A Virginia-based crew known as Classified Moto is breaking the norm in the world of bikes. Unlike other shops, they don’t focus on Harleys and they aren’t afraid to criticize their own products. Today, we’re taking a closer look at their latest creation, the Shaft, which is a modified Yamaha Virago from 1989.
The Virago is a well-known name among bikers. It was Yamaha’s first-ever V-twin cruiser and was introduced back in 1981. The XV1100 model, produced from 1986 to 1999, is of particular interest to us. Classified Moto got their hands on a 1989 Virago and transformed it into the Shaft.
This bike is a departure from the typical American rides we see. It has a café racer style, which was popular long ago but not so much in America anymore. The front end of the bike comes from a 2004 Suzuki GSX-R1000, giving it a unique and aggressive look. The fuel tank is from a Yamaha XS400 and features an Acewell gauge. A banana seat and tool roll compartment complete the look.
Despite its unique design, the maker of the Shaft admits that it wasn’t their most satisfying build. They love the appearance of the bike when someone is riding it, but when it’s just sitting there, it falls short. They describe the project as having a “weird cadence.”
However, someone saw something special in the Shaft and decided to buy it from Classified Moto. While we don’t know the exact price they paid, similar builds from the shop usually sell for around $21,000. So, even though the maker may not be completely satisfied, there is still value in this unique creation.
