QuestionHi. I passed the brc about a month ago and took my cousin's '97 Virago 750 out of storage two weeks ago. The mechanic said everything was fine and its been running well. I live in Pittsburgh, which isn't the best place to learn to ride a heavy cruiser, but I've been taking it slow and everything's going well (i.e. safely). The thing is the last couple of days I've been having a couple problems. The engine started sounding weak and the bike keeps stalling at stops. When I throttle down it feels like the bike is braking. This continues throughout the length of the ride. The bike doesn't start right up, either, even though I've gotten pretty familiar with the choke. This just started two days ago, after I took my first ride out of the city. I'm sorry if this sounds basic but I'm a new rider, no one out here owns a bike, and my cousin's gone, so other than the course, some books, and my riding experience I'm clueless. I just figured I'd ask. Thanks in advance, Falcon.
AnswerHi Tony.
Well, to start with the bike has been in storage, so the carbs may need proper cleaning. In addition to that, the needle valves may have slipped loos. This has happened to me on my XV700 that I used to own.
Fortunately, the carbs are easily removed on the Virago. You could do this with the carbs in place, but it will be more difficult due to the location of the frame, since removal of the slides is required to do this work. If you are totally inexperienced with mechanical work, then take it to the shop and let them do it. A good mechanic can do this with an hour's worth of time.
If you do wish to do the work yourself, then make sure that you have the repair manual as it has diagrams and instructions to follow.
Good luck.
FALCON
