Yamaha XV1100 Virago

1995 Virago 1100. 22k and rides like a dream. Not too big, not too small. Installed front fork springs, as the front end famously wallowed at speed, or over rough tarmac. Progressive fork springs sorted it all out. The front breaks are okay, but you can never too much break. Replaced the break lines with braided stainless steel lines to help with hard stops. After I put on aftermarket exhaust, the carburetors were jetted on the lean side, and the engine ran hot. I rejected them, now it starts better, runs cooler, and has better power. The bike needs a windscreen if it’s used at highway speeds much. A cruse control, or throttle lock is helpful. The saddle looks good, but has few options for movement after you have sat awhile. The horns were replaced for louder units. The engine makes good power, is reliable and designed for ease of maintenance. I adjust the valves myself, saving a lot of money. She rides like a rolling comfy chair. Shaft drive requires no maintenance beyond oil change. Rear shocks have plenty of spring rate for two up ridding. The left pod injects air into the exhaust, causing it to backfire. That stuff was all removed, the lines capped, problem solved. It’s no race bike, not designed for off road use, could use a sixth gear. For an 1100, top speed is 115 mph, any 600cc will top that. Realistically, 85 mph is the outer limits, as the bars get buzzy beyond that speed. The looks get comments at the filling station. It gets 50 mpg. Rear tire lasts 5k, front tire last 8 to 10k. Front fork seals last 10k, the left side always leaks first. Wha? The cables, clutch, speedo and throttle, need replace from time to time, as there failure happen unannounced. I’m very happy with this product. They make nice guitars too!

I have owned Suzuki and Honda bikes after losing my first a 94 Virago 1100 ( won't get into how I lost it). I just this week bought my second yamaha a 1986 Virago 1100. The starter clutch needs to be replaced and that is nothing new for Viragos, starter issues have been prevalent over the years. A minor issue in the bigger picture is the starter as these bikes are reliable performers. They need to be riden short trips will foul the plugs. Best bike I have owned in terms of comfort, riding position, light weight and plenty of bottom end torque.. This bike is a keeper, it's beautifully shaped tank and chromed engine make it an eye catcher.. My 30 year old bike still looks great cleans up nicely and I never get tired of how she feels to ride..

I own two viragos, a 1984 750 and a 1999 1100.

The 1984 has 120,000 km and the 1999 has 110,000 km.

They both run great.

I had the 1984 for about six years and decided I wanted more power. I was looking at Harleys, V Stars and some suzukis, but always came back to the Virago.

The other bikes just can't compete all the chrome and unique styling of the Virago.

I have taken many long trips on both. The last trip for the 1984 was in 2012 from Toronto to Sturgis South Dakota, with my daughter on the back, almost 5000k with no incidents other than my daughter leaning her knee on my saddle bags and starting them on fire on the muffler.

The 1100 is a real head turner for sure.

I basically get shunned by any of the Harley guys when I stop at rest stops and gas stations, but that is expected.

Because I know for fact that they are envious when their bikes are in the shop for numerous expensive repairs, and I am still riding.

And when I do need maintenance and repairs, the costs are surprisingly reasonable.

I love my bike! It never lets down and i always enjoy riding it! It doesnt scrape around the corners and it sits nicely on the long rouds (i put on highway peggs). Its is also good for gravel roads (i live in south africa). My friend has a 78 xs 1100. It is also a nice bike, but i like the v2 better. Sadly, mine has some rust under the crome, but thats only character!

Hi I am also a owner of a virago 1100 but I have a major problem. I have no fire on the rear piston. Have had it at several think tey know guys but without succes. Help please.

I have a 1997 xv1100 that had 7400 Ks on it when I bought it. Has a few rust spots from sitting with previous owner but I now have 22000 ks on it. Combination of city and highway ddriving but no long trips yet.My only complaint is that it could do with another gear when on the highway. It has lots of power but does get a little buzzy over 120 kpm. Also even for me it is a little bit cramped when sitting over long distances. Also difficult to find aftermarket parts. Other than those minor issues the bike is fantastic and I would highly recommend it

Simply put The Very Best. I have a 1100 Virago. 1996 will never get rid of it , very comfortable, reliable, and a great looker. Bull is his name and Riding is his aim.

