight turn next to the front cylinder is actually a 1 3/4” donut that I cut to size. I think it turned out alright! This was my first attempt at a stainless exhaust
@@mattfranco8715 Nice! Exhaust video episode 2 was great, but I couldn't find episode 1. Did you discuss how to machine out the collar? I spent a long time with a grinder trying to open up mine and didn't get very far...
I cant get my head around where you relocated the battery. Ive got a xv 920 myself and wanting to do something similar. In denmark they are really strict with changes to the bike, so maybe nok the front forks.... 😊
I have a 1983 xv500 and want to do something similar to this, but I am having a lot of trouble finding one of the original fuel tanks that isn't damaged or extremely rusted. Do you have any recommendations on where to look?
For xv500 no sorry. I would suggest finding someone who regularly strips them for parts. There’s a guy in Western Australia that I have bought stuff off. He just constantly buys viragos and sells parts off them. I would strongly suggest marketplace. Goodluck with the build!
Hey sorry for the slow ass reply. I got the exhaust collector from ECS exhaust local to me. It’s a good bit of kit. Makes the build go quick. But next time I attempt a 2 into 1 I’ll try my hand at making one. I’ve built one for a customer out of mild steel and it turned out awesome so I’m keen to make my own one day :)
Matt, im isnpired the color, idk if you can give me advice, a seller is offering me and 920 old Y virago, engine and chassi, it would be my first project build. Do you belive a 500$ its ok or don't? is it worth it to build slowly and secure?
I tell ya what, $500 for a 920 sounds like an alright deal! It really depends the overall condition. I’d say the biggest thing would be the engine health. Once you know the engine is fine then it would be worth it. The rest of the bike is pretty simple and parts are fairly cheap. I think I’ll be looking for another gen 1 xv later on to build another cafe racer and sell it on to someone. They just present so well. I’m in love with my bike.
@@mattfranco8715 thanks Matt, I will pay a visit and see it anyway, the only thing I feel is complicated here in my country it's tricky cuz there's no selling parts for that bike but I know I can buy it online, can I ask you more questions if I bout it?
I specifically bought that lathe for that task and honestly it’s come in handy ALOT after that job. I’m currently making custom header collars for some exhaust builds I’m doing. Best thing ever
I have 86 Kawasaki Vulcan I'm chopping up a friend had carburetor problems and left to sit in somebody's yard for a whole summer and they wanted to decorate their yard he said ceiling was 1200 who worked out payment arrangements and here I am chopping
Haha I’m no professional. Thanks for the feedback but! Yeah she’s a beast. Honestly, the 750 motor was good but the high compression 1000 engine is a rocket. Check out the latest vids!
![FINALLY swapping the 1000cc engine into my 1981 XV750 [Virago] Cafe Racer WILL IT RUN?? Ep3](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wXD3-301rEA/mqdefault.jpg)
![FINALLY swapping the 1000cc engine into my 1981 XV750 [Virago] Cafe Racer WILL IT RUN?? Ep3](/img/tr.png)
![So GOOD They Made TWO! [Yamaha Virago XV750 Cafe Racer]](/img/1.gif)
Literally building this exact same bike right now. It's been 2 years sitting in my garage apart and I'm slowly collecting parts and building it as I go. I hope I can get it done soon to enjoy the riding season!
You’re kidding! How funny is that.
Same colour and everything? Goodluck with the build.
Awesome build man. You nailed the look, the stance, and that pipe you have really enhances that vtwin sound. Im contemplating whether to push thru with an xv or save myself the headache of figuring out loads of problems with the motor. You just made me pull the trigger. Liked and subbed.
Safe rides man.
Thankyou so much mate!
I agree, 2 into 1 sounds awesome.
Good man! I swear by the virago. Honestly Havnt had much go wrong with her. Just tuning things when I change pipe length and stuff. The carbs have been great but my carb tuning skills are not where I’d like them to be.
Good to hear mate! Thanks heaps for the comment, sub and like! Legendary.
I feel you about the; 'l'll keep it until i take my last breath'. Have the same feelings towards my 1st custom build. My own way and ideas became a reality.
It’s a powerful thing building something with your own hands and having it work. I’ve sold a lot of things that I’ve owned, I just sold my Superbike which was without doubt the fastest and best bike I’ve ever ridden/raced. But it’s not my cafe racer, I didn’t build it ANDDDD I couldn’t justify a $17k race bike sitting in my shed and not being used much. Haha I have a much cheaper R6 race bike now 😍.
Coffee is key Matt! Well done
It most certainly is!
Thanks mate!
Wow...nice work and it sounds amazing! My favorite color too. Im jealous.
Argh, I’m getting a lot of comments on the colour lately 😂 it’s funny because I’ve been toying with the idea of changing the colour. But perhaps I’ll keep it for now haha
Great Job man!! The outcome looks fantastic.
Thanks mate! Appreciate it! More vids coming more frequently, make sure you’re subscribed!
Fantastic , great job on the bike.
Thankyou! I enjoyed this one!
