Yamaha Cruiser Reviews on Cycle Insider (27)
Avg. Rating

Bought my 1996 Seca II in May, 2004 with 9300 miles on it for $2300. I bought it after a 20+ year break from riding. I couldn't have found a better bike to re-learn on. Plenty enough power to keep up with my large cc cruiser friends and also to get into trouble with. Power delivery was very predictable and smooth. Brakes provided good stopping power without fear of locking up the front (locked the rear on occasion but that was due to rider error every time.) Mileage was decent... Low-35, High-55, Avg-43. As mentioned in other reviews, she's a cold-hearted beast and needed a proper warm up to work well. For me, that meant starting her up on full choke, letting her idle while I donned my helmet & gloves (usually 2-3 minutes), set her to half-choke, pull out and keep her in 1st for 1-2 miles and then turning choke off. Not really a pain for me. In all fairness though, this was in 50 degree or higher temps. I'm sure that in a colder climate, she'd be little more difficult to make happy. I did several 200+ mile rides on her without any complaint. Even took her down a few gravel/dirt roads without any problems (not a dual sport by any stretch, but she didn't complain.) I always felt planted and steady on her. Flicking her about in the twisties was always a joy. didn't take a lot to get her to lean over. Maintenance wise, I replaced the air filter, chain & sprockets (at 18,000 miles), dash light bulbs and tires in my 9000+ miles. All repairs were very easy to accomplish. Overall, I couldn't have been happier. My ONLY regret is trading her in for a new bike.

I bought this bike thinking it would be good for my wife to learn on. It is the smallest street bike I've ever owned. I turns out that she is too short to feel comfortable on the 30.5" seat height, so I got her a Buell Blast. I've been riding and upgrading this bike for the last year now. I bought it with 9300 miles on it, for $1,800.00 in perfect condition and now have 17500 on it. It has not had any problems at all. It was completely stock. I've put on a new chain, windscreen, turn signals, Skidmarx hugger, Yoshimura exhaust, K & N jet kit, gel grips, Corbin seat with backrest, and Metzler tires. Most I found on ebay dirt cheap, and there are a lot of parts still available for this bike. The jet and exhaust upgrade felt like a 20% increase in power. I have no problem keeping up with the guys I ride with, even then two up. If you are looking for a fun, low cost, low insurance ($75.00 a year), low maintenance, easy to handle, good looking, comfortable, fun in the twisties, good for around town, upright seating position tour capable starter bike, this is it!

The Virago XV 750 is one of the best all around balanced street machine I have ridden in over 34 years. I have owned 18 street machines in 34 years. Why Yamaha discontinued this model is beyond me? The engine is bullet proof, mag wheels, shaft and well balanced on handling. Over all great machine. Its a jewel I'll never part with!

First off I bought this bike for one grand at which point I had the carbs cleaned (cause it had been sitting for 2 years) and i changed the spark plugs which ran me about another $500 so total i only spent 1500 bucks. i own the 92 model in red and it only has 6K miles, I love riding it its really comfy and its fast enough for me for right now seeing how it is my first bike and all. Great bike!!

My 93 has been trouble free for the most part. At 22k, it is on the third set of plugs, oil changes every three thou or so, and two sets of tires. Will probably replace rear for only the third tire back there at 25k. Cheap to own is my point. It is ready for an air filter and I think new fork oil. Noticably a little squishier the past two thousand miles up front when braking. Replaced a slightly leaky clutch gasket for seven dollars and two hours of my time. Valves have never needed adjustment. Suspect chain and sprocket are coming to the end of a lifespan. Original front brake and one new set out back. Mileage has been consistantly 50-53 mpg whether riding 1 or 2 people on city or highway. Corners nice and switches direction very easily. Only weighs a hair above 400lbs and under 450 with full tank. Seat is comfy for 2.5 hour stretches. Very good for passengers. A great recreational motorcycle. It is fun to ride, extremely low maintenance and a good looking scoot.

