Is the Yamaha XV1100 Virago the best bike ever?
It is the greatest bike ever. Yamaha is a pain though. They won’t repair anything over 8 years old. Buy your parts here and take them to MX mechanics there are cheap and can usually fix anything. If you are commenting on behalf of the company that has been reviewed, please consider upgrading to Official Business Response for higher impact replies.
When did the Virago 1100.22k come out?
1995 Virago 1100. 22k and rides like a dream. Not too big, not too small. Installed front fork springs, as the front end famously wallowed at speed, or over rough tarmac. Progressive fork springs sorted it all out.
How to check the fuel sender on a virago?
Check the bulb, check the fuel sender as per instruction in the Factory Service Manual. (I don’t give specs in my articles). Drain your carbs. Find the hot wire to your fuel pump and give it 12 volts. The pump should operate until the float bowls are full and the float valves shut, at which time the pump should stop.
What did I do with my 1991 Virago?
My 1991 XV1100 Virago had been giving the odd misfire when idling but was otherwise running OK until I decided to replace the front exhaust and remove the swing-arm for painting. A lot of stuff was stripped off the bike to do these jobs and on re-assembling I was surprised when it wouldn’t start.
Check the bulb, check the fuel sender as per instruction in the Factory Service Manual. (I don’t give specs in my articles). Drain your carbs. Find the hot wire to your fuel pump and give it 12 volts. The pump should operate until the float bowls are full and the float valves shut, at which time the pump should stop.
What kind of fuel system does a virago chain drive have?
Viragos and RH, RJ chain drive models offered from ’81 to’83 have a gravity feed system. The fuel runs down hill from the tank through fuel lines to the carbs. Some models have one petcock and some two, but the method is the same.
How does a petcock work on a virago?
One petcock just requires a splitter and two pipes to feed the carbs. These petcocks are vacuum operated petcocks. This means that they have a little diaphragm and valve set-up in them which responds to engine vacuum and allows fuel to flow only when the engine is running and supplying vacuum.
Why does a virago tank have a reserve function?
The tank should have a “reserve” function that will allow you to access an additional supply of fuel when you start to “run out of gas” and thus allow you a few more miles of driving to find the nearest gas station. And finally, there are safety considerations, mainly involving the situation where the bike falls over on its side.
Are there any issues with the Yamaha Virago?
The starter clutch needs to be replaced and that is nothing new for Viragos, starter issues have been prevalent over the years. A minor issue in the bigger picture is the starter as these bikes are reliable performers. They need to be riden short trips will foul the plugs.
How big is the fuel tank on a Yamaha Virago?
The Yamaha Virago’s reputation as a trusty cruiser is sometimes hampered by its dismal fuel holding capacity, particularly for the Virago 535, a small 12-liter tank. Virago owners are often reluctant to take long-distance moto-trips on their Virago; the tank only lasts only about 100 miles.
Is the Yamaha Virago a good bike to buy?
It proved attractive to riders as it was easy to ride and offered decent performance. If you are looking for a trusty cruiser with laid-back behavior, the Virago is an attractive option. But you’re here because you’re wondering if these bikes have any common problems and, if so, how severe they are.
Why does my Yamaha Virago keep losing power?
Once the bike is back in use, the sludge-clogged components interfere with the fuel’s bath, and the bike is “starved” of fuel. This causes the motorcycle to sputter and jerk while riding. If the fuel supply has been restricted severely, the bike may lose power completely. Another hidden culprit of poor performance on a Virago is rust.
The Yamaha Virago’s reputation as a trusty cruiser is sometimes hampered by its dismal fuel holding capacity, particularly for the Virago 535, a small 12-liter tank. Virago owners are often reluctant to take long-distance moto-trips on their Virago; the tank only lasts only about 100 miles.
What happens if the rectifier on a virago goes bad?
The rectifier/regulator is the part responsible for maintaining a suitable current. A bad rectifier can destroy the battery. Signs of failed regulator/rectifier include engine sputtering, rough idling, or loss of acceleration power. The regulator controls the battery’s voltage and keeps its power output within limits.