Dutch Virago

[Roberto Galli]

Hi guys,
my name is Robert and I live in the Netherlands.
First of all, I 'd like to thank all the posters for giving so much information at this forum.
It's a big source of information and inspiration for me.

After building a pocketbike and a Toylander for the kids, which was great fun, I decided to build a cafe racer for myself.
Yesterdag I bought the base for this project: a Virago 750.
I choose this one mainly because it was cheap ;D , but also because I think the spoked wheels and the twin shocks suit my objective to give the bike a classic Yamaha racer look.
I will keep you posted on my progress and look forward to your comments and advice.

Is there a special reason why practically everyone with a Virago project uses the monoshock version? Is it just for the looks or is there a technical advantage to use the monoshocks?

 

[Dourado13]

Hi Robert , welcome and looking forward to seeing first pics


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[hillsy]

Hi guys,
my name is Robert and I live in the Netherlands.
First of all, I 'd like to thank all the posters for giving so much information at this forum.
It's a big source of information and inspiration for me.

After building a pocketbike and a Toylander for the kids, which was great fun, I decided to build a cafe racer for myself.
Yesterdag I bought the base for this project: a Virago 750.
I choose this one mainly because it was cheap ;D , but also because I think the spoked wheels and the twin shocks suit my objective to give the bike a classic Yamaha racer look.
I will keep you posted on my progress and look forward to your comments and advice.

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Any updates?[/font]

Is there a special reason why practically everyone with a Virago project uses the monoshock version? Is it just for the looks or is there a technical advantage to use the monoshocks?

The monoshock frame has a bolt on sub-frame and is therefore easier to change to make a more cafe style set-up. The twin shock frame is one piece and requires far more modification to get it "not looking like a cruiser frame"

 

[Dourado13]

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[Dourado13]

Dual shock is a pain I know what I am talking about


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[Roberto Galli]

Hi Guys,

Yes I made some progress.
The bike came in and I made a provisional plan:
1) finding out in what condition the bike really is and getting the motor running after standing still for 10 years. I took the risk because i bought it for a scrap price.
2) Make a go or no-go decision for the project;
3) Taking care of the engine related issues;
4) Develop a plan for the rest of the project;

At this moment I'm still at phase 1

 

[Roberto Galli]

Update on phase 1:

Before attempting to start the engine, I gave it some TLC:
- changed the oil and spark plugs;
- cleaned the air filter;
- cleaned the carbs ultrasonic;
- changed the battery;
- replaced the rusty gas tank by a temporary bocketbike gas tank;

 

[Roberto Galli]

Now the time came to start the engine.
While engaging the starter motor, it was clear that it has the typical bendix problem, but the engine fired up quite fast!
After idling it for a while without noticing any strange noices, I added a can of Wynn's engine flush to the oil and restarted the engine to let it warm up.

http://vid538.photobucket.com/albums/ff350/busaberke/2016-05-16%2012.19.01.mp4

Subsequently, I changed the oil again, including the oil filter.
While revving the engine, I noticed it didn't run continiously on both cilinders.
The problem seems to be at the front cilinder, it runs irregularly and blows black smoke from the exhaust.
Since the carbs have been disassambled completely, I will have them balaced by a professional mechanic, then see what's next.

 

[japstar]

Balancing isn't difficult, you could just find someone with the tool.
If you have the tool, it's just some tinkering with a screwdriver. (or with a wrench where the throttle cables are split)

And i doubt you will solve the irregular firing and black smoke by balancing. I would dissassemble the carbs again and search and poke all holes again and flush them with brake cleaner. If that doens't solve it, check the piston rings and air leaks in the inlet duct.
Video isn't working, so I'm not sure what the symptoms look like.