VSOCXV

A Brief History of the VSOC

The VSOC was first formed in 1993 by John Bryning (the current VSOC President) and is dedicated to the promotion and protection of Yamaha XV Custom motorcycles, its owners and riders and to that end has established a network of twenty Centres and Regional representatives across the UK.

The VSOC club nationally provides contact with over 1200 other Virago & Star Owners in UK for the exchange of information and advice on matters ranging from insurance to touring.

Members are kept up to date on club activities, national news and regional events by a quarterly magazine affectionately called 'Clatter' and by a network of regional newsletters and websites maintained by the various Centre's.

Rallies and other events are organised at various locations across the UK and the rest of Europe. Check the VSOC diary or for more info go to: www.vsoc.org.uk

About Centre 15 ('The Smugglers - VSOCXV')

Soon after the formation of the VSOC in 1993, the East Sussex & Kent 'Centre 15' was established. We currently have 74 members throughout East Sussex & Kent (not including affiliate members, partners and spouses). During 2002 we gave our Centre a new look and name and we're now known as 'The Smugglers - VSOCXV'. In order to maintain our identity, Patches, Tee-shirts and Logo coffee mugs are available for a modest price.

Although many members join simply because they 'own' a Virago or Star, we are primarily a 'Riders Club' and like to encourage as many members as possible to meet up on weekly scheduled ride-outs throughout the year (usually on 'fine day' Sunday's), and to attend VSOC Rallies and events both in the UK and overseas.

Apart from the buzz and the fun, there's nothing more thrilling than being part of a large convey of bikes thundering down the highways & byways of Kent & East Sussex - and beyond! The emphasis of all our gatherings is friendly camaraderie and enjoyment regardless of age, gender or riding experience. You can see what we get up to, and where we go by visiting our Photo Album.

Because many of our new and existing members are 'Born Again Bikers', we place a great deal of emphasis on rider safety and survival on our now crowded roads. We're pleased to offer guidance to those who feel they would benefit from participating in Advanced rides in conjunction with other clubs such as the East Sussex Advanced Motorcyclists (ESAM) and the Kent Advanced Motorcyclists Group (KAMG).

The Bikes

Cick the picturel

A Brief History of the Virago & Dragstar

In 1981, the XV750 Virago was born. Quite a departure from any previous Japanese design, the Virago became the first mass-produced street bike to use a single shock rear suspension. Other unique styling touches incorporated into the original design were low-maintenance shaft drive, air-adjustable forks, cast aluminium wheels, and of course, lots of Custom features - low-slung frame, high handlebars, stepped seat, and plenty of chrome. To give the Virago motor that "open air" look, the engine was hung from the stamped-steel backbone frame in stressed-member fashion. It was an immediate sales hit, one that continues today, and it was the start of a importer's phenomenon - the V-twin cruiser - that had all the other manufacturers following suit.

Over the following years the Virago has undergone several notable changes. In 1982, Yamaha introduced a larger version of the 750, the XV920 Virago. The 920 offered several deluxe features not found on the 750, such as dual front discs, adjustable handlebars, and liquid-crystal display gauges. In 1983, the baby of the family was introduced, the XV500 Virago. The 750 and 920 Viragos each came in a Midnight version for 1983, replete with high-gloss black paint, and blacked-out engines with gold accents.

The Virago's remained unchanged until 1986, when the 1000 was bumped up in displacement to 1,063cc and renamed the XV1100 Virago. The secondary fuel tank was eliminated and the main tank enlarged to 4.4 gallons. 1987 saw the littlest Virago grow to 535cc, and in 1988 the motorcycle import tariff was rescinded, allowing the return of the 750cc Virago. Other than the introduction of new paint schemes every couple of years, Yamaha hasn't changed the Virago since. And why should they when it's become one of the most popular cruiser bikes in history.

With the later introduction of the Yamaha Star models the name 'Virago Star Owners Club' caters for all Virago & Dragstar owners.

