Motorcycle Repair: Alternator? :(, regulator rectifier, float tank

Question
Bike: 1984 "Jap Version" Yamaha xv Virago "750"

Bought the bike in May, previous just had it out doors with no time for it ( got
a great deal!). At first it was real difficult to start almost impossible! After
trying to take out the carburetor and failed I just sprayed like a can of carb
cleaner in through  visible areas and into the float tank and I got the baby
running.
New prob arose while riding and at idle with a little gas lots of smoke but the
faded but there was a good bit of back fire and spotter when almost off the
throttle or when backing off the throttle that continues to this day.
Now the more recent and unavoidable problem, the other day while riding
when I gave the bike gas there was nooo power what so ever but rather
violent back fires and the smell of gas. Today if I try to ride it idles just fine
but to give it gas its almost stalls so I cant ride it.
Not to pigeon hole the answer you may give, the lights flicker with the engine
at idle from I fist bought the bike till today and now it dims when I try to give
gas and the engine comes close to stalling. I changed the regulator rectifier
already made no difference.
My biggest fear is having to change the alternator, for I would order from
BikeBandit which is U.S. and I have a Jap Virago and to make it even worst the
84 jap virago is 750 where the U.S. is 700 due to some import ban back in
1984. So would the alternator for the U.S. virago fit the Jap and what or
where can I get a serial to match the part with the bike?


Thanks In advance for taking the time out and reading this

Answer
Nix, not being a Yamaha expert, I can only tell you that when bikes sit for a long time... just a few weeks/months, the carburetors get clogged with evaporated fuel gunk and the tiny passages need to be clean and clear for the bike to meter fuel correctly. Yamaha does make a solution that you mix with gas and fill the float bowls with to help clear out the old deposits. If that doesn't work, you need to figure out how to get the carbs off and clean them properly.

If the bikes don't have a CDI ignition, then the battery operated version needs to have close to 12v to run the engine and other electrical accessories.

This site has parts and tech info to help you troubleshoot the charging system correctly.

http://www.electrosport.com/technical-resources/library/known-issues/street_6415...

I doubt that there are any major differences between the 700 and 750 versions, concerning the charging system. They just debored them to meet the standards of the day and left the rest alone.

Bill MrHonda Silver