Just some good 'ole Virago Love...

[ViolinARC]

Hi again all...I just have to post up some more positive stuff. I know this forum is for troubleshooting and finding solutions to annoying issues but I want to post some more positivity!!

After finally finding and solving a 15-year old electrical gremlin (intermittent short the shop kept insisting wasn't there), I am TOTALLY in LOVE with my Virago again. This is the reason I bought one in the first place...beautiful, powerful and loads of fun! I still feel this way after cruising around on a Royal Star for many years too so you know this is a great bike if I still feel this way about riding it.

My only two complaints about this machine are: the uncomfortable seat (Corbin fixed that though) and the footpegs carry a lot of vibration. Other than that...I LOVE MY VIRAGO XV1100 and I hope you love yours too!!

Keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up...

[Geoffrey Gogan]

Thanks for the encouragement.  I read your post on the short and am keeping it in mind as I've had that one cylinder issue before, but not at present.  I've been nursing  my 81 750 trying to get her running right, but still a little off.  I made one of the $1,55 mannometers and  will try synching the carbs, and get the idle right.  My problem is the choke wants to stay engaged a little to idle.  That tells me the pilot screws are set too lean, or I believe there is a transfer passage that tends to get clogged.   I dipped my carbs this spring, but might have left it in too long - 2 days, and I heard that there is a rubber seal or grommet on the butterfly that can be damaged if left in too long.  
Anyway, I do remember great rides and the power and torque are perfect.  The bike is not so big its hard to handle, but not too small to take a pothole or hit something and negotiate it.
Some complain about the handle bars, but I like the angle of my grips.  I have an aftermarket seat, but would love to set the foot pegs and controls back a little - have looked for that mod but not available anymore.   - Geoff, Morristown, NJ

[bstig60]

There is also an O ring on the pilot screw that can be damaged as well. K&L makes a kit that has new O rings in it. If you find the pilot screw adjustment doesn't work, then either the O ring is bad or the pilot jet passage is still blocked.

Bill

[Geoffrey Gogan]

Thanks Bill.   I put allen screws on my bowls so they can be removed.   Since I dipped it, I think I could replace the screws if necessary - or remove and inspect O rings.  I do sense that they aren't working as I'm having trouble hearing changes in the engine and the choke really wants to stay about 1/3 engaged.
If I remove the bowls, can I try the guitar string approach to checking for blockage?  Is there some type of "Transfer" passage that gets clogged and is often related to this choke wanting to stay on?
Is the transfer between two other passages in each carb, or is it connecting the carbs?  In other words, does it have to do with the choke on one side operating a valve that then must feed fuel to a passage that splits and sends it to the opposite carb?  I didn't see it on any of the diagrams.
I'm hoping not to have to remove the carbs again, but may have to do it and maybe the practice will help me get good at it.