Yamaha XV1100 Virago Reviews from Canada

Front left fork seal failing.

Smoke on start up in colder weather with the choke on.

This is the first larger cruiser I ever rode on.

Most of my experience has been on 350-750 range.

Large cruisers handle differently (if you make the leap like I did)... and you need to use finesse, slow and easy... and LEAN into corners hard... even at low speed.

But this is a fabulous bike, comfortable, and you feel confident. However, there is a torque to the left on left hand corners, on acceleration, which I can only assume comes from the shaft drive. But I do like the shaft drive better than a chain.

I got very lucky with the purchase of this bike, as it was indeed in show room condition, and obviously very well maintained... and my buddy I brought for an unbiased opinion said "if you don't buy it, I will".

The only modifications at purchase were the exhaust and driving lights... both improvements, and I got the original exhaust in the deal.

Two last comments... I don't like the "odometer" reset... a "push" would be better than turning the knob 8 or more times.

And if you accidentally move the 4 way switch on... easy to do... because of its location, you end up with no signals.... be mindful..... always check your signals before starting out after a stop.

Overall, I am glad I bought it.

The odometer/speedometer unit (at the front wheel) failed - during a trip. This was a problem as I use the trip odometer to gauge gasoline levels in the tank.

The right side cover (plastic body part) left the motorcycle at highway speed and did not live to tell about it. I drilled holes and used zip ties to secure the replacement units on the bike.

To change the oil filter required a lot of work because of the engine guard - a bad design flaw.

It was a good touring machine, except for the small gas tanks, which limited range to about 200 km between fill-ups. This required continuous planning of gas stations and stops.

I used to say that its colour was chrome with blue highlights.

The motorcycle was written off in a crash.

Although I loved it, I doubt I'll ever own another 'cruiser' bike, as dual purpose machines and naked bikes handle better, and work very well on longer trips.