Total Motorcycle Community Forums

This is my first post, but I have been lurking and gleaning information for the past few weeks.

I have finally found (what I think is) a strong candidate for a first bike. It is an '86 Virago 750 that is relatively local to me (about 60 miles away). I am going to check it out on Monday (I was going to be in Atlanta anyway), but do not know what to look for mechanically. The owner says that he had not started the bike in about a year, but when he put it up for sale he dropped a new battery in. The bike is trying to turn over (starter okay), but won't start. Any ideas what could be wrong? How difficult of a repair (I am handy with tools and will probably make at least the initial attempt to fix it myself)? Are there any common problems that bikes of this vintage (or Virago's of this vintage) have?

I am pumped to finally find a bike in my area that I can afford and work on while I wait to take my BRC.

Thanks for any response,
Matt

NOTE: I also know how hard it is to diagnose a problem from that description, just looking for a point in the right direction.

Welcome to the board!

It could be a lot of things, but what comes to mind first regarding a bike that has sat for so long is bad gas, a clogged main jet (varnish from the bad gas), a corroded electrical terminal, or no spark. It could be a cheap, easy fix or it could be a money pit. Check around on eBay and salvage yards to see if parts are readily available and cheap if you intend to tackle it yourself.

I bought an '84 Virago 1000cc a couple of years ago that had sat for a long time , it was the gas that had sat in the tank and carbs . Took the carbs off and cleaned them thoroughly (& they are a bear to remove and replace btw) Never had a problem after that . There is a really good site for Viragos . Google Viagro man , Hell's Old Farts .
Regards , Wizzard
Spelling is correct on "Viagro Man"

virago's are notorious for starter problems--they will also backfire and blow the carburetors out of the boots quite frequently.this aint hearsay i had one of them.

The starter problem is real, however, you can buy Shims that will completely fix the problem, they cost about 20 bucks on Ebay.

I never had the backfiring problems, but I only rode it for about 2 years.

I learned to ride on an 82 Virago 920, all I can say is that if the 750 is anything like the 920, it is great starter bike. They are very forgiving of rider error. I would strongly recommend getting one to learn on. Then again, I am pretty much crazy.