Member’s Bikes and their Artistry

(Originally published a long time ago…)

One of the things that really sets our bikes apart is the artwork found on the fuel tanks. Across the Virago Star Owners Club you’ll see an incredible range of styles, ideas and finishes, each one reflecting the personality of its owner and the life their bike has lived.

A number of the images shown here have been brought back from an old, long-forgotten gallery that featured some fantastic examples of our members’ tank artwork. Many of these photos date back to around 2013 or even earlier, so it felt like the right time to give this section a refresh.

Some tanks are hand-painted, some airbrushed, others carefully restored to original condition. You’ll find classic Yamaha designs, subtle pinstriping, bold flames, murals, metal flake finishes and deeply personal artwork that tells a story – from long tours and rallies to family tributes and club history.

Fuel tanks are more than just a practical part of the bike. For many members they are a canvas, a conversation starter, and a way of making their motorcycle truly unique. No two are ever the same, even when the bikes started life identical.

If you’d like your latest and greatest tank artwork to be shown here, please email your photo to me and I’ll do the rest. This page is very much a work in progress and will continue to grow as new images are added.

(most of the older photos have been upscaled and sharpened to make them a little clearer).