Motorcycle Repair: Starting problem, starter motor problems, yamaha virago

Question
Chris,I need help with my 1995 Yamaha Virago 1100 cc. My problem is that the bike will not start every time and this makes me a little afraid to take any trips with it.Here is what happens;I turn on the key and the lights,the horn everything works as it should.I push the start button and nothing happens. The headlight does dim momentarily which is normal,I think.I do hear what I think is the solenoid kicking in.This condition does not happen all the time and this is what worries me.Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Dom.

As a veteran Virago rider, I am extremely familiar with this problem.

The Virago has always been plagued with starter motor problems.  What you need to do is to remove the starter motor and disassemble it.  Then clean the contacts, reassemble the starter motor and reinstall it.  You could also bee nearing the brush life of the starter brushes (inside the starter motor), which would require replacement of the brushes.

After you have done this a few times, if you are reasonably mechanically inclined, you should be able to pull the motor, clean the contacts and reinstall the starter in under 30 minutes.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON