i have owned a 1985 xj700 maxim X, 1998 virago 1100 Special, 2001 Harley Davidson XL1200C, and a 1977 CB550 Super Sport. I went searching this spring for another 1998 Virago 1100 Special and bought one with 3208 actual miles on it. These are the BEST all-around bike you can buy. My wife has owned a 2005 vulcan 500, 2009 Vulcan 900, 2003 Harley XL883C, and now has a 1994 Virago 535 Special. her favorite? : the virago 535. Father-in-law has owned MANY bikes, rode my Virago, and sought out and bought a 1997 Virago 1100 Special. you can't go wrong with a virago !!!!
Dream about Virago XV1100 about 20 years. Bought it this summer. It's amazing! Going 50 km/h on a road traffic, bouncing between cars? Ok, fine. Need to drag from crossroad& Yes, of course! Cruise 100 km/h on a highway for hours and hours - love it (but don't forget to refuel me, dude!). On local biker's meet place there are a lot of motorcycles. But Virago has a lot of attention, exellent charisma!
I agree. SRK cycles did a video of two guys and $1000 challenge to buy a running motorcycle with a good title for $1000 or under. Both bikes were yamahas and one was a virago. Cool video to check out.
Just small correction about the Virago fuel system, it is really not bad. There are two situations this fuel system deals with. First is the obvious, running out of gas and using reserve portion, a normal petcock can handle that. But a petcock should always be shut off when cycle is not in use. This is because float valves are not reliable shutoff mechanism. This addresses the second problem of the gas tank can empty into the crankcase, rjin the oil and cause engine damage. The Virago fuel system adresses both concearns. It does not use a petcock but has a sensor that when low fuel level is detected shunts power to the fuel pump which eventually cause the motor to sputter. This signals to rider to switch to reserve which then restores power to fuel pump. The genius of this design is that the crank case will never get gas flooded as with the petcock design which can allow gas to trickle through carb, past valves, through cylinders and then into the crank case. On Virago design the main tank feeds sub tank, the sub tank feeds fuel pump, the fuel pump feeds carbs which are naturally higher than sub tank. To me this is very clever design.
I like the way you moved from "it's not a bad bike" at 15:45 thorough that "little chirp" from the drive-shaft, ending with "it's a great bike" at 16:05 :)
68 comments in 4 years. I thought this was kinda weird too until I listened at the end when he said "...my first video review..." Not bad at all, as he says. I say not bad at all for a first video posted to anywhere. Off the cuff and repetive but knowing that this was his first puts it into a whole new light. He was trying not to say how much he loves that bike and wishes he had a different style. But a fine job for the first and I must say good quality video and sound. Good job MaksWerks yeah, I love my Virago too. And I sold my first one.
I had a 1985 Virago 700 and I agree with Jeff Larson, you can't find a better bike. I never did long distance , but I did ride it to DC and other little adventures with no problems what so ever. Never ran out of fuel, and those curved handle bars were so comfortable. It was a sweet beautiful bike that had straight pipes so it was loud. My favorite bike till I totaled it.
I'm rebuilding an older 700 and enjoyed your post. I'm not a cruiser type guy but hope to ride it some and test it out. It's been sitting for 20 years or so. Thanks for your interesting post. Good job!
Just buttoning up my 92 1100 after a pre season tune up and valve adjustment. Annoyingly, the small cap under the crankcase cover that give access to manually crank the engine, came off in two pieces. So here I sit waiting for a replacement. I also had to replace the stock fuel pump with an inline after market one, when the old pump failed on me. I wasn't going to pay $400 for a factory pump when a $50 generic Napa pump works just as well.
A few wrong information, 62 horses and the fuel switch is there for a reason. Once your light goes on, you can switch to reserve and look out for a gas station. He tells people that overhauling the carbs is very easy and changing the oil filter difficult? It's actually the way around.
This was my first ever bike and I loved it. even back then in 2000 it would turn heads as I cruised along all day at exactly legal speeds lol. Mine was turquoise blue and cream with gold mag wheels. I'm embarrassed now to admit the I even had the tan leather gloves and snakeskin cowboy boots to go with it. Then Girlfriend decided she could not look sexy enough on it compared to all those girls perched on top of the sports bikes that flew passed us so it had to go. I replaced it with a GSXR600 and have since moved on to a ZZR1100 which I absolutely would not swap for any other bike in the world, but just sometimes I do hark back to my Virago and think ahhhh she was beautiful.
I had a 1986 1100, I did some long distance, it was fine. Though the buttons on the seat caused some long term problems. He is a little off on the first years, there was an 1000cc in 1985, it would backfire and blow a carb off.
