Re: 1998 Virago 1100 - wouldn't idle - now hanging valve?

Take it to another mechanic. If it isn't idling after setting for a while, it is likely the pilot jet or low speed jet in the carb. Replacing Main jets doesn't cure this. You have to clean the passage. I would say that the guy you took it to doesn't know what he is doing. As for the noise, Virago engines are not the quietest things around, so unless it is a loud knocking noise, just make sure you are getting oil to the upper end by cracking the oil line connections as instructed when you change the oil and ignore it. Go to www.drpiston.com and check out the diagrams and info on Mikuni carbs and you can see what I mean.