1996 Yamaha XV1100H Virago 1100 Cruiser reviews

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! Show less

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. 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 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

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

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