Virago Xv1100 Misfire/Coughing & Spluttering - Fixed!

[@murraykriner9425]

There are so many bloke's about the globe who can't diagnose just what's happening with their bikes when this condition sets in. Capital bit of work there, sorting the Virago out with the minimum of troubles that a great many experience. Do appreciate the insights and your test ride about your community in the dead of night. Brilliant.

[@MrFalloffalot]

Thanks Heaps for your kind words Murray. Just my experiences and my opinions....No Bullshit here. Hope you had a Great Easter, Take Care n RSOT >:)

[@richthepilot9906]

The Virago, by far one of the coolest V-Twin motorcycles ever made. I have a VTX1300 and a Vmax but I’d love a Virago in my garage!

[@MrFalloffalot]

Well I'd love a V-Max in the garage! A 'Factory' Drag Bike imo. Great to hear from ya Rich. Stay Frosty n RSOT >:)

[@jgpeggeman]

So many thanks for this info! I had the same issues with my Virago, and i suspected fueling issues, but it was much easier to fix. I had an new regulator laying around, and mounted it on the bike, on a better spot for cooling, and it works like a charm!

[@MrFalloffalot]

No probs. Hope you have Many many more miles of riding bliss. Cheers n RSOT >:)

[@02bigkev]

That doesn't look quite like a V-Strom...lol It was good to meet you at last and your bike . Glad you sorted the problem. RSM8

[@MrFalloffalot]

No worries Kev, same same, even though I seen ya face in video, its better in the flesh. Great meet, hope you enjoyed the rest of it. Did you end up getting that TestRide? uRSOT >:)

[@02bigkev]

No Test ride for me. ended up doing 3700 km which wasn't bad.

[@SuperBabyBuffalo]

Big fan of the bike, glad it's running right again! I'd be interested to see a video about how you fit the vmax front end on the virago!

[@jaredtummons8968]

Thank you had one 20 years ago and hated it ,but bought another one so far hate it too,but im going to try this fix on it hope it works,if not night jyst burn it.

[@MrFalloffalot]

Sounds like you've had a Love-