There is a reason for the fuel switch. When your low on fuel it runs you out and your supposed to turn res on to get you to a gas station. The point of it is the primary selection is slightly off the bottom of the tank while res is at the bottom of the tank, you dont wanna run on res all the time becuase any dirt and debris will be picked up in res and clog the carbs. Majority of bikes are this way and for good reason. These bikes dont have fuel pumps, just a petcock with 2 different lenght pickups
These don't have the setup you're describing, the pump intervals are shorter when switching to reserve according to the Yamaha workshop manual. I avoid leaving it on reserve as it surely must put undue stress on the pumps duty cycle..
Good review! I currently own a 93 Virago 1100 with 30k miles that I picked up for $1600. It's an amazing bike plus the engine on mine was completely rebuilt as well as a custom jet kit installed in the carbs. The torque is amazing on these bikes.
Be good if you could get an after market dif ratio, it just seems geared too slow for the open road. I like the blinker auto reset, the air assist in the forks on some models and the adjustable dampers in the rear shocks. Ive owned 4 of these and the carbs, starters, peeling of engine chrome, dash corrosion and fogging of the clocks were a problem on all of them, the hardest one to fix was the foggy clocks, they have to be tediously pried open. I found detergent based oil works great and synthetic oil makes the clutch slip and the only fix is new plates. I think the reserve switch is over the top also, I understand it's to make the pump intervals shorter but it could have been incorporated into the reserve light with a relay perhaps, thinking of doing that with my current bike and repurposing the switch for additional lighting., 🤔
yes, switching to "RES" mean fuel pump is "ON" again, it's not wrong to have it on "RES" all the time, they made it like that just as a reminder that you will run out of fuel soon (in case your fuel light is bad)
I had a 86 Suzuki gs750. Nice little cruiser. I had a 86 Honda Sabre 1100. Which was a fast little bike Now I own a 95 virago 750 red/white. Only 9,000 miles. It’s a nice cruiser bike around town. I’ve owned this bike longer than the others if that tells you any thing. I like the seat and throttle response on it
Decent and fair review, I have a 1994 Virago XV1100 I bought new. It's been a great bike, I'm only 5'7" so it's a great fit for me. Throughout your video I kept wondering why you bought the bike since you stated it wasn't your style, then I heard at the end you were selling it. Guess you bought it to fix up and sell. Mine brand new in 94 was $4200. I put some Vance & Hines Classic II's on in 2006, couldn't stand the stock pipe sound, it was more of a single exhaust with the resonator box that fed into the two exhaust pipes. The Classic II's made it a true dual exhaust.
Nice video of riding the bike, but nothing he says about the bike in this video is correct. Don't ride with the fuel switch set on reserve. Leave it the other way until the light on the tach comes on.
After selling your virago what did you get (if anything). I have an xv920(83') that I'm currently turning into a street fighter but am thinking of getting a 90's 1100 within the next year for cruising / camping and road long trips. Given that premise, I don't know what other bikes I should also be looking at for that purpose. I also love the V-Max but Ive read they weigh alot and don't corner well and they are not as much of a cruiser. They sure look nice though.
Man it is a great review thanks I got a virago a week a go and I agree with you thanks for taking the time to do this excelent reviw have a great day (by the way Im in chihuahua mexico)
So leaving it on reserve all the time, and you aren't afraid of running out of gas somewhere? And the oil filter on mine is pretty easy to change. I'm not too keen on the air filter system, but it seems to work pretty good. I had to rebuild the carbs on mine as the previous owner royally screwed them up, and had the jets in the wrong carbs, and the needles were not set the same on both carbs. Mine is a 95, and it has 21K on it and runs like a dream. I just wish it got better fuel mileage, and the tank was bigger. Where did you get the windshield, or was it already on there? And I'm trying to find a luggage rack like the one you have.
Got ya, I ran out of gas on the interstate this last summer, and there is a light in the lower right side of the tach to let you know when you are getting low, but you can't see it in the sunlight, so I'm going 80, and bam, it starts to die on me, so I switched it over to reserve to get me to a gas station. I thought I would have gotten a lot farther than I did till I realized it has such a small tank. Now I keep an eye on my trip odometer to gauge when I need gas again.
@@InTheDogHouse3DPrinting I ran out this summer but I had just filled an MSR fuel can and put it in the bags just in case. It was enough to get me down the road to the nearest station. Apparently my low fuel light is malfunctioning because it never came on. It does at ignition on so...gonna have to work on that. Otherwise great, fun bike.
