1996 yamaha reviews

This is my second bike. It runs like a demon and is a workhorse. But the front steering is stiff. And at 150 mph it starts to vibrate in the left grip. But at top speed it plans off nicely. Show less

Just picked it up from a dealership (State 8 Motorcycles) with 12k miles and already put 800 miles in just 4 wks. I've been asked if its brand new. Ryan at the State 8 put me on the best possible choice for the price. I took my motorcycle license test on this bike. Great balance! My wife now wants to get her license to get her fair share of time on this ride. One whish, for an extra gear. The engine runs at 4500 rpm's on the freeway. Buy one, you'll love it! Show less

I bought this bike new in '96. The only problem I have had is the starter switch sticking. The bike has been great and with a little extra chrome and running lights the bike can kill! I've only got 9500 miles on it but I have enjoyed every one!! Show less

At the urging of a coworker who had a Virago 750, we started looking at the Viragos when it came time for me to have a bike. My husband's Honda Shadow Spirit was too bulky. When I set eyes on the 97 Virago 1100, pearl and blue, I fell in love. It fit me perfectly. It handles beautifully and is practically silent beside the modified-exhaust Honda. My brother, who is a HD and BMW owner, loves to make verbal jabs about "Jap bikes," but he admitted I got a good bike. I cannot believe that Yamaha stopped making this sleek, beautiful bike. There is no way I would have bought one of the new, bulky V-stars. Show less

Actually I have just purchased a 1998 Virago 1100S. It is beautiful in black and is my 14th bike over a period of 35 years. I have had bikes from a variety of types including dirt, standard, sport, and cruisers. This one has the best balance providing good performance in power, handling, comfort, reliability, and yet it calls to me to come out and play. The best feature it provides is that it fits me life is good. Show less

I just purchased my 750 from a private owner. He loved it and I can see why. It has 19K on it and the chrome and great color scheme will make heads turn. The bike performance is excellent, it is a great first bike, handles well in traffic or just cruisin the backcountry roads. This was the last year for this model and it is a good one. I will probably up-grade to a Road Star next year. I highly recommend this bike, I'm sure you will get many great safe reliable miles from it...Ride Safe Tony Show less

I own the 1995 version of this bike. It has been the perfect bike. As long as the roads have speed limits this thing has plenty of speed and power. It s also comfortable. I've gone camping on it a few times (one time I went 2350 miles in six days) with a pup tent, sleeping bag and a duffel bag strapped to the back seat and rack. Maintenance has been a dream. Mine has 22,000 miles and all I've done to it is: oil and filter changes at 500 mi. 1000 mi. and every 2000 miles after that (I've used full synthetic since 9,000 miles - this motor will run forever). I adjust the chain when it needs it (about once a year), one set of tires, one set of brakes. I've only had to adjust the valves once (and barely at that) and the carbs are probably a tiny bit out of sync since I've never touched them. But it runs so great I hate to mess with them. that's all I've done in six years - a great bike. In fact I hate to sell it but I've gotten the bug to buy a new bike. I wish they still made the Seca II - I'd buy another one. If any one wants to buy mine - $2400 takes it home. I'm in central Michigan. E-mail me if you're interested (reed.caldwell@eds.com). Show less

I purchased my '96 Virago 1100 Special in April of 2000. It had about 19,000 miles on it and was in mint condition. It was my first bike, but I found it quite easy to master. It's got good power, handles very well (I find it quite agile and responsive, and I love winding through sweeping curves, but it's not so great in the tight turns because of the long wheelbase and low footpeg clearance), and looks great. The short gearing means that it revs high and vibrates a bit much at modern highway speeds (70mph+), but the motor still pulls hard even at high rpms. What I like most about the bike, though, is the overall experience-- I love the way the thing rumbles down the road, feeling solid and strong like some big beast. It's a lot of fun. Show less

Although this is only my 2nd bike, I feel that overall this is an exceptoinal bike. Nitpicks include right-grip vibration, and perhaps a bit too much rider weight on the handlebars. Sitting upright over 150kmph solves the 'too much rider weight on the handlebars'. Tim Horton breaks solve the 'right-grip vibration'. I've had the bike's carbs cleaned and adjusted (completely stock), and there still seems to be a suprising surge of power at ~4500rpm. Anyone else notice this? Brakes, fully adjustable suspension, great looks, and great durability (it's been dropped twice and performs identically) all add up to a great bike. I can't keep up with an open-class bike, but most motorcyclists that I know rarely stay above 200kmph for long, most roads aren't made for 200kmph driving, and there are too many SUVs to run into. 748cc, 57ft/lbs and 105hp are good enough (for now)! Show less

Loved it from day one, only problem is I keep wearing out the rubber because it makes me ride so far and so often. 40,000+ miles with only routine maintenance. Great bike. My son has a BMW R75/7 and we've cruised together from Mississippi to Canada on many memorable trips. Usually loaded with camping gear etc. Smooth at freeway speeds, fun power on back roads. We like to avoid the interstates and experience the trip more than the destination. I,d like a new bike but this one still looks and runs like new. Oh Well. Show less