Best Points:- VERY Comfy on long trips, great looks - a head turner, best engine ever produced - torquey, ecmonomical when not fanged out to the max, simple and easy to maintain. A tinkerers delight - no fancy fuel injection to go wrong.

Bad points:- Needs an aftermarket cruise control on long trips. OEM fork seals do not last long. Ground clearance on corners can be a bit restricted (if you don't set up the shocks and forks properly)

I have owned 4 of these over the last 20 years, the latest being a 1997 XV1100 Virage Special. Once bitten.... anyway I have had a good run with them all mechanically, and are an absolute joy to ride. While not being the fastest bike out there, they more than make up for it in comfort and ride quality. The only negatives I have experienced are the starter motors on my early models and the fork seals on all of them, they do not seem to last long, however I did find equivalent aftermarket seals and these tend to last a long time. The lack of cruise control is not really a bad point as the clip on ones can be bought on evil bay for aroung US$30 plus postage, this makes a HUGE difference to RH wrist fatigue on those long hauls. All my Viragos were set up up for long trips by adding; a low 15" windscreen, a set of paniers, sheep skin seat cover, a pack rack and gearsack and highway pegs. They are so comfy that even after 10-12 hours in the saddle I felt like I've just travelled down to the local and back. These are the most underated bikes ever produced and like others I agree it is such a shame Yamaha do not make these anymore. The later XV's just did not cut it for me.

Best Points:- VERY Comfy on long trips, great looks - a head turner, best engine ever produced - torquey, ecmonomical when not fanged out to the max, simple and easy to maintain. A tinkerers delight - no fancy fuel injection to go wrong.

Bad points:- Needs an aftermarket cruise control on long trips. OEM fork seals do not last long. Ground clearance on corners can be a bit restricted (if you don't set up the shocks and forks properly)

I have owned 4 of these over the last 20 years, the latest being a 1997 XV1100 Virage Special. Once bitten.... anyway I have had a good run with them all mechanically, and are an absolute joy to ride. While not being the fastest bike out there, they more than make up for it in comfort and ride quality. The only negatives I have experienced are the starter motors on my early models and the fork seals on all of them, they do not seem to last long, however I did find equivalent aftermarket seals and these tend to last a long time. The lack of cruise control is not really a bad point as the clip on ones can be bought on evil bay for aroung US$30 plus postage, this makes a HUGE difference to RH wrist fatigue on those long hauls. All my Viragos were set up up for long trips by adding; a low 15" windscreen, a set of paniers, sheep skin seat cover, a pack rack and gearsack and highway pegs. They are so comfy that even after 10-12 hours in the saddle I felt like I've just travelled down to the local and back. These are the most underated bikes ever produced and like others I agree it is such a shame Yamaha do not make these anymore. The later XV's just did not cut it for me.

After not riding for twenty five years, being sixty two years old, and not ever owning a bike that was over 650 cc I questioned my new desire to purchase a Virago 1100, or any bike, as far as that went. I talked to several people, some of who had owned and rode a Virago 1100. The only negative thing I ever heard was that the bike was too short and may cramp your arms and legs. They all told me of the ease of riding and the power that this bike is famous for. Well, I puchased a 1987 Virago 1100 that had be stored for five years. The bike was in great shape, a couple of bikers told me that I stole it, at $2000.00. All it took to safety was fork seals and I asked to have the brake fluid changed. It had 32,900 klm. on it. I rode it for a couple of weeks around town just to get the feel of it. Comfort was amazing, quite, responsive, and easy to ride. What a surprise when I ventured out on the highway, you better hang on, it's like a rocket! I work 100 klm. away and riding to and from work is a blast. After putting 4000 klm. on it I swear it just gets better. Yeah, I made the right decision.