1996 yamaha reviews

I bought my Virago midway through the 96 season. It was purchased because I was more interested in "fit and performance" rather than looks. Here in the north, we have a limited riding season - 6 months if lucky - and with a total of 24 months actual riding, I've put on 65,000 kms. Other than cosmetics, the best addition has been a Mustang Seat. In 99' I did the saddlesore 1000 and the only thing that didn't hurt at the end of the ride was my butt. Too bad this model was discontinued. The only problems I've had have been with the starter switch..jams occasionally. Other than that - not a problem. Show less

Although I have a 92, it's essentially the same bike as the 96 (I believe they widened the fairing from 94 and up and added some fake air scoops). Anyhow, I paid $1900 for mine (with 16,000 miles on it) in bright red. It's a real eye catcher with the nicely sculpted tank and side panels, as well as the slanted forward engine. It has plenty of get-up-and-go for the avg. Joe, and plenty of stopping power also. The handling is great-it's light and very flickable. It has a nice throaty exhaust and comfy seat-although you will want to get up and unnumb your posterior every 100 miles or so. With a 16,000-mile valve adjust. interval, one can go aways before having that done. My only real complaint is the engine/fairing/intake roar-buzz-vibration that intrudes between 3500 and 4000 rpms. It's not real disturbing, but simply a bit annoying. As long as you're not in a hurry, one can shift before the buzz comes on ad avoid it. For those quick getaways, though, you'll forget all about the buzz and roar during the launch.... Show less

I have had my Seca II for four years now, and it has given me very few problems. I have had to fix two small electrical problems, but other than that it has been maintenance. free. It has 17.5K miles on it, and it starts every day. I have added a few things for speed which really help. I would buy one for the right price. Show less

I found a 95 750 Virago with 139 miles -- and what a buy. It gets 50 miles to the gallon. Has a great ride and sits well. The bike looks good with lots of shine. The only problem is at about 70, it gives off a little engine vibration. But from 45 to 65 a great ride. The bike is balance fairly good and handles great in the corners. This turned out to be a peach to hang on to. Show less

The 87-99 Virago's are among the best values for used cruiser on the market. The 750 is the perfect "first bike" for anyone looking to start riding with a cruiser. The 1100 just adds a little more punch. This one is as easy to own, maintain and ride as they come. The few drawback? minimal after-market support, somewhat short gearing, even in the 1100 (something that Yamaha finally addressed when they moved the 1100 engine to the V-Star), and rear drums. I see Yamaha responding to a retro craze in the year 2020 with a bike that will look exactly like a virago. Show less

A very good bike for beginners for sure, but my wife has been a bit disappointed with the high maintenance. The engine during the first six months was using 1 quart of oil per 2000 miles, finally was resolved with a proper tune up by a speed shop- the dealer had the valves adjusted to tight. Next the fork seals blew out and had to be replaced after two years. They have recently blown out again after one riding season, will this occur again after another repair? Hard to say, but this a less than ideal situation to put beginners into. Show less

This Virago 1100 is probably the cheapest 1100 cc bike on the market. With its drive shaft, low seat and retro look it is probably one of the best looking. It does not have the ugly bulky look of the newer models. It does have lots of power available and with only the addition of a proper set of mufflers it can be a very pleasant ride. It's by far the best for your money. don't let anyone who paid twice or thrice the price tell you different. Too bad Yamaha discontinued the model this year, (2000). Show less

I've owned nearly fifteen motorcycles, and my last two have been VMAXs. Once rejetted and fit with Kerker slip-ons, the sheer power and torque is simply unbeatable. Even in the turns, I like how its weight is slung low enough to flick it around as if it weighed a hundred pounds less. Although I've enjoyed some success in the amateur circuit on various GSXRs and YZs, for street riding there is no other bike I would have than Mr. Max. It is simply a bike that can't be read about, it must be ridden. The smiles will never stop. Show less

I pronounce my bike y-"zed"-f750sp and not y-"zee"-f750sp. Anyway, what do you expect from a Canadian??!!! I thank my lucky-stars that I have the privilege of owning the exotic "SP" model because the host of trick-parts that come standard equipment is pretty cool. I'm glad Yamaha saw fit to grace the "SP" with a close-ratio tranny, Keihin fcr39mm flat-slides, FRP solo-seat, endurance windscreen, different black-box, etc. I've since added to the package: AFAM 520 sprockets, RK gold gb520sho chain, kit Y.E.C. exhaust w/deep sump oil pan, 0.5mm over pistons, individual uni filters, ported & polished head, Goodridge Kevlar brake lines, EBC rfa190 pads, kit floats for keihins (faster main jet changes), Ohlins steering damper and Michelin pilots. This bike is an absolute jet and handles incredibly!!! My good friend (an RC30 owner) had the chance to take it out and he came back amazed at how much top-end power my YZF750SP has on tap. He said that as soon as he hit the bike's power band, it was one hell of a rush. Another friend was chasing him on a CBR600f4 and simply got left behind (I was following on a Ducati 916 Strada and all 3 of us ended up evading the cops as we blew by a speed trap at mach 3!!!!). The F4 pilot was saying that the "SP" just kept pulling away and that it wasn't possible to close the distance at all. Needless to say, I'm thrilled that my friends thought so highly of my Yamaha. I plan to add: an Ohlins type 4 shock, Marchesini wheels, Sharkskinz bodywork, Ohlins forks, 1040cc motor, adj-triple clamps, Nissin WSB-spec 6 pot calipers (like Haga's), Brembo rotors and Suzuka 8-hour paint job (haven't decided which paint job yet but I'm leaning heavily in favor for the "Nescafe Can" paint job Circa '92). Track-days are the best because this race-bike really shines in its natural environment. Show less

This bike can be made to be very aggressive. With its great looking graphic design and the mean 750cc genisis motor you can easily hang with the best. I've found that a 15 tooth sprocket on the front and a stage 1 jet kit with slip-on works the best for toating the front-end and just plain road racing. This bike is rare in my territory so if you have one give me your feedback. Show less