'97 Virago 750 - Engine Seized???

[Scheerer]

Hi all,

Hoping for a little advice regarding my 1997 Yamaha Virago 750 (I love this girl...)

the bike has been running great all over the summer and decided yesterday morning to take her for a run out to work, went to start her as normal, she gave a huge backfire and a clunk and now she will not turn over (engine will not turn, even by rocking the bike whilst in gear)

Not being very mechanical, I was wondering if anyone can shed any light on what might have happened??

Any help or assistance gratefully received, thanks in advance...

[bstig60]

The first thing i would check would be the valves to make sure one didn't come apart and go into the cylinder. You can pull the adjuster covers off and look at the springs and see if they are still intact. If it can't be moved by rocking the bike with it in gear with the plugs out, then it is time to start pulling apart the engine. Start by removing the heads. If you want to do it yourself, it isn't all that difficult, but you will need a Clymer's Service Manual. They are available. If the bike doesn't have too many miles on it, I would suggest taking it to a local shop that works on older bikes and let them give you a diagonosis. Not a dealer if possible. With something like that, it is difficult to say what the problem is without looking at the bike.

Bill