Faults:
Front fork oil seals: The front fork seals show signs of excessive leakage. Needs to be replaced.
Starter problems: The starter needs to be replaced. Seems to be drawing too much amperage while starting. There also seems to be a loud, grinding noise while attempting to start the bike.
Oil level switch: Needs to be replaced. Warning light comes on for a brief moment while driving on the highway.
Air filter inlet tube: My bike has saddlebags (installed by the previous owner), and had recently noticed that the wide straps for the saddlebags were partially covering the opening of the air inlet tube. This was remedied by cutting a notch into the straps where it sits over the tube, to allow better breathing for the carbuerators.
General Comments:
My Yamaha Virago XV920J was just purchased in February, 2005, and I am the second owner of this motorcycle. It has been 25 years since I last rode a motorcycle (a borrowed Honda 450), so this is the first bike I've actually owned in my lifetime.
Digital display: Although having the computer instrument cluster on this bike is nice, I'd prefer having a standard tachometer and speedometer.
Since the acquisition of this bike, I've added a windshield and a battery tender. Both are wonderful assets for a motorcycle, especially the windshield. Now I don't have to worry about eating bugs for breakfast or dinner while cruising down the highway. The previous owner had saddlebags installed on the bike, and had since found them to be a great asset. Not the nicest set of saddlebags, but it beats having nothing.
In general, I like the appearance of the Virago 920. It's got good power and great acceleration while pulling out of an intersection. Not to mention that it's got that H-D look while riding down the highway.
Had I purchased this motorcycle new, I'd probably have taken better care of it. Although the previous owner did an okay job in maintaining it, there were a few small details that were neglected over the years. With a little bit of elbow grease, an allen wrench and some auto polish, these minor details were taken care of right away.
Although I try not ride during rain, I have encountered rain on a couple of occasions. As they say here in Hawaii, a one hour's ride in the rain amounts to about 6 hours of cleaning after the ride.
2nd Nov 2008, 21:10
The rear cylinder oil leak is actually a blown head gasket - these early model XV twins had no gasket between barrel and head, only a metal ring that sat on top of the cylinder liner. Tightening the bolts won't fix it - you need to replace the metal ring and pack up to O-ring that seals the timing chain tunnel with cardboard or similar to provide a better seal. This will give you about 15000 miles of breathing space before you have to do the job again.