GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => Odds n Ends => Topic started by: Canonball on February 23, 2011, 07:08:53 PM

Title: 81 virago, opinions please
Post by: Canonball on February 23, 2011, 07:08:53 PM
Im in the market for another bike, got a trade offer for a 1981 virago. This is pretty close to the style of bike I'm looking at getting, just wanna do some research and get some opinions. Seems like a pretty legit bike, I read there was a design flaw in the starters of these bikes, didn't see any other major issues with these bikes.

Also if anyone has any suggestions for similar bikes to look out for let me know. I came back here for help because I got a lot of help from you guys when I had my gs500.
Title: Re: 81 virago, opinions please
Post by: Big Rich on February 23, 2011, 07:58:15 PM
I've heard of the same starter issue .....not sure what exactly the problem was. If I recall, there was a solution posted on a Virago forum though.

There is a couple sweet virago bob/chops whatever on kneeslider too. In case you wanted to customize it......
Title: Re: 81 virago, opinions please
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on February 23, 2011, 08:11:16 PM
Quote from: Big Rich on February 23, 2011, 07:58:15 PM
I've heard of the same starter issue .....not sure what exactly the problem was. If I recall, there was a solution posted on a Virago forum though.

There is a couple sweet virago bob/chops whatever on kneeslider too. In case you wanted to customize it......
aye starter sometimes will either not engage, or sounds liek its got a bad case of goats. but will work. the fix sometimes is removing starter and reversing a part?, the forums will explain. ( i had one) also the coils they can be tempermental. so i used coils from an old chevrolet. and people talk shiite about HD lol. but these are FUN bikes to own. BTW if you EVERhave to remove carbs to repair or overhaul them, besure NOT to drop anything down intake throat. i did. ( a small screw) had to remove spark plug, take a pair of tweezers, and my guns bore light to find it on top of piston, and fish out with magnet tool home made
Title: Re: 81 virago, opinions please
Post by: Jared on February 23, 2011, 08:16:31 PM
The starters  often need shimming... replacing the bendix gear is probably the better fix.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfCLfO7avP0&feature=related

One of many videos on it....
Title: Re: 81 virago, opinions please
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on February 23, 2011, 08:23:46 PM
thats what it was. ty jared
Title: Re: 81 virago, opinions please
Post by: The Buddha on February 25, 2011, 05:25:38 AM
Post 84 yamaha maxim's get my vote in the old cruiser style.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: 81 virago, opinions please
Post by: mister on February 25, 2011, 01:41:09 PM
Take it for a Good ride first. You might not like the vibration or rider position. Vibration you may be ok with, but if the position is not you, you'll have one very sore bach.

Michael
Title: Re: 81 virago, opinions please
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on February 25, 2011, 11:11:51 PM
Quote from: mister on February 25, 2011, 01:41:09 PM
Take it for a Good ride first. You might not like the vibration or rider position. Vibration you may be ok with, but if the position is not you, you'll have one very sore bach.

Michael
to help with vibes, fill handlebars with bb's, but agreed on the position. way i found out or tested since im a smoker, and it takes me 5 minutes to finish a cigarette  :nono: ill climb onto a bike, put hands on bars, and feet on pegs ( riding position, and hold it for 5 minutes. this in itself has worked for me