Virago

[scarry]

SWMBO has been looking for a 250 Virago for a while now,and has finally bought one.It is a 09 model.

I have to change the oil and filter,seems easy enough.

Looks like it has mineral oil,we don't have manual,only service book.
First question is what type of oil?
Maybe just use what is on the Castrol net lube site,for this model bike?

Second question is what do you use on the chrome.Some we looked at had rust on the chrome.This one is good but need to protect it.
Maybe some type of chrome polish?

Also any other info or things we should know would be good.

[Homestar]

Virago is a great little bike to learn on, my missus started on one too.:).

Not sure on the oil type - it will just be a basic bike mineral oil - your local bike shop should be able to help.

Regarding the chrome and getting surface rust off it, I used to use turtle wax polish on it with some steel wool. I'm sure there are other ways too, but that used to work a treat.

Happy riding.

[p38arover]

I heard about this method recently.

Cleaning Chrome (http://www.robertscycle.com/chrome-clean.html)

[VladTepes]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/01/887.jpg

[TeamFA]

What a coincidence - we're picking up our new (second-hand) XV250 this weekend, for the better half to learn to ride on.

They are excellent bikes... I had 3 of them!

I've had the best success with "Mothers" brand of metal polishes over the years. Mothers? Car Care Products (http://www.motherscarcare.com/index.html)

I started off years ago with Autosol metal polish, dabbled a bit with Meguire's, but the Mothers products polish up the best with the least effort, in my experience.

I've never heard of the method Ron linked to. It sounds interesting, but I'd be wary of scratching the chrome surface with any grit caught between the chrome and the aluminium used for polishing. Anybody used this method?

[VladTepes]

I have no experience of it but have actually heard a lot of good things about the mother's one. No idea where to get it though.

[TeamFA]

I have no experience of it but have actually heard a lot of good things about the mother's one. No idea where to get it though.

Stupor Cheap sell their line...
Mothers Metal Polish - 355mL - Supercheap Auto Australia (http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/Mothers-Metal-Polish-355mL.aspx?pid=338248#Recommendations)

[scarry]

I have no experience of it but have actually heard a lot of good things about the mother's one. No idea where to get it though.

Tried to get the Mcguires,couldn't find it,but ended up with mothers chrome polish/protecter from autobarn.

For oil ended up with Castrol 4T 15w 50.It was actually cheaper at the bike shop than at autobarn or super cheap.Filter only at bike shop.

Also picked up some chain cleaner and lube.

So next weekend will bike maintenance.:)