It’s all in the paint work from my talented dad 😉
Nicely done and awesome looking stay safe and enjoy by the way great choice for the build
Thanks, will do!
Thanks Matt, embarking on a similar thing so really appreciate learning some of the finer points - great job mate.
Unreal! I hope you’re videoing the process!
You’re welcome. It’s always good to get abit more in depth. Any question you have feel free to email me or contact me through socials!
Very nice job - finishing up my cb750 now but I think a virago is in the future. Was wishing I had a small lathe for bushings/etc - might see about a mini lathe after seeing your success.
Yeah get on the viragos mate! Cheap and great bikes IMO.
Yeah the lathe has honestly been a great tool. I Havnt touched it in abit but I’m thinking about a couple of small things I can neaten up on the cafe so I’ll have to fire it back up!
Great looking bike mate. Nice work!
Thanks mate! Appreciate it! New vid should be out pretty soon! 👀
Awesome video! Such a cool bike!
Thanks kate!
Great video! Any chance you can upload a video on your wiring harness?
Thanks mate! I appreciate that!
Abit of a struggle with the amount of pics I had!
Yeah for sure. I was actually planning on doing a whole episode on the harness of it. I’ll strip her down and give everyone a detailed look at the system I made and what I need/want to change.
Awesome work
Hey thanks for the video. Beautiful bike. I just got mine a few weeks ago.
Thanks! Oh really? Going to cafe racer it? Or is it already done?
@@mattfranco8715 Yeah it's been converted and is done. Love it!
it looks great! wish you all the best
Awesome looking bike bruv, you should be proud!
Thanks big fella. Everytime I look at it or ride it, I feel proud.
beautful job, bro. Presumably you've seen Cafe Racer Garage? Love the colour scheme you went with - sick. Classy and bully all mixed together :)
Thanks so much, that’s very kind. Yeah I’ve seen his channel, I love the direction he’s taken it with all his new tooling and skills shaping metal. Very cool to watch.
Great vid Matt
Thanks mate! Much appreciated!
Great informative video Matt. I’m building a Gen 2
750 so I’ve subscribed and will watch again with interest👍
Thanks mate! Much appreciated. I really need to pull the finger out and make some more videos!
Oh unreal! Thanks for the sub mate. Good luck with the build.
I watched this so many times, you did an amazing job! I just pick up an 82’ xv920 and you have been a huge inspiration! I couldn’t figure out what you had done with the battery on the side of the bike but then seen you relocated it under the swing arm, did you buy the bracket or fabricate it yourself?
Hey! Jeez so sorry for the slack reply.
Thanks so much for the kind words! That’s heaps nice to hear.
Yeah I basically removed the centre stand and welded in a couple of pieces of angle iron and fabricated a custom retainer nut/bracket.
Goodluck with your build mate!
What paint did u use for the Motor?
Excellent 👍👍👍💥💥 I want to try. But I will be calculated. I've no idea what I'm doing. Nice Bike.
You won’t know what you’re capable of until you do it big fella. I say just do it :)
Thanks mate!
Loved this video .well done
Cafe Artist
That’s very kind! I think she’s beautiful. There was a point where I was seriously considering turning it into a scrambler but I think it’s perfect the way it is.
Great brother.
👍👏👏👏
Thanks bro!!! Much appreciated
Great job
Hey Matt. Great build. How difficult was it to fabricate the shock adapter? And did you have to fabricate your own bushings for the bottom of the shock?
Thanks mate appreciate it!
Nah not difficult. But it all honesty it’s probably one of the things I’m not super happy with anyway. It’s on the list of “re-do” parts. Nah no bushings. The top is bolted to the frame.
The lower part of the top mount doesn’t pivot very much at all so I didn’t think it needed it.
I’m going to give the cafe a bit of a birthday soon. New dash, remaking some brackets, revise some of the electrical. Fixing some other things aswell! Should be much better.
Really interested in how those mikuni carbs run compared to stock
Take it from me. From ease of removal to tuning and performance, they absolutely wipe the floor with the stock carbs.
@@mattfranco8715 that's all I need to hear! I'm getting them
Cool build. What throttle are you using? I have a xv750 83 with R1 front and I believe I have the same throttle cable. The cable isn't sitting nicely which is causing a high idle at my bike. I also noticed that the throttle cable doesnt have a thread at the end of the throttle side. Does yours?
Thankyou kindly! I’m using a R6 throttle tube and a weird eBay throttle housing and 2-1 mikuni cable.
I’ve had a couple of issues with the cables being stuck in weird positions and what not. They really need right angles from the top of the carb. But my issues are nothing to really whinge about.
Nah the cable just sits in the top of the brass adjuster. I like the design. It allows you to make needle adjustments easier for sure.
Cool
Thanks mate!
Matt, do you happen to have a wiring diagram for the Mo.Unit portion of this build? I am stuck and can't find a complete reference. I have synthesized everything I could find between Revival and forums to no avail.
Great bike! What did you use for the exhaust collar? And where did you get that tubing? Looks like some nice tight bends.
Thankyou so much.
I actually used the stock collar and machined out the centre of it to accept the 1” 3/4 primary tube.
I actually have another video on the exhaust aswell. I did a little modification to it due to ground clearance issues. I got the tubing from ECS exhaust local to me. Great bloke, good prices.
The tight turn next to the front cylinder is actually a 1 3/4” donut that I cut to size. I think it turned out alright! This was my first attempt at a stainless exhaust
@@mattfranco8715 Nice! Exhaust video episode 2 was great, but I couldn't find episode 1. Did you discuss how to machine out the collar? I spent a long time with a grinder trying to open up mine and didn't get very far...
Awesome vid! Picked up an XV1000 TR1 a few weeks ago I will be doing very similar to. Let's just say I'm gonna be relying on Dr Google a lot!
Thanks mate! That’s awesome! Very jealous! In Google we trust!
Awesome build bro !! You have a parts list / build list by chance? I own a 92' Virago xv1100 also and want to do something very similar to this.
Hey bro! Thanks mate much appreciated. Cheers for watching.
I’ll put up a rough list on the description for ya.
Hi, nice bike. Which tyresize did you use for the rear? Looking for a bit wider one for mine, not sure if 140 or 150 will fit
Hey, I use a 130/90-16 but I want something wider too. I’d also like to know if it can be done without modifications
I’ve read that even a 140 tyre will rub on the gen 1 swing arm.
I cant get my head around where you relocated the battery. Ive got a xv 920 myself and wanting to do something similar. In denmark they are really strict with changes to the bike, so maybe nok the front forks.... 😊
Haha, it’s under the swing arm pivot bolt, where the old centre stand bolts onto.
@@mattfranco8715 thanks man 😅
I have a 1983 xv500 and want to do something similar to this, but I am having a lot of trouble finding one of the original fuel tanks that isn't damaged or extremely rusted. Do you have any recommendations on where to look?
For xv500 no sorry. I would suggest finding someone who regularly strips them for parts.
There’s a guy in Western Australia that I have bought stuff off. He just constantly buys viragos and sells parts off them.
I would strongly suggest marketplace. Goodluck with the build!
Were did you get your rear brake chrome hardware at?
Do you mean like the brake rod and rearsets? If so, eBay was the place
Hi, where did you find the collector? did you build it?
Hey sorry for the slow ass reply. I got the exhaust collector from ECS exhaust local to me. It’s a good bit of kit. Makes the build go quick.
But next time I attempt a 2 into 1 I’ll try my hand at making one.
I’ve built one for a customer out of mild steel and it turned out awesome so I’m keen to make my own one day :)
@@mattfranco8715 thanks but I'm talking about che carburetor collector, I'm try to put 2 mikuni 35 on my virago 750 and the original is to big
🔥🔥🔥
Cheers!!
Matt, im isnpired the color, idk if you can give me advice, a seller is offering me and 920 old Y virago, engine and chassi, it would be my first project build. Do you belive a 500$ its ok or don't? is it worth it to build slowly and secure?
I tell ya what, $500 for a 920 sounds like an alright deal! It really depends the overall condition. I’d say the biggest thing would be the engine health. Once you know the engine is fine then it would be worth it. The rest of the bike is pretty simple and parts are fairly cheap.
I think I’ll be looking for another gen 1 xv later on to build another cafe racer and sell it on to someone. They just present so well. I’m in love with my bike.
@@mattfranco8715 thanks Matt, I will pay a visit and see it anyway, the only thing I feel is complicated here in my country it's tricky cuz there's no selling parts for that bike but I know I can buy it online, can I ask you more questions if I bout it?
what tank is it? which motorcycle?
The bike is a 1981 xv750. The tank is the standard one.
@@mattfranco8715 ok, thanks
How much mm/inch pipes have ?
The primary tubes are 1 3/4 inch and they merge into 2inch.
Brother, I wished I'd had that lathe! I had to buy another swingarm (not needed) to replace the bushing. They almost all seize!
I specifically bought that lathe for that task and honestly it’s come in handy ALOT after that job. I’m currently making custom header collars for some exhaust builds I’m doing. Best thing ever
I have 86 Kawasaki Vulcan I'm chopping up a friend had carburetor problems and left to sit in somebody's yard for a whole summer and they wanted to decorate their yard he said ceiling was 1200 who worked out payment arrangements and here I am chopping
Awesome mate Goodluck with the build!
I want to see this build when it's finished I been looking for one
I think that intro doesnt fit in this kind of videos. lol
Nice build tho! Looks aggressive and powerful! d*mn!
Haha I’m no professional.
Thanks for the feedback but! Yeah she’s a beast. Honestly, the 750 motor was good but the high compression 1000 engine is a rocket. Check out the latest vids!
👏🏽
Thankyou
I really hope your bike is better than you coffee!
Haha I’ve since been gifted a proper delonghi machine so future montages will be more pleasing on the eyes and stomach 😂