What were they thinking.

[650Skull]

Yamaha did build a bike I liked using the Virago motor.View attachment 236113

TR1 for Europe and XV1000 for Oceania. The US got the smaller motor, 920, version because Harley had the Gov'ts ear to stifle competition.

They were the pre Virago models for 2 years over here. 80 and 81.

Friend has one I rode the other day. Narrow bike with a very low COG, responsive handling with toque Jay Leno would be proud of.

Of course if one doesn't like a bike styling they can always do something like this
Here is what someone done to a 700 Virago

​

 

[Grimly]

In Norton's case they were watching the easy rider generation "Chop" anything in sight, while their traditional design bikes gathered dust on showroom floors. Sales said we can't afford to design build a new bike so lets put some lipstick on the pig.
I've had at LEAST a dozen XS650's that entered TSOIR with extended forks highway pegs and king queen seats.
BMW is just in denial about cruisers and the riders leg position.

View attachment 236021

The good news was that at the right time these bikes could (can) be bought cheap and with a little parts replacement be good bikes for some riders.

ARGH! My eyes!

 

[46th Georgia]

ARGH! My eyes!

ARGH!! Don't you mean "My eye"? You sound like a pirate.

 

[650Skull]

What did the Scottish welder say.........

Archhhhh eye