Motorcycle Repair: 1984 Yamaha Virago 700 starter interchange, starter motors, interchange

Question
1984 Yamaha Virago 700 starter does not engage 99.99% of the time. I have already put the shim kit into the starter. completely dismantled the gears to check for wear. I also have used my own method to stop the starter from turning inside itself. My question is this, can the system be interchanged with 1986 up models to get the better system? I have looked at different sites and none of the part numbers match from 1984/85 to any of the newer models because the parts are different because its a different system. What I am asking is will the newer style parts bolt up to 1984/85 block?

Answer
Hi Terry,

Should be no problem interchanging starters.

Visit "www.vroc.com" and "www.viragotech.com" to learn more about interchanging starter motors.

Another good Virago resource:

www.ravensroads.com/xv1000/20031130_starter.php

Respectfully,
Mark Shively