[Kipfire]

I looked around and settled on a Virago 250. I found a used one for a good price. I have had some trouble with the chain, but racked up well over 5K miles on weekends even after foot surgery! Okay, here goes my .02 cents. I think any of the 250’s would be a good bet. I think Honda’s are bulletproof. This Virago I got is peppy enough and a nice looking bike. I rode a Suzuki at the MSF course and liked it too. I don’t think any of these bikes are made for the interstate highways. They are just too light and have to work pretty hard to keep a 65-75mph pace. I have done it, but I have a helluva lot more fun on two lane roads. And these little bikes seem to have more fun too there too. I can’t explain it, but you will see what I mean once you are out there. I live in Vermont and there are lots of two lane roads that have great scenery and have enough twists and turns to keep the ride interesting. But it isn’t flat. I found this 250 can run out of breath on grades but it isn’t too bad. Did I mention these bikes are light? I recall one windy day where the wind was leaning my bike over! A LOT! Interstates are often open and windy. They also have a lot of 18 wheelers rolling by. A 250 Rebel, Virago, GS, or whatever, are great fun, but you may get tossed back and forth more than you may like on the 4 lanes.

[Kipfire]

Yeah, I want to do my own work but I’d feel better letting someone experienced do it the first time around.
There is a small panel on this bike down by my left foot. It is made of aluminum and I think it is just a chain guard. It is clear to me that the chain has been so loose at times that it has hit this panel. (And that is the “BANG” I am hearing) To actually do this, the chain has to move left/right and not up and down if you know what I mean. I know it isn’t right and no way it should swing that far left. I am hopeful that a new chain will fix this problem and let me just enjoy the ride. I am seriously thinking of moving up to a Kawaski Vulcan 900 this Spring. Might keep the Virago for my oldest boy to learn on. Thanks again all!

[Kipfire]

I appreciate the advice. I would not be surprised if I was overtightening it but I tried to follow the manual I downloaded. I bought it used and expected that with only 1700 miles on it, there would be no problems with the ‘drivetrain’. I bought it from a dealer and thought, (erroneously, it seems) that they would not sell a bike that wasn’t up to snuff. But almost from the get-go, I was hearing strange klunks and bangs. It seemed to be worse when i was going round a bend and leaning. I looked closer and it was pretty obvious that the chain was way too loose. It had actually dented up a small metal panel (Chain guard?) that you find on these bikes. Now I tried to be realisitc when adjusting the chain and not over tighten it, but I may have done so. I wonder if it is possible that the chain was badly stretched (and pretty much ruined) before I bought it. I have had some bike owners tell me they never had to mess with their chains and I have heard 600 miles is not unusual like Gary856 said. If I sticvk with this bike for the upcoming season, I plan to have thwe chain replaced. I am just too nervous and don’t trust the one on there now. (I will have it done by the local Yamaha guys the 1st time to be safe) It is a damn shame because the bike is a nice little scoot! I lurked on this site for a while and picked the Virago because of what I read by the members of this board. Oh, and by the way Trialsrider, I didn’t get the ‘spin the tire’ crap either! I mean “Huh?” And don’t apologize for the lengthy reply. Damn nice of you and all the others to reply and help a noob like me out. I’ll tell you one thing, when I am riding I can’t believe what I have been missing all these years. If I could ride year round, I’d sell the damn car.

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