XV1100 Virago

[Bonz]

Makes it all the more confusing, doesn't it?

Sounds like you are doing well accessing the Virago forum, they should be able to tell you about stock spring length for sure and compare to what you got.

[BA80]

They are not NEARLY as much forthcoming there as people are here. They are being very helpful but in dribs and drabs.

I'll get it eventually.

I sent a message to the seller of the springs I bought on fleabay, we'll se what he says.

[Bonz]

Thx, BA80. Keep us posted, interested which end of the spectrum the problem turns out to be.

[3Phase]

Bonz, I'm not the one working on the carbs but I never drain the float bowls:
pull the carbs, take them outside and turn them inlet-side-down to dump the fuel in a drain pan, then pour it into a container.


BA, I don't know if you've seen this link or not but it's got a lot of information for three versions of the Hitachi carburetors used on Viragos:-

HITACHI CARBURETORS

(Note: the word "carburetor" is a French word. In English it refers to the fuel mixture dispenser residing near a cylinder. However, you should be aware that the meaning of this word in the native French language is quite different. In French it means: "Don't mess with me".)

<...>

... if you can find parts that you may need (diaphragms, needle jets, or choke plungers, linkage, etc.) you may come out O.K. If you need discontinued parts, a diligent search throughout the salvage world may find some, or check the sources below Try to always get a used carb for parts that is the same one that is on your bike. Don't try 920 parts in a 750. Some of the differences may be obvious, but some, like diaphragm springs, may not be. Also beware of the "carb rebuild kits" that are offered for Hitachis. They have some usable stuff in them--float valves, drain screws, gaskets, and maybe pilot screws--but they don't have the hard to find parts noted above--the ones you may really need..

Or find a set of good used carbs.

[BA80]

Yeah Scott, I did run across that and read it. Thanks

[BA80]

Or find a set of good used carbs.

A set of 2 carbs for this POS on fleabay AVERAGES about $300.

[3Phase]

A set of 2 carbs for this POS on fleabay AVERAGES about $300.

That's insane! You can buy complete bikes that (sort of) run for money like that!

.

[BA80]

That's what I'm sayin'!

[Bonz]

Dumping the fuel like you said Scott is the quickest way to drain them, fo' sho'!

BA80, what's the chance of getting a couple springs from someone on the Virago forum?

[BA80]

BA80, what's the chance of getting a couple springs from someone on the Virago forum?

Working on it. Trying to figure out which type I need.

[Bonz]

If the Virago forum was half as cool as this forum, you'd have 10 pairs of springs at your doorstep ready to try out by now...

[BA80]

They are treating me just fine. Getting lots of ideas. I've had an offer for those springs but no one seems to know what the difference is between 1st generation a 2nd generation or how to tell which is which.

[Bonz]

Glad they ARE as cool as this forum and helping out with offers for springs. Just when you said they aren't as forthcoming, thought maybe it was tougher going overall despite helpful bits and pieces of info.

Sure is a bummer about the spring ambiguity.

Interested how it works out, if springs are the culprit.

[BA80]

Yeah, I'll be checking coils and trying a different method of setting up the carbs that was suggested to me on there. I made a little video of how the thing runs in the garage as it is.

I'll post it for y'all. Took it with my phone and it's kinda blurry for some reason......

[3Phase]

It sounds pretty darn good -- nice work!