MOTORCYCLE Type
Make and model
Year
Yamaha XV1100H Virago 1100 Cruiser reviews
Reliability
4.6
Overall quality
4.6
Performance
4.6
Comfort
4.6
Top 10 Cruisers
Reviews
Stars Refinement
7 ratings and reviews
Voted most helpful review
Reviewed on July 28, 2001
Motorcycle reviewed
1996 Yamaha XV1100H Virago 1100
![view listing](images/shop_motorcycle.png)
5.0
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...
read more
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!!
Voted most helpful review
Reviewed on July 3, 2001
Motorcycle reviewed
1996 Yamaha XV1100H Virago 1100
![view listing](images/shop_motorcycle.png)
5.0
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...
read more
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.
Voted most helpful review
Reviewed on May 23, 2001
Motorcycle reviewed
1996 Yamaha XV1100H Virago 1100
![view listing](images/shop_motorcycle.png)
5.0
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,...
read more
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.
Voted most helpful review
Reviewed on February 22, 2001
Motorcycle reviewed
1996 Yamaha XV1100H Virago 1100
![view listing](images/shop_motorcycle.png)
4.0
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,...
read more
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.
Voted most helpful review
Reviewed on January 2, 2001
Motorcycle reviewed
1996 Yamaha XV1100H Virago 1100
![view listing](images/shop_motorcycle.png)
5.0
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...
read more
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.
Voted most helpful review
Reviewed on September 18, 2000
Motorcycle reviewed
1996 Yamaha XV1100H Virago 1100
![view listing](images/shop_motorcycle.png)
4.0
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...
read more
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.
Voted most helpful review
Reviewed on August 28, 2000
Motorcycle reviewed
1996 Yamaha XV1100H Virago 1100
![view listing](images/shop_motorcycle.png)
4.0
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...
read more
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).
- 1