Motorcycle Repair: Virago 1000, right cylinder, electrical problem

Question
Hello,

I have a 1984 Virago 1000 motorcycle. I can drive it around town all day with no problems however when I go on the highway at speeds of 120 - 140 km/h for 10 -15 minutes I get a problem with it. The engine starts to sputter and buck . The right cylinder spudders and often stops then the left one goes. The spark plugs were white when I looked at them. When I stop and turn off the bike for 5-10 minutes its starts fine and I can go on it again for a short time.Some say its a gas problem others say its an electrical problem. Can you help?  

Answer
Hi Keith.

Whoever said that it is electrical does not know engines at all.

The plugs tell the whole story here.  They are white, so they are firing, but because they are white, it means that they are firing with little to no fuel in the cylinders.

The bike is running lean for some reason.  Is the air filter overdue to be replaced?  How about the fuel filter?  Do you have one installed?  If so, then check to see if it is clogged.

Check the fuel tank and the entire fuel system, including cleaning the carbs.  There is something preventing fuel from getting to the engine.  It could be a clogged fuel line, clogged fuel filter or gummed up carbs.

Start with that and see what happens.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON