Motorcycle Repair: 85 Virago 750, air filter element, apparent reason

Question
I bought this from a friend last year. He was riding it and it just shut down for no apparent reason. It will not start. Its getting fire to the plugs and fuel to the carb. I have replaced the ignition switch and checked the sidestand sensor. What else can I do and check to get the girl running?

Answer
Hi Carveric...

You say the plugs are firing yet she won't start? If you have spark at the plugs then there is nothing wrong with the ignition system. I am a little confused by what you wrote. I read what you wrote as meaning your friend was riding it, it died, it wouldn't restart, you bought it, and this was a year ago? If that's what you mean, then the bike has been sitting dormant for a year and I would suspect the carbs are gummed up from sitting so long. I would remove the air filter element, squirt some engine starting fluid into the air box, open the throttle about halfway and hit the start button. If you are getting spark, the bike will startup. It will only run til the starting fluid is burnt off, but that will verify the ignition system is ok. If it does run for a second or two, then the carbs need to be pulled and cleaned thoroughly. If nothing happens, not even a pop, then you still have an electrical issue in the ignition system. Try what I said with the starting fluid and go from there. Sounds like the slow jets are gummed up, and possible other things in the carbs are gummed too. Good Luck and get back to me to let me know what happens!!!

Jack