Great review, I've been looking to get a bike, between a virago or a v star is what I've narrowed it down to. Anyway, just a little info. With the dual carb setup, with the 2nd carb having a larger jet (if I remember this right), the smaller jetted carb would provide the main idle and low speed fuel supply, and while you pick up speed, the 2nd larger carb will kick in and start pushing fuel via vacuum.
No, this is wrong. On the motorcycle, each carb feeds n cylinder. So the fueling is not progressive - it is the same for each cylinder. The rear cylinder carb has a slightly larger jet to make it run richer and therefore cooler - it doesn't get as much air cooling as the front cylinder.
Hey motofriends :) i didn't quite get how the fuel system works on this bike. So when riding normally, with fuel in the tank, you should switch to "res" or "on"? And the second fuel tank isn't only for emergencies? Fuel always flows through it? Is it the same on 535 model? I've just got smaller brother aka 535 as my first bike. Haven't rode it yet, because i bought it in winter :) so i'm trying to learn as much as i can about this bike :). Any help is appreciated :) thanks
I own a VX1100 1992 Model. When the fuel tank is full leave switch at ON position. When you run out of petrol and the red light in on, turn the switch to RES. The fuel don´t run though it normally, and if you leave the position RES you won´t know if you are running out of petrol. (if I am wrong, please correct me).
I love the LCD display on my 920. I hate that box of rocks starter and am not a huge fan of the hitachi carbs. Those Mikunis are slightly better due to parts availability. Fun fact, the 920 had more power that all the other viragos stock due to emissions BS. Official idle speed on those 1100s is 1000 + - 50 rpm. There are two virago forums as of 2020 and they are excellent. And that engine is part of the frame and because of that it is solid mounted.
You can 'Sort' the starters and parts are available for the Hitachi's if you look hard . I have a couple of Yamaha TR1's, 1000cc-Roadsters , 81 & 82 , chain-drive mono-shocks (Euro-spec) , they waste Virago's, 920's and the modern V-Star 1100's & 1200-Harleys . Dave NZ
@@Makswerks1 Thanks, after a little more contemplation I doubt that anything needs to be replaced. I'm going to pull them tomorrow and clean them out with carb cleaner and reassemble. I have the luxury of time and have done many in the past that were junk and still got them to work. Great video it's really got me excited about the possibility of some trips.
Just to catch up. I did rebuild both carbs and after resetting the tweaky bits it runs great, idles at the low setting shown on the tachometer about 500 rpms would be my guess. Great little local cruiser. Think I'll keep it.
This guy didn't know much about bikes when he did this video. It looks nothing like any 70s bike. The engine is not rubber mounted. And though it isn't rubber mounted, it actually has very little, if any vibration when running correctly. His was not running great. It would have been funny to watch him do a 1970s Harley Sportster review. Those actually had horrific vibration, an the front axle would move back and forth 3 inches at idle. The Virago har a 90 degree vtwin (like a Ducati) and is nicely balanced. The Virago is a great bike that rides nice and is enjoyable to put around on, or hustle a bit.
@@wimtimmerman6730. No reason to be sorry. You are right! But everything else I stated was correct, in my opinion. Vibration level is definitely subjective. Maybe I was in a bad mod when I posted 3 years ago. My post was also shitty towards the reviewer. Thanks for calling me out! Viragos were such comfy and all around good bikes.
Well now ... mate🤨 , how can I find that SOUTHERN COMFORT commercial 🙆♂️😂😂😂 I need to see it 😂 Big hello to everyone 🙋♂️ and I bought myself as first bike two months ago Virago 1100 😎 still haven't ride it 🙆♂️🙆♂️🙆♂️ Best of luck to you with this channel and wish you all to have an EPIC day 🍻🍻🍻😀🙋♂️ I apologise to all for my bad English, sorry it's not my native lang, 😅
The art of talking too much while saying very little that's either funny or informative. Also, the added art of saying "Not a bad bike." about 3,000 times during video.
I've read on the forums that the straight pipes without any or very little back pressure can cause backfiring. It was designed to run best with some back pressure. I have open pipes and it does if starting warm with no choke. Strangely a new set of plugs will cure it for a while.
Sorry but the engine of a twin is all about torque, not HP, so the important part about the engine is the 85 Nm of torque, not the 65 Hp... But nice vid !
6'1' with long arms and big feet. the bike leaves me longing for forward controls and a floorboards. i have to keep the heel of my boot on the foot pegs with my feet up at a 45 degree angle. if i dont want to be constantly knocking the breaks and gear shift
I'm 6'1" and it feels a bit small for me, but I still ride it. I'm thinking about installing some highway pegs to stretch my legs out on longer rides. My knees are pretty bent in the standard leg position.
