1981 Yamaha Virago?

Question

I have a 1981 XV750 Virago, I am having problems with the starter engagement, that awful crunching noise when you hit the start button. I sent out the starter to be tested and rebuilt if needed, but how do I check the gears the starter engages without spilling all the guts out. I was curious to see if someone could attach a diagram or describe the steps via e-mail, before this season here in Buffalo NY starts officially. Thanks

Answer 1

As others have said this was very common in early Viragos. However I didn't see anyone mention that there was a factory recall/fix issued on these bikes. Well, there was. Check w/ a dealer to see if they still honor this recall (if it was never done to yours. Worst they can say is NO, best is that they will fix it for free and the factory will pay them. Worth a shot. Good luck.

Answer 2

Sterlings right, those particular bikes were famous for their crunchbox starters. If memory serves me well there is a little fix to it. I think there was an engine cover on the left side that you could remove to gain access to...I guess you'ld call it the bendix gear. It has what amounts to a big clip on it that suppose to add some drag to its rotation which causes it to shoot out and engage the flywheel gear. The factory trick is to squeeze it in a vice so that it grips the gear tighter, yes its kind of a cobb job arrangement, but, thats about all you can do. If I were you, I'd check out Yahoo groups and do a search for Yamaha Viragos, I'm sure theres an owners group for those things somewhere, they actually are pretty good bikes inspite of their starter woes.

Answer 3

Overpriced. Kelly Blue e book lists the retail at basically over $one thousand for a bike in sturdy situation. yet to have had artwork finished on it and for being as old because that's, you'll spend more beneficial time engaged on it than you want. For that value you have to be able to %. up some other thing recent and in a lot nicer situation. The Virago is a sturdy motorcycle. you may also want to study out a 750 honda shadow. if you're a smaller individual (short) you would possibly want to look at a 250 honda insurrection. in case you may deal with a heaver motorcycle there is the 650 yamaha v-action picture star. yet you actually ought to save round some more beneficial.

Answer 4

yeah those early virago's were bad for crappy starters and having to tear everything apart to fix them , bite the bullet and do it now , those things are heavy to push start.

Answer 5

try here...lots of exploded picks & parts lists

1981 xv 750 is listed..
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/parts/home.aspx

if this dosnt help try...
http://www.dansmc.com/shopmanual2.htm

when all else fails.. owners group..
http://www.viragoownersclub.org/main.htm

Answer 6

sounds like it is only low on rice...fill er' up...good luck...thaks for asking