Own a Virago or Star and live in East Sussex or Kent? Why ride alone!! Join the VSOC and Centre XV (15) and become one of more than 1,200 members Nationwide. As a member you'll get first rate tech advice, our quarterly 'Clatter' magazine, be eligible for National & International Rallies - make loads of new friends, and much more!! If you're not a member - just think of all the fun you'll be missing! Click here for a Joining application




A Brief History of the VSOC The VSOC was first formed in 1993 by John Bryning (the current VSOC President) and is dedicated to the promotion and protection of Yamaha XV Custom motorcycles, its owners and riders and to that end has established a network of twenty Centres and Regional representatives across the UK. The VSOC club nationally provides contact with over 1200 other Virago & Star Owners in UK for the exchange of information and advice on matters ranging from insurance to touring. Members are kept up to date on club activities, national news and regional events by a quarterly magazine affectionately called 'Clatter' and by a network of regional newsletters and websites maintained by the various Centre's. Rallies and other events are organised at various locations across the UK and the rest of Europe. Check the VSOC diary or for more info go to: www.vsoc.org.uk		About Centre 15 ('The Smugglers - VSOCXV') Soon after the formation of the VSOC in 1993, the East Sussex & Kent 'Centre 15' was established. We currently have 74 members throughout East Sussex & Kent (not including affiliate members, partners and spouses). During 2002 we gave our Centre a new look and name and we're now known as 'The Smugglers - VSOCXV'. In order to maintain our identity, Patches, Tee-shirts and Logo coffee mugs are available for a modest price. Although many members join simply because they 'own' a Virago or Star, we are primarily a 'Riders Club' and like to encourage as many members as possible to meet up on weekly scheduled ride-outs throughout the year (usually on 'fine day' Sunday's), and to attend VSOC Rallies and events both in the UK and overseas. Apart from the buzz and the fun, there's nothing more thrilling than being part of a large convey of bikes thundering down the highways & byways of Kent & East Sussex - and beyond! The emphasis of all our gatherings is friendly camaraderie and enjoyment regardless of age, gender or riding experience. You can see what we get up to, and where we go by visiting our Photo Album. Because many of our new and existing members are 'Born Again Bikers', we place a great deal of emphasis on rider safety and survival on our now crowded roads. We're pleased to offer guidance to those who feel they would benefit from participating in Advanced rides in conjunction with other clubs such as the East Sussex Advanced Motorcyclists (ESAM) and the Kent Advanced Motorcyclists Group (KAMG).

	The Bikes Cick the picturel
A Brief History of the Virago & Dragstar In 1981, the XV750 Virago was born. Quite a departure from any previous Japanese design, the Virago became the first mass-produced street bike to use a single shock rear suspension. Other unique styling touches incorporated into the original design were low-maintenance shaft drive, air-adjustable forks, cast aluminium wheels, and of course, lots of Custom features - low-slung frame, high handlebars, stepped seat, and plenty of chrome. To give the Virago motor that "open air" look, the engine was hung from the stamped-steel backbone frame in stressed-member fashion. It was an immediate sales hit, one that continues today, and it was the start of a importer's phenomenon - the V-twin cruiser - that had all the other manufacturers following suit. Over the following years the Virago has undergone several notable changes. In 1982, Yamaha introduced a larger version of the 750, the XV920 Virago. The 920 offered several deluxe features not found on the 750, such as dual front discs, adjustable handlebars, and liquid-crystal display gauges. In 1983, the baby of the family was introduced, the XV500 Virago. The 750 and 920 Viragos each came in a Midnight version for 1983, replete with high-gloss black paint, and blacked-out engines with gold accents. The Virago's remained unchanged until 1986, when the 1000 was bumped up in displacement to 1,063cc and renamed the XV1100 Virago. The secondary fuel tank was eliminated and the main tank enlarged to 4.4 gallons. 1987 saw the littlest Virago grow to 535cc, and in 1988 the motorcycle import tariff was rescinded, allowing the return of the 750cc Virago. Other than the introduction of new paint schemes every couple of years, Yamaha hasn't changed the Virago since. And why should they when it's become one of the most popular cruiser bikes in history. With the later introduction of the Yamaha Star models the name 'Virago Star Owners Club' caters for all Virago & Dragstar owners. Own a Virago or Star and live in East Sussex or Kent? Why ride alone!! Join the VSOC and Centre XV (15) and become one of more than 1,200 members Nationwide. As a member you'll get first rate tech advice, our quarterly 'Clatter' magazine, be eligible for National & International Rallies - make loads of new friends, and much more!! If you're not a member - just think of all the fun you'll be missing! Click here for a Joining application