Vinago: Billy Joel’s Vincent-Inspired Yamaha Virago

By Greg Williams
Published on April 8, 2013
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Combine Vincent and Virago and you get Vinago. It's a marriage of old and new.
Combine Vincent and Virago and you get Vinago. It's a marriage of old and new.
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Greg’s long been aware of the Virago’s similarities to the English-built Vincent motorcycle.
Greg’s long been aware of the Virago’s similarities to the English-built Vincent motorcycle.
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“I wanted to keep the best of the Virago pieces, and make the rest of it look like a Vincent,” Greg says.
“I wanted to keep the best of the Virago pieces, and make the rest of it look like a Vincent,” Greg says.
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“My Rapide is a beautiful bike,” Billy says. “But it’s old, and it’s valuable, and I’m a little bit worried about anything happening to it. What I like to do is take newer bikes with modern technology and make them look old; they’re safer and generally more reliable.”
“My Rapide is a beautiful bike,” Billy says. “But it’s old, and it’s valuable, and I’m a little bit worried about anything happening to it. What I like to do is take newer bikes with modern technology and make them look old; they’re safer and generally more reliable.”
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The Grimeca four-leading-shoe hub looks right at home on the Vinago.
The Grimeca four-leading-shoe hub looks right at home on the Vinago.
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Builder Greg Hageman made the primary side look a little more retro with a flat clutch cover machined from billet.
Builder Greg Hageman made the primary side look a little more retro with a flat clutch cover machined from billet.
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Reproduction Triumph mufflers finish off the exhaust system.
Reproduction Triumph mufflers finish off the exhaust system.

The Vinago
Claimed power:
62hp @ 6,000rpm, 62.7 ft/lb torque @ 3,000rpm (1998 Virago)
Top speed: 112mph
Engine: 1,063cc air-cooled OHC 75-degree V-twin, 95mm x 75mm bore and stroke
Weight (dry, stock 1982 Virago): 467lb (212kg)
Fuel capacity/MPG: 3.2 gal (12ltr)

Combine Vincent and Virago and you get Vinago. It’s a marriage
of old and new — homage to one of the most sought after classic machines of all
time built on the humble bones of a much more modern cruiser.

From his Florida-based shop Doc’s Chops, custom bike builder

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