QuestionQUESTION: ok just picked up a 1983 Yamaha xv535 virago. i am having issues with starting the bike. i bought a new battery and charged it up it was fully charged and then i put back on bike i started to try to turn it over the bike was trying hard to turn over but bang it drained a brand new battery. the bike did a strange thing before it happen i was cracking it and when i stopped pushing the start button the starter keep trying to crack even after i removed the keys. so i removed the neg battery and removed the starter cable. then re applied both cables and the bike keep up the noise until i wiggled two wires on a lil round thing that looks lik a relay but not sure its next to the battery adn it stop actting up but now the battery died. so please help
ANSWER: The starter relay sounds like it may need attention but the real question is why didn't it fire up.
Lot's of possible reasons but most likely fuel related.
You need to do a complete diagnostic on the fuel system starting with
the petcock (does it actually flow gas?) down through the carbs (how long have they been sitting, are they clogged/dirty?).
If the fuel system checks out, next step is checking the ignition: are the plugs getting spark? Take a plug out and watch the tip while its turning over: look for a fat blue spark.
Ofcourse you will have to recharge the battery to try this.
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QUESTION: ok thanks for the tips i havent gotten to try it but i have a feeling i have a few things to check cuz i need to redo the exhaust i pulled it and water/fuel came out so i am ripping it all out and re doin it. as for the carb clean and fuel part havent gotten tht far i have to get a new battery the bike KILLED a BRAND NEW battery so i am pick a new one up in the am. any tips for what my make that happen and allso best thing to do about cleanin the carb and do u think i should rebuild it
Answer* old battery won't hold a charge anymore? Even after its on a charger overnight? That's pretty strange.
* sounds like you really should take those carbs apart. I wold get the rebuild kits but at the very least remove all jets, clean the passages, replace any rubber o-rings. Keep careful track of where the parts go during this process
