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Yamaha XVS1100 motorcycle review - Riding

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Yamaha XVS1100 (1998-current)

Detail	Value
New price	£6,999
Used price range	View Yamaha XVS1100 DRAGSTAR bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	1063cc
Power	62bhp
Top speed	110mph
Insurance group	11

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

The Yamaha XVS1100 - a big cruiser of yesteryear is more a mid sized cruiser of today. It's an evolution of Yamaha’s long running XV1100 Virago which used to be its custom-style range topper but now it’s dwarfed by the near-two litre megacruisers. The Yamaha XVS1100 is somewhat old tech but light weight and manageability are always useful.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Yamaha XVS1100's big V-twin is softly tuned offering just 62bhp. Torque is a more respectable 63ftlb. There’s enough low down poke to keep the Yamaha XVS1100 nippy around town but if you want to go quick it needs revving – and can vibrate. While the engine produced the same power when in the 1100 Virago, weight is up 40kg which dulls the performance somewhat.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Steering is light and easy – it’s not a very involving ride which means you can concentrate on posing when you're out and about on your Yamaha XVS1100. Rear shocks are a little harsh for a cruiser and can make the rear wheel skip about or transfer the shocks of bumps straight into the riders lower back. The Yamaha XVS1100's brakes are competent.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Poor headlight, pillion seat and mirrors but otherwise all the basic gear is there on the Yamaha XVS1100. Screens, panniers and louder exhausts are popular add ons. Shaft drive works well and is low maintenance. Yamaha XVS1100's hidden rear suspension gives that authentic hard-tail look.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Reliability is pretty good on the Yamaha XVS1100 – even though the engine traces its roots back to the early 80s or before, problems are rare. As with so many cruisers, corrosion is the big enemy as motorcycles such as the Yamaha XVS1100 sell on looks.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Yamaha XVS1100 wasn't that expensive but, when new, you could have bought a Harley-Davidson for less. The Yamaha XVS1100 doesn’t hold its value as well as those Harleys but residuals are strong as the Yamaha Star range has quite a following. Japanese rivals are close enough you should make your decision on looks. Find a Yamaha XVS1100 Dragstar for sale

Insurance group: 11

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1998: Original Yamaha XVS1100 launched.

Yamaha XVS1100A Drag Star Classic: more retro looks, spoked wheels (front smaller than regular bike), bigger headlamp, more flamboyant mudguards.

Specifications

Top speed	110mph
1/4-mile acceleration	15.4 secs
Power	62bhp
Torque	63ftlb
Weight	261kg
Seat height	710mm
Fuel capacity	17 litres
Average fuel consumption	46mpg
Tank range	171 miles
Insurance group	11

Engine size	1063cc
Engine specification	4v V-twin, 5 gears
Frame	Steel cradle
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	Twin 298mm discs
Rear brake	282mm disc
Front tyre size	110/90 x 18
Rear tyre size	170/80 x 15