moving up from 550 to 1100

R

rome

Well-known member
i"m riding a yamaha 535 right now, i will be moving up to 1100 Virago, any opinion ? from cruiser riders?

thanks
 
I've been thinking about it for months weather t go 750 or higher, i just thought about the transition, i will doubling up the displacement.

thanks
 
I went from a 750 to an 1800. After an afternoon of riding the only thing I could think of was "Why didn't I do this sooner?" You'll have no issues...
 
It just takes some getting used to, but its definitely something you can do. My first bike was a Yamaha Maxim 400, from there I went to a HUGE 1100 Goldwing. Took a few days till I was comfortable on a bike that large, then I didn't even notice it anymore.
 
I went from a 250 Virago to the 1100 Virago. No surprises. What's nice is that your 535 and the 1100 are so similar in layout. It will feel comfortable almost immediately. You'll notice the additional power right away, but it's not overwhelming. The 1100 is slightly more top heavy so easy does it on the slow turns until you get accustomed to the balance point. Also don't park it in neutral on a slope, it will roll off the side stand.

I checked everywhere when I was shopping for my upgrade. The price difference between the 750 and 1100 was only a few hundred dollars, and insurance rates were pretty close as well. Physically, almost everything is identical between the 750 and 1100 aside from the cylinders and a few minor electrical differences as well the 750 doesn't have the auxiliary fuel tank or the fuel pump.

The major advantage that the 1100 has over the 750 is torque, and that shows up most when riding 2-up.

I average about 4.9 to 5.3 L/100km with an all time best of 4.5 L/100km. That's calculated over 10,000 kms ridden since Feb 2012
 
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I went from a cb450 to a Virago 1100 and like already mentioned - easy does it in the slower turns (ie parking lots and right/left turns from full stop) until you are used to it. The 1100 Virago is a very capable bike with very similar ergonomics to the 535 (my girlfriend had the 535 and I rode it lots).
 
The Virago 1100 is an awesome bike. You won't regret it. I loved mine. TONS of torque, great fun.
 
Sorry I didn't notice your reply. Did you see it?
Check the usual stuff. These go through front wheel bearings fairly often compared to other bikes. There a few rats out there but if they're taken care of, they should be trouble free for 100.000 kms or more. Mine had 50000 kms when I got it. it had a shot front wheel bearing, a tiny oil leak at the gear lever.
There should be no noise coming from the drive shaft. That can be $$$$$ to fix.
 
I bought it yesterday, it was sitting at a Yamaha dealership. they were the one who did all the service for this bike. Now i can't wait till spring.

thanks
 
Nice bike got a 99 virago this last spring with low mileage,great bike lots of power,to ride your going to enjoy it great pick!!
 
The bike is black in color and with Vance & Hines pipes. 60k on mileage . All service done by the dealership.
 
My Wife made the jump from her Virago 535 to my old Virago 1100 back in 2010 when I bought my Bandit. If you take it easy the first while until you get used to the bike, you'll have no problems. My Wife found the transition easy and smooth and loves the 1100. Enjoy!
 
i went from 500 to 1800, just easy on the throttle at first and get use to the power and the weight, you'll love the toque in the future :headbang:
 
cknowles said:
Pictures? What colour is it? How many kms?
Click to expand...
I see you're also at Virago tech forum, I'm picking up my 1100 this Saturday. This will be the fist time to ride this bike, I will be picking it up from the dealer and ride it home.
 
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