I'm 6'-1" and reduced from a GoldWing to a Virago 1100cc V-Twin and even at 78 years old & with Hyway Pegs, it's comfortable even on 200+ mile /day riding.!! ( My 2nd Virago/Bulletproof Bike !!)
MaksWerks Apologies about the way I phrased that! I meant, at the beginning when you unlocked the built in lock box on the rear fender area of the bike.. Are you aware if this is a feature that all XV1100s share? I appreciate the quick response! Cheers!
+RawrSauce McGee I have had several made in the 90's and they all have had that compartment. I wont be so bold as to say they all have it, but its a good chance that if it is stock it should have it.
yep, mine too..and the fist yam v-twin, was a 750 in 80-81,followed by a 982cc chain-drive in 1981 as well, which I also have...check your spark-plug caps, before tearing-down your carbs, mine now runs like a champ, never needs choke EVER..and stopped 'popping'...2 new caps who'd a thought... Dave NZ
Rather than wearing a shirt open to the belly button from the 70s you might just be better off putting on a pair of good quality protective motorcycling gloves from the 2020s. Especially on a highway! Then if you should ever have an accident, you'll be less likely to have two grated stumps on the end of what's left of your bare, unprotected arms.... Don't mean to put a downer on you but here in France it's illegal to ride without gloves and hi-vis apparel. Coming off a bike HURTS!
i have owned a 1985 xj700 maxim X, 1998 virago 1100 Special, 2001 Harley Davidson XL1200C, and a 1977 CB550 Super Sport. I went searching this spring for another 1998 Virago 1100 Special and bought one with 3208 actual miles on it. These are the BEST all-around bike you can buy. My wife has owned a 2005 vulcan 500, 2009 Vulcan 900, 2003 Harley XL883C, and now has a 1994 Virago 535 Special. her favorite? : the virago 535.
Father-in-law has owned MANY bikes, rode my Virago, and sought out and bought a 1997 Virago 1100 Special.
you can't go wrong with a virago !!!!
Dream about Virago XV1100 about 20 years. Bought it this summer. It's amazing! Going 50 km/h on a road traffic, bouncing between cars? Ok, fine. Need to drag from crossroad& Yes, of course! Cruise 100 km/h on a highway for hours and hours - love it (but don't forget to refuel me, dude!). On local biker's meet place there are a lot of motorcycles. But Virago has a lot of attention, exellent charisma!
I agree. SRK cycles did a video of two guys and $1000 challenge to buy a running motorcycle with a good title for $1000 or under. Both bikes were yamahas and one was a virago. Cool video to check out.
I ride a 94 virago 750 I love it
I've owned 3, the 250, the 750, and now the 1100 special, I need for no ther bike
Just small correction about the Virago fuel system, it is really not bad.
There are two situations this fuel system deals with. First is the obvious, running out of gas and using reserve portion, a normal petcock can handle that. But a petcock should always be shut off when cycle is not in use. This is because float valves are not reliable shutoff mechanism. This addresses the second problem of the gas tank can empty into the crankcase, rjin the oil and cause engine damage. The Virago fuel system adresses both concearns. It does not use a petcock but has a sensor that when low fuel level is detected shunts power to the fuel pump which eventually cause the motor to sputter. This signals to rider to switch to reserve which then restores power to fuel pump. The genius of this design is that the crank case will never get gas flooded as with the petcock design which can allow gas to trickle through carb, past valves, through cylinders and then into the crank case. On Virago design the main tank feeds sub tank, the sub tank feeds fuel pump, the fuel pump feeds carbs which are naturally higher than sub tank. To me this is very clever design.
This is 🤓🤓🤓, kudos mate , 🍻🍻🍻🍻👍👍👍
Don't the earlier ones use a peacock though?
I like the way you moved from "it's not a bad bike" at 15:45 thorough that "little chirp" from the drive-shaft, ending with "it's a great bike" at 16:05 :)
68 comments in 4 years. I thought this was kinda weird too until I listened at the end when he said "...my first video review..."
Not bad at all, as he says. I say not bad at all for a first video posted to anywhere. Off the cuff and repetive but knowing that this was his first puts it into a whole new light.
He was trying not to say how much he loves that bike and wishes he had a different style.
But a fine job for the first and I must say good quality video and sound.
Good job MaksWerks
yeah, I love my Virago too.
And I sold my first one.
I had a 1985 Virago 700 and I agree with Jeff Larson, you can't find a better bike. I never did long distance , but I did ride it to DC and other little adventures with no problems what so ever. Never ran out of fuel, and those curved handle bars were so comfortable. It was a sweet beautiful bike that had straight pipes so it was loud. My favorite bike till I totaled it.
I recently bought one myself! I think I messed it up though as I was driving it on “prime” paid $750 and it only has 14k miles though
I'm rebuilding an older 700 and enjoyed your post. I'm not a cruiser type guy but hope to ride it some
and test it out. It's been sitting for 20 years or so. Thanks for your interesting post. Good job!
I own this motorcycle, same year and all. Love it. Love the little insurance box too.
Just buttoning up my 92 1100 after a pre season tune up and valve adjustment. Annoyingly, the small cap under the crankcase cover that give access to manually crank the engine, came off in two pieces. So here I sit waiting for a replacement. I also had to replace the stock fuel pump with an inline after market one, when the old pump failed on me. I wasn't going to pay $400 for a factory pump when a $50 generic Napa pump works just as well.
A few wrong information, 62 horses and the fuel switch is there for a reason. Once your light goes on, you can switch to reserve and look out for a gas station. He tells people that overhauling the carbs is very easy and changing the oil filter difficult? It's actually the way around.
Yes was just thinking that
Thanks for the review. As a first time buyer I really liked that you took the time to explain everything.
This was my first ever bike and I loved it. even back then in 2000 it would turn heads as I cruised along all day at exactly legal speeds lol. Mine was turquoise blue and cream with gold mag wheels. I'm embarrassed now to admit the I even had the tan leather gloves and snakeskin cowboy boots to go with it. Then Girlfriend decided she could not look sexy enough on it compared to all those girls perched on top of the sports bikes that flew passed us so it had to go. I replaced it with a GSXR600 and have since moved on to a ZZR1100 which I absolutely would not swap for any other bike in the world, but just sometimes I do hark back to my Virago and think ahhhh she was beautiful.
nice bike! thanks for posting I have the virago special 1100, 96. love it. great machine.
I had a 1986 1100, I did some long distance, it was fine. Though the buttons on the seat caused some long term problems. He is a little off on the first years, there was an 1000cc in 1985, it would backfire and blow a carb off.
think the hp is off a bit unless they detuned the newer bikes my 87 535 hit the dyno at 62hp max 7500 rpm but i do have jordean pipes and is rejetted.
12:52 It's not really my style . . .
13:39 The thing that really makes the bike for me is the styling . . .
Guilty pleasure
There is a reason for the fuel switch. When your low on fuel it runs you out and your supposed to turn res on to get you to a gas station. The point of it is the primary selection is slightly off the bottom of the tank while res is at the bottom of the tank, you dont wanna run on res all the time becuase any dirt and debris will be picked up in res and clog the carbs. Majority of bikes are this way and for good reason. These bikes dont have fuel pumps, just a petcock with 2 different lenght pickups
These don't have the setup you're describing, the pump intervals are shorter when switching to reserve according to the Yamaha workshop manual. I avoid leaving it on reserve as it surely must put undue stress on the pumps duty cycle..
Good review! I currently own a 93 Virago 1100 with 30k miles that I picked up for $1600. It's an amazing bike plus the engine on mine was completely rebuilt as well as a custom jet kit installed in the carbs. The torque is amazing on these bikes.
Rear carb might have a bigger jet because the rear cylinder always runs hotter so putting more fuel in it would keep it cooler. Just a guess
That's exactly why. If I remember correctly the hotter condition actually causes it to run lean otherwise.
Loved the video, thinking of upgrading from my 535 as I've got my advanced motorcycle test coming up and must say you've sold me on it.
Be good if you could get an after market dif ratio, it just seems geared too slow for the open road. I like the blinker auto reset, the air assist in the forks on some models and the adjustable dampers in the rear shocks. Ive owned 4 of these and the carbs, starters, peeling of engine chrome, dash corrosion and fogging of the clocks were a problem on all of them, the hardest one to fix was the foggy clocks, they have to be tediously pried open. I found detergent based oil works great and synthetic oil makes the clutch slip and the only fix is new plates. I think the reserve switch is over the top also, I understand it's to make the pump intervals shorter but it could have been incorporated into the reserve light with a relay perhaps, thinking of doing that with my current bike and repurposing the switch for additional lighting., 🤔
The reserve switch is used when the main tank is empty. Switching the reserve switch on allows the bike to run off the reserve tank under the seat.
yes, switching to "RES" mean fuel pump is "ON" again, it's not wrong to have it on "RES" all the time, they made it like that just as a reminder that you will run out of fuel soon (in case your fuel light is bad)
I had a 86 Suzuki gs750. Nice little cruiser. I had a 86 Honda Sabre 1100. Which was a fast little bike Now I own a 95 virago 750 red/white. Only 9,000 miles. It’s a nice cruiser bike around town. I’ve owned this bike longer than the others if that tells you any thing. I like the seat and throttle response on it
You should be a radio dj because you are good at non-stop talking talking talking talking . . .
