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Welcoming LAMS into the family

June 29, 2019 1 Comment

At UrbanBiker we had talked about undertaking a LAMS bike project and suddenly there she was popping up on trademe - the soon to be named Dor-rua (Dora II). The name hailing from Director Delia’s first bike known fondly as Dora the Explorer Espanola (XV250 Virago circa 1989).

What we’ve acquired is a learner and enthusiast’s classic! 2014 Yamaha XV250 V Star done not many km, absolutely stock standard spec and in almost mint condition (found the tank dent after purchase – isn’t that always the way)! Yamaha have changed the name from Virago to V Star over the 25 years span between models but, correct me if I’m wrong, I think that’s about the only change?

It was a spur of the moment purchase but we have (loose) plan in mind:

She will be a company vehicle - certainly handy to trial clip on accessories and go for a quick spin to test out new gear coming into stock (tick)
We also want to help and encourage learners who have just earned their 'L plates' but are not quite ready to commit or sure what to buy as their first bike (more thought required but there is an idea in there somewhere), and
To undertake a long term project with Dor-rua to be our (drum-roll please) XV Bobber canvas.

Creative juices are a flowing on the Bobber front. We recently travelled to Melbourne and visited long-time XV Bobber specialists Bad Boy Bobbers. These guys ‘cut their teeth’ building XV250s and have a heap of parts they have developed and tricks they had uncovered over the years.

But more immediately we would like to hear from anyone who has been caught in the excitement of getting their licence and then thought – what's the next step now I am legally able to ride? What do I need to get underway? What do I want to ride?

We would love feedback from the biking community and will let this guide us through what should be a lot of fun.

The blog is open for comments and we would love to hear from you?

Take care out there

Mike

Specification	2014 Yamaha V Star
model	XV250Z
engine	4-stroke SOHC, V-twin, carburated, air cooled
displacement	249cc
transmission	5 spd
road clearance	145mm
seat height	685mm
weight (fueled)	147kg
front	Cheng Shin 3.00-18 47P
rear	Cheng Shin 130/90-15M 66P