1986 Yamaha reviews

I bought my 1987 XV1100S Virago for 3500$cdn with 6000 miles on the meter. Best buy I have ever done in my life. This bike is as reliable as any motorcyclecan be. It costs peanuts to maintain. You can run very long ride (800 plus miles a day) if you throw the origin Yamaha saddle to the garbage and replace it by a Corbin seat. A small windshield will help too. I put 60000K in three years on the odometer and I wouldn't trade it for anything new. Show less

I own a 86 SRX. I dreamed of owning one since the day I seen It on the show room floor back in 1985.I had just bought a new bike a year before so I thought I would wait a year or so and then buy one. Well was that a mistake , they only came to Ontario that one year .Time slipped by and finally in 1996 I decided I was going to find one. It took a while but I found a good one with only 10,000KM Its was great to be back on a single again, I missed that sound since I had sold my SR 500 back in 1982. Its a great bike, its styling was ahead of its time and still turns heads where ever I go. I`ll keep it forever. Show less

Against today's sport bikes, it's only fair but it's fun. And it's classed as a cruiser. If you own or have owned one you know where I'm coming from. It'll make you the envy of the cruiser crowd except for Mr. Max people. It handles great in the twisties and power to spare. Watch out when you hit around the 6K mark it explodes. I've had it since new and have enjoyed 30K + miles on it. Trips in the 200 to 300 mile range are the norm. The wife prefers our larger bike for serious mileage and I tend to agree with her. But for short trips and some playtime she'll still come out and play on the XJ. If you're a lone rider with a once in awhile passenger you won't go wrong. I haven't taken any long trips by myself so I can't give any information on that. If you can find one at blue book rates, I'd go for. Trouble is dealers want way over book but they know what they have. I've been more than pleased with mine and it'll be my favorite play bike. One word of caution, it's not for the new rider or someone wanting to move up in class. It's a serious performance cruiser. My problems have been minor. A starter and two exhaust pipes where the inner pipe broke loose and rattled. ENJOY Show less

I actually have a 1985 FJ1100, but there wasn't such a model to pick. I have had my bike since 1988. It is a great bike, very comfortable end very reliable. I have never had any problems. It is an older bike, but it is still a gorgeous machine with loads of power. The only negative point is that it should have had a sixth gear!! Show less

I just recently purchased an 86 FJ1200 with a Vance and Hines Exhaust and I love it. I have a Corbin seat which is much more comfortable than stock. The performance is right and so is the comfort. I could ride this bike at ninety all day. Show less

I have owned one now since new. It has been a very dependable comfortable bike. It produces very good power over a very broad rpm range. Although not as sharp a handler or as light as the current crop of large displacement bikes it will provide you with a great ride. I own 4 other bikes including a 2000 Triumph 955i and I still enjoy riding this machine. Show less

I purchased my FZ used but in new condition from its original owner in 1990. At that time it was still a competitive sportbike. The FZ was Yamaha's first 600 cc racer replica style of motorcycle, and redefined handling and performance for the 600cc sportbike class. Since then I have logged about 26,000 miles on it. It has been replaced as my daily ride by newer bikes, but remains one of my favorites. It is a small motorcycle with quick steering and a reliable, punchy motor. Modern motorcycles eclipse this classic in terms of performance but it is a good bike for collectors, classic racers or someone looking for a cheap entry into the sportbike world. Show less

The Fazer performs very well but is somewhat uncomfortable on long trips or rough roads. Show less

About 6 years ago I was heavily researching for an upgrade. The bike had to fill all my needs 1) tach (nice to have), 2) centerstand, 3) weigh under 600 lbs. (easier to pick up if dropped, heaven forbid), 4) at least a 4 gal. gas tank, 5) looked good without looking like all the other bikes, and last was quicker stock then any stock cruiser on the market. I found it and wouldn't trade it for any other bike out there including the v stars. Show less

I have owned my SRX since new. I bought it in 1989, in New Minas, Nova Scotia. I have put many enjoyable miles on it since then. Unfortunately the passenger seat is even less padded than the riders, so my girlfriend doesn't like to come along any more. Yes, the bike doesn't have an electric starter, or a fairing, or a radio, but that's not what I wanted when I bought it. It is small, light, attractive, unique, and moderately comfortable. The only problems I have had with it over 11 years have all been related to its 3 years spent in storage. Gas leaks from dried out "O" rings, rust out of the tank from condensation, and a seized drive chain. It runs like a top, starts on the second kick most times, and sips fuel. I can't think of a more pleasing motorcycle. Show less