1984 Yamaha Virago 500 from Canada - Comments

I've owned my '83 500 Virago for over 6 years. Now, it's been a great bike, hard to find parts for seeing it was only made for 1 year. Manuals are hard to find also.

I'm in need of a diaphragm, a salvage yard seems to be the only hope for these bikes, but I love mine.

The bike I have needs the entire petcock assembly including the diaphragm assembly (some sort of fuel pump like assist). Yamaha has been unable to supply. Any availability or thoughts on a different fix?

Roger Reynolds, rireynolds@live.com

I just bought an 83 Virago. I only spent 1500 on it and I couldn't be happier. The guy I bought it from didn't know how rare they are.

There is nothing wrong with it other than it's low on oil. And so far the only problem I've had is a minor gas leak.

So far I've outran a lot of crotch rockets on it as well, and surprised a lot of people. But how do you take the baffles out of the exhaust?

About the fuel cock, it's the same on the XZ550RK 1983 vision. The part number is identical... maybe it's backorder too.

I have a Virago 500 1983 and have the same problem.

I've had my 1983 XV500 K since 1988, and couldn't be happier with it. I rode it for a few years then parked it, put it on the road again, then parked it -- didn't really have the time to enjoy it. I put in on the road again last fall (18,500 km on the clock) and will to keep it going 'til fall when I plan to buy a 1990-1995 XV 750.

I haven't seen the petcock problem yet, but my mechanic warned me that parts are really hard to find -- as are techs who understand the old carburetors. Knock on wood, mine will stay running at least that long. I have a factory XV500 K manual too.

Anyone know of a source of parts? I need a pair of side covers for it, and I'm looking for a backrest and highway pegs.

I have a 1983 Virago with only 1,385 miles on it. It belonged to my mother. She gave it too me as a gift, however I am in need of the carb vac's. One must have a pin hole in it and it will not release causing the thing to smoke up a storm. I thought it was pretty bad when a Yamaha dealer told me good luck and sent me out the door with no hope. If anyone has a suggestion other than a junk yard, let me know or I will probably just sell the darn thing.

I have a friend who got one of these bikes for free. I told him I would try to help him find some parts to get it fixed up. Currently it is non-operational and I know a little bit about motorcycle mechanics, but not much. Anybody got any responses on a location for parts yet?

wsladaritz@charter.net

The best place to find parts I have found is ebay. There are some online places that you can order parts from, but they can't get everything, and the prices are not easy on the budget.

I have a Virago 500 which is supposed to be a 1984, but is identical to the one in the picture. I brought it back from Canada. I live in Ireland now. Unfortunately it is not running well. The front cylinder drops out over 5000 RPM and the front plug burns out after ten minutes of running. I have already replaced all the electrics (pick up coils, igniter box, high tension coils, plug wires and plugs,) still exactly the same.

Anyone any ideas? My email is mspruhan73@yahoo.com. I have already spent more than 1000 euros on this and hundreds of hours. HELP.

Hello to all.

I would like to know this:

How it is possible that there are many Virago's 500 for sale in Austria that are (made) 90's (eg '97, '95...)?!?

http://markt.motorradonline.de/gebrauchte-motorraeder-4-859-YAMAHA_XV_500_S_Virago

When I checked it seems that in 80s production of 500cc (493cc) was abandoned.

Please help me to solve this mystery.

I have a 83 Virago and I really enjoy it, but like most I am having trouble finding parts. I am in need of the cover that is on the left side that is right below the seat by my leg. I lost mine on a ride last summer, anyone having information on where or how to get one it would be appreciated.

Thanks, Denise

cdorey@eastlink.ca

I have a '83 Virago 500 and need a CDI box. Haven't found one yet, but was told you could somehow convert a 750 Virago CDI. Any suggestions?

the.mckinneys@sbcglobal.net

CDI boxes, actually a TCI box, can be repaired 99% of the time. It is just one of the resistors in the box that has vibrated free of the solder and does not make connection. I am sure if you look around, you will find someone. I saw one ad for it online.

Also to those who think there were only 83 XV 500s, if you think the US is the only place on earth, you are right as there is a Canadian model made in 84, and there maybe other years that I am no aware of, but I have the 84, so they are out there, which means more parts for the rest of us.

I have an XV500, and when I got it it started and ran fine.

My problem is now when I attempt to start it, it almost sounds like the battery is going dead (it's brand new, I just got it).

I tried putting a jump box on it, and yet it still sounds like it's dead, and it even trips the breaker on the jump box, which shut off the box for a minute or so - when the jump box kicks back on, if I hit the start button, a few cranks and boom there goes the jump box again.

My question is what could be making it do that, and any advice on how to get my bike going again?

Oh yeah, I also bought new rebuild kit for the starter thinking it was that...

Please help!!

TCI boxes can be completely refurbished. Look online; the other week I came across some one that will do it complete and carbs too. I'll look and see if I can find him again, and leave his info. here.

To the guy who says it sounds like the battery is going dead when starting; if your battery voltage is good, it sounds like your starter is lagging. If you do a rebuild on it, it should clear up, so it sounds like you are on the right track.

Hi, I have a 95 Virago. How do I find out what type it is? It's a 500 with mono shock. Is this year correct? Thanks.

I have the 83 Virago and I was told it was an oil relay switch that is preventing my bike from starting. Something to do with not letting the bike start if the oil is low, but my oil is 100% full. Is this correct?