I have a 96 Seca II with this side of 14,000 miles on it. I've been riding for a year, and without a doubt, this is a great starter bike if you're 5'7" or so or taller. Mine came with a Corbin seat, and is extremely comfortable from the waist down. The only real major problem with this bike is the tiny windscreen. It basically provides no protection at highway speeds unless you're laying down on the tank. I've looked for a larger replacement, but none of the usual suspects seem to make one. As others have observed, it is a bit cold blooded and takes a couple of minutes in first gear at full rich to get warmed up and happy. Also, it would be a better traveling bike if the gears were a little taller. I'm currently deciding if I should keep or replace my Seca, if anyone has any solutions for the above windscreen and gearing problems, let me know applemac_g4@hotmail.com

I have a '92, I bought it new, and its exactly 10 years old today (and I'm 45 today, so my age probably affects my perspective). Its original attraction was that it was a full-size bike, it had adequate power, excellent build quality, a low enough seat that I can put my feet flat on the road at a stop (that requirement nixed several interesting bikes at the time), and was well-priced ($3995). Mine is the metallic black, which draws many positive comments, and looks great with the silver-painted engine that was on the earlier years (in later years the engine was black, which hides a rather attractive engine). Good points: 1) Reliable. Never been in the shop, never needed any work. Only maintenance has been oil changes, spark plugs, air filter, and I replaced the tires this year. It still has the original battery! However, I noted the other day that the final working light bulb in the speedo has died ... 2) Mileage - generally 50-55 in town, 55-60 cruising the back roads. 3) Long-haul comfort - besides commuting, I like to ride out toward Western Maryland and get lost on ... uh, cruise around on ... the back roads. Typical "loop" is 190-260 miles (anything under 220 miles can be done on a single tank of gas) requiring 6-8 hours, with usually one rest stop half way and other stops for only picture taking, and the comfort is fine for me - and I ain't a lightweight. Bad things: Hard to think of any - okay, the light bulbs in the speedo have all burned out now; I guess it is a bit "cold blooded" and requires some choke for a good 4-5 miles on cool mornings, which ain't a big deal to me; not much room in the cubbyhole for carrying much (won't hold a u-lock and it doesn't have a clock. There is some vibration in the 4-5K range (I have carpal tunnel, and this badly aggravated the condition until I discovered "gel gloves" - now riding is painless I suppose its "slow" by 600cc sport bike standards, but its as fast or faster than a Corvette, so I don't need any more than that. Certainly I'd recommend it as a used bike for anyone - it seems low mileage, well-cared for examples are plentiful, and the usual owner seemed to be older so most weren't rode hard, modified, or dropped. If it has a pipe and a jet kit pass it by, there are untouched ones aplenty (the mods don't seem to make 'em any faster, either). Since used versions are easily found in the $1,000-$2,000 range, this may be a great bargain in used bikes. Basically, my "starter bike" turned into a "keeper" - Yamaha had a great bike here, and since its demise they haven't introduced anything that actually replaces it. A shame ...

I bought a '94 seca II last spring, for what I thought was a pretty good deal at $2300. First of all...this bike takes FOREVER to warm up, especially if you live in a colder climate. On a 40 degree day, it takes a good solid half hour of idleing to warm enough to ride. At first I thought I had something wrong with the bike, and got it checked out by a mechanic. Turns out this bike has this problem. I use the bike mainly for short trips, and its a real drag to wait 15 min for the bike to warm up for a 5 min trip. Fuel econ should be good--considering the exceptionally small carbs (26mm) the bike has, but its really not. I averaged about 40 mpg. A new 600cc sport bike would have at least double the horsepower of this bike, and average close to 50mpg. Once the bike finally warms up, its an alright bike, no serious complaints there. I just think the warm-up time is unexcusable, as well as low mileage. Motorcyle.com reviewed this bike in 95, it took 5th place of 6 bikes.

Last July I purchased a 1996 Virago 750 after a 17 year furlow from riding. I am impressed with the overall quality of the bike, the speedo and tach location, and general comfort. I also added a wind screen and Max and Willey saddlebags. It is a good re-introduction into riding at a very reasonable price.

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!

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!!

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.

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.

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

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....

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.