No virago forum? ? ?
The virago forum is actually quite excellent.... imo
If you can get the stupid registration page to work!
Decent and fair review, I have a 1994 Virago XV1100 I bought new. It's been a great bike, I'm only 5'7" so it's a great fit for me. Throughout your video I kept wondering why you bought the bike since you stated it wasn't your style, then I heard at the end you were selling it. Guess you bought it to fix up and sell. Mine brand new in 94 was $4200. I put some Vance & Hines Classic II's on in 2006, couldn't stand the stock pipe sound, it was more of a single exhaust with the resonator box that fed into the two exhaust pipes. The Classic II's made it a true dual exhaust.
Nice video of riding the bike, but nothing he says about the bike in this video is correct. Don't ride with the fuel switch set on reserve. Leave it the other way until the light on the tach comes on.
The pulled back handle bars are the best
Going to buy one tomorrow. It's a 93 Virago 1100 with 30k miles. Stealership wants $1600 for it which I don't think is too bad.
xAlienWarfareGamingx How you finding your virago 1100 ? im buying one tomorrow, hope your pleased with the bike ? regards steve, uk
@@stephensheridan6332 did you buy the bike
Do you guys have any corners in your country?
only in hilly parts
Thanks for this excellent and practical tour of the Virago. Quite inspiring.
Happy to help.
The specs list the 1100 with a 4.5 gal tank not 3.5.
Also it only has about 50 hp on the wheel not 60.
60 crankcase...
30 seconds in. Saw the trunk. Instantly sold.
I’m looking at a 1994 virago vx1100 for $1000. I never rode before. Would you recommend this to beginners?
yes
Now explain to everyone watching this video how in the hell do you bleed a manual back drum mechanic set of brake shoes!
..lol... I heard that too
I was thinking the same thing, it was pure mind phuckry..... 😆
Lol
At the beginning of the vid you said it was an " okay bike " at the end you said it was" a great bike", which is it ?
After selling your virago what did you get (if anything). I have an xv920(83') that I'm currently turning into a street fighter but am thinking of getting a 90's 1100 within the next year for cruising / camping and road long trips. Given that premise, I don't know what other bikes I should also be looking at for that purpose. I also love the V-Max but Ive read they weigh alot and don't corner well and they are not as much of a cruiser. They sure look nice though.
Man it is a great review thanks I got a virago a week a go and I agree with you thanks for taking the time to do this excelent reviw have a great day (by the way Im in chihuahua mexico)
So leaving it on reserve all the time, and you aren't afraid of running out of gas somewhere? And the oil filter on mine is pretty easy to change. I'm not too keen on the air filter system, but it seems to work pretty good. I had to rebuild the carbs on mine as the previous owner royally screwed them up, and had the jets in the wrong carbs, and the needles were not set the same on both carbs.
Mine is a 95, and it has 21K on it and runs like a dream. I just wish it got better fuel mileage, and the tank was bigger.
Where did you get the windshield, or was it already on there? And I'm trying to find a luggage rack like the one you have.
it was all already on it. I am not afraid of running out of gas, you get pretty far on a tank, but I never really commuted on it.
Got ya, I ran out of gas on the interstate this last summer, and there is a light in the lower right side of the tach to let you know when you are getting low, but you can't see it in the sunlight, so I'm going 80, and bam, it starts to die on me, so I switched it over to reserve to get me to a gas station. I thought I would have gotten a lot farther than I did till I realized it has such a small tank.
Now I keep an eye on my trip odometer to gauge when I need gas again.
@@InTheDogHouse3DPrinting I ran out this summer but I had just filled an MSR fuel can and put it in the bags just in case. It was enough to get me down the road to the nearest station. Apparently my low fuel light is malfunctioning because it never came on. It does at ignition on so...gonna have to work on that. Otherwise great, fun bike.
Nice vid quality...Idle is a bit high and TONS of mis-information!
Like what?
@@mojoguzzi6407 bleeding a rear drum brake! How do you do that?
Great review, I've been looking to get a bike, between a virago or a v star is what I've narrowed it down to.
Anyway, just a little info. With the dual carb setup, with the 2nd carb having a larger jet (if I remember this right), the smaller jetted carb would provide the main idle and low speed fuel supply, and while you pick up speed, the 2nd larger carb will kick in and start pushing fuel via vacuum.
No, this is wrong. On the motorcycle, each carb feeds n cylinder. So the fueling is not progressive - it is the same for each cylinder. The rear cylinder carb has a slightly larger jet to make it run richer and therefore cooler - it doesn't get as much air cooling as the front cylinder.
Hey motofriends :) i didn't quite get how the fuel system works on this bike. So when riding normally, with fuel in the tank, you should switch to "res" or "on"? And the second fuel tank isn't only for emergencies? Fuel always flows through it? Is it the same on 535 model?
I've just got smaller brother aka 535 as my first bike. Haven't rode it yet, because i bought it in winter :) so i'm trying to learn as much as i can about this bike :).
Any help is appreciated :) thanks
I own a VX1100 1992 Model. When the fuel tank is full leave switch at ON position. When you run out of petrol and the red light in on, turn the switch to RES. The fuel don´t run though it normally, and if you leave the position RES you won´t know if you are running out of petrol. (if I am wrong, please correct me).
I love the LCD display on my 920. I hate that box of rocks starter and am not a huge fan of the hitachi carbs. Those Mikunis are slightly better due to parts availability. Fun fact, the 920 had more power that all the other viragos stock due to emissions BS. Official idle speed on those 1100s is 1000 + - 50 rpm. There are two virago forums as of 2020 and they are excellent. And that engine is part of the frame and because of that it is solid mounted.
You can 'Sort' the starters and parts are available for the Hitachi's if you look hard . I have a couple of Yamaha TR1's, 1000cc-Roadsters , 81 & 82 , chain-drive mono-shocks (Euro-spec) , they waste Virago's, 920's and the modern V-Star 1100's & 1200-Harleys . Dave NZ
What kit did you use for the carburetor rebuild. I've acquired a 99 13k sat for a couple of years. Thanks in advance for the info.
Just got one off ebay. Keihin or M&S supply are good.
@@Makswerks1 Thanks, after a little more contemplation I doubt that anything needs to be replaced. I'm going to pull them tomorrow and clean them out with carb cleaner and reassemble. I have the luxury of time and have done many in the past that were junk and still got them to work. Great video it's really got me excited about the possibility of some trips.
Just to catch up. I did rebuild both carbs and after resetting the tweaky bits it runs great, idles at the low setting shown on the tachometer about 500 rpms would be my guess. Great little local cruiser. Think I'll keep it.
This guy didn't know much about bikes when he did this video. It looks nothing like any 70s bike. The engine is not rubber mounted. And though it isn't rubber mounted, it actually has very little, if any vibration when running correctly. His was not running great. It would have been funny to watch him do a 1970s Harley Sportster review. Those actually had horrific vibration, an the front axle would move back and forth 3 inches at idle. The Virago har a 90 degree vtwin (like a Ducati) and is nicely balanced. The Virago is a great bike that rides nice and is enjoyable to put around on, or hustle a bit.
I'm sorry, but the Virago is a 75 degree v-twin. The 500, 535 and vstar 650 are 70 degree, and the 250 is 60. None of them is a 90 degree v-twin.
@@wimtimmerman6730. No reason to be sorry. You are right! But everything else I stated was correct, in my opinion. Vibration level is definitely subjective. Maybe I was in a bad mod when I posted 3 years ago. My post was also shitty towards the reviewer. Thanks for calling me out! Viragos were such comfy and all around good bikes.
You said it has a Mustang seat, is that original or aftermarket???
aftermarket
I just got me a 1983 Yamaha midnight virago 750 there just alsome
How do you bleed the mechanical rear brake?
you can adjust the rear brake by tightening the bar and engagement point. you cant bleed it.
Well now ... mate🤨 , how can I find that SOUTHERN COMFORT commercial 🙆♂️😂😂😂 I need to see it 😂
Big hello to everyone 🙋♂️ and I bought myself as first bike two months ago Virago 1100 😎 still haven't ride it 🙆♂️🙆♂️🙆♂️
Best of luck to you with this channel and wish you all to have an EPIC day 🍻🍻🍻😀🙋♂️
I apologise to all for my bad English, sorry it's not my native lang, 😅
Nice ride I love my 98xv1100
Excellent video. Learned a lot.
Love those bike man, look soooo cool.
Lol I went the art institute north Austin and had an apartment right there! Anyways just got a 98 gonna cruise her in this heat!
Nice video..Did you sell the bike?
Soulcommander Yes a while back.
Ok was just wondering. Thank you.
I have another one in my garage now again.
Details!!!!
austin.craigslist.org/mcy/5028496699.html
The art of talking too much while saying very little that's either funny or informative. Also, the added art of saying "Not a bad bike." about 3,000 times during video.
I just recently purchased a 98 1100. Is there anyone who works on this bike, that can offer some knowledge? I am having backfire problems
Most likely a vacuum leak or improper jet sizing. But my guess is leak. A lot of times the carb boots get old and dry and don't seal well
I've read on the forums that the straight pipes without any or very little back pressure can cause backfiring. It was designed to run best with some back pressure. I have open pipes and it does if starting warm with no choke. Strangely a new set of plugs will cure it for a while.
