AI Damage2006 Yamaha XVS1100: common problems
Owners of the 2006 Yamaha XVS1100 filed 15 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 15
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 87% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 27% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 7% of all complaints
- 4 Suspension 7% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 13 complaints (87% of all).
- Engine: 4 complaints (27% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (7% of all).
- Suspension: 1 complaints (7% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 15 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The middle drive shaft broke off and got jammed in the yoke and locked up the rear tire of my motorcycle.
The contact stated that while riding approximately 60 MPH, there was a loud whining sound coming from the rear of the motorcycle. The contact stated that moments later the rear wheel locked up and the motorcycle became inoperable.
While slowing down at appx 45 mph, metallic whining from transmission started. Had never heard this noise before. After initial incident, any time I decelerated or downshifted, same noise was made. As long as I was on the accelerator, seemed run fine. As soon as I let off the gas, grinding/whining started.
The contact stated that a loud grinding noise was heard from the rear of the vehicle while driving approximately 50 mph. The motorcycle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft failed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 (na) yamaha xvs1100 motorcycle. While riding 70 mph, the contact applied the brakes to avoid a school bus. The front suspension was not strong enough to support the contact's weight and he was thrown 80 feet in the air. The contact sustained minor injuries and received medical attention.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 9,286 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 25% most complained about).
On average one model year of the XVS1100 has 6 complaints (8 years in the data). This year has 15, above average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Yamaha XVS1100?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, engine, electrical system. Total complaints: 15. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: knocking, grinding or other noise (53%), stalls while driving (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2006 Yamaha XVS1100?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2006 Yamaha XVS1100 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2006 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.