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.
It's funny you say that about the left fork seal - I have just purchased my first Virago, in fact my first bike for 20 years & the first thing I noticed was a failed left fork seal.
Apart from that, I'm very happy with all aspects of the bike for what I want it for.
Ditto for the left fork seal going out. On the bright side, changing the fork seals is a snap on this bike.
That's good to know! The 95 I just bought looks like both seals are leaking. Agreed though, killer bike!
G'Day, this is Tim from Queensland Australia. I have been the owner of a 1998 model 1100 Virago for a couple of years now and cannot find any major faults. I have had some work done on firming up the suspension, as I have a bad back, and don't want to give up riding every day (I don't own a car).
I had heavy duty fork oil put in when both front seals were replace, which helps the front end. The rear has the setting at 4 (just click!) and am getting the bottom ends of the rear shocks wound up too.
I find the bike a pleasure to ride, up to the usual limits for a cruiser and then some! The bike had Yamaha saddle bags and a screen when I bought it, and I would recommend adding these if you are touring.
The only draw back is the small fuel tank, which gets me about 200 km before refuelling (not far in this wide brown land!) I am still learning the " slow down laid back style " of cruising riding after years of riding big japanese fours.
The bike gets lots of admiring glances whenever I am out riding, though she has been mistaken for a Harley, an Indian chief, and a "nice bike what make is it?" With the surprised looks when I tell them!
Ride safe out there. Regards, Tim.
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