Wha cost the virarago
I like the backrest
Sorry but the engine of a twin is all about torque, not HP, so the important part about the engine is the 85 Nm of torque, not the 65 Hp... But nice vid !
how is it with two up was looking at one for me and my girl but we ain't the smallest ether any ideas?
+Clifford Maggard I never tried 2 up on this bike, but it should fit ok. The issue is power, this bike is gonna be pretty slow with 2 people.
+MaksWerks k thanks
@@Makswerks1 ..how can this bike be slow with 2 ppl on...?
..even in a 15% hill you'd have the power to be at 5th gear..
1 have a 1986 27 thousand km love it
I'm building a 1/12 Tamiya model of VX1000 and this is just a very useful reference.
8:28 Yea nothing's wrong. My '86 XV700 is loud as hell but it's perfectly fine.
nice drive
Is this bike too small for a 6'2" frame?
+Chris Dreyer I am 6'even, I think it would be manageable.
6'1' with long arms and big feet. the bike leaves me longing for forward controls and a floorboards. i have to keep the heel of my boot on the foot pegs with my feet up at a 45 degree angle. if i dont want to be constantly knocking the breaks and gear shift
I'm 6'1" and it feels a bit small for me, but I still ride it. I'm thinking about installing some highway pegs to stretch my legs out on longer rides. My knees are pretty bent in the standard leg position.
I'm 6'-1" and reduced from a GoldWing to a Virago 1100cc V-Twin and even at 78 years old & with Hyway Pegs, it's comfortable even on 200+ mile /day riding.!! ( My 2nd Virago/Bulletproof Bike !!)
Pretty sure that's not how the reserve system works.
I'm about to pick up a 91 Virago 1100... Any idea if they are pretty much the same? With storage and what not
+RawrSauce McGee all the XV1100s are the same. Not sure what you mean about storage
MaksWerks Apologies about the way I phrased that! I meant, at the beginning when you unlocked the built in lock box on the rear fender area of the bike.. Are you aware if this is a feature that all XV1100s share? I appreciate the quick response! Cheers!
+RawrSauce McGee I have had several made in the 90's and they all have had that compartment. I wont be so bold as to say they all have it, but its a good chance that if it is stock it should have it.
+MaksWerks awesome man thanks!
+RawrSauce McGee My '86 XV700 has it.
You still in Austin?
yes/
fahrrad ???
Great vid.
Top speed?
fast enough to get arrested.
Over 110 although I'm fine with 90.
my dads dream bike
Son fallas pero por que no la cuidavan o por que no le davan mantenimiento por que Esa moto es japonesa es buena moto
XV1100 came out in '86
yep, mine too..and the fist yam v-twin, was a 750 in 80-81,followed by a 982cc chain-drive in 1981 as well, which I also have...check your spark-plug caps, before tearing-down your carbs, mine now runs like a champ, never needs choke EVER..and stopped 'popping'...2 new caps who'd a thought... Dave NZ
I got the ultra rare Chain Drive 920rh
Makes me miss the one i had. Lol.
Co ty wiesz o śniadaniu.?
I know everything about breakfast.
My only wish with my xv1100 is that it had an extra gear lol
cant hear the engine wit all the yapping.
My first bike was a 1100 virago. I drove that damn thing everywhere feeling like a bada**
Tank is bigger than 3.5 gallons....over 4
птица Говорун отличается умом и сообразительностью
'basically'..'as u can see'...
Rather than wearing a shirt open to the belly button from the 70s you might just be better off putting on a pair of good quality protective motorcycling gloves from the 2020s. Especially on a highway! Then if you should ever have an accident, you'll be less likely to have two grated stumps on the end of what's left of your bare, unprotected arms....
Don't mean to put a downer on you but here in France it's illegal to ride without gloves and hi-vis apparel. Coming off a bike HURTS!
Sería genial si te callaras un momento, y dejaras escuchar el motor!!
GLOVES?
...FFS!
EKG 15 Nah bro. Go hard in the paint n shitz.........
JK. wear your gear folks.
you got a rice burner
Completely stupid to be reviewing a bike seventeen years after it was built.
Why are you watching a review of a 17 year old bike then?
Touche, yet you watched and commented.
Great video! What brand and model windshield is that, and how is it on the freeway?
Great video! What brand and model is your windshield and how is it on the freeway?
Joe V. It was a factory option. so its an OEM yamaha windshield. It was a bit short for me, but it pushes a lot of air out of the way.