graydude Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 My son and I have taken on a 1983 Yamaha Virago as a project bike. The bike has not been ran in 10 years and sat outside. Other than the basics like battery, fluids, etc... I'm wondering what is the best approach for the first time start. Is it best to spray something into the cylinders before I start to get things lubed up again and if so, what? Secondly, what's the best approach for the switch gear like turn signals, starter button etc.. Is there a recommended contact cleaner/lube? Thnaks, Graydude Link to comment
lvnvbiker Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 Marvel Mystery Oil, squirt a bunch in the cylinders and around the valve stems. The stuff does wonders on freeing up stuck motors, believe me, I unfroze the motor in a 41 Chevy that had sat in a barn since 50 with it. While the plugs are out after the oil has had time to work its magic and you've done all the other fluids and coolant hoses turn the motor over by hand via the rear wheel some to get things started moving, also if you add some of the MMO to the motor oil it will help clean the sludge and corrosion out of the block and free sticky lifters. The stuff really is a great product, even if we call it the "redneck tune up". Link to comment
Bill_Walker Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 I've never done a revival/restoration, but here are some potentially useful links: Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club Motorcycle Classics Magazine Virago Owners Club Dr. Piston's Virago tech tips Dr. Piston's "Buying a Virago" page has some good overview items on early Viragos Resurrecting a Virago barn find goes through bringing an '83 Virago 500 back to life! Hmm, I just read it and realized that only Parts I and II are up. I don't think he has finished yet. Every restoration I've read about has included pulling and cleaning the carburetors, which will get gummed up from old fuel that's been left sitting in them. Also watch out for rust in the gas tank. I would think that the spray electrical contact cleaner you can find at Radio Shack or NAPA (but usually not Pep Boys or the like, in my experience) would be good for cleaning connectors and switches. Link to comment
graydude Posted December 15, 2009 Author Share Posted December 15, 2009 Thanks guys. Great tips! Link to comment
Deadboy Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 And get some new tires picked out..... Link to comment
Whip Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 Is that the blinged out Virago with all the gold and chrome????? Link to comment
Bill_Walker Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 How's it going, Todd? Inquiring minds... Link to comment
Bill_Walker Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 Is that the blinged out Virago with all the gold and chrome????? Google image search is your friend: 1983 Yamaha Virago What Todd hasn't told us is whether it's a 500 or a 750 or a 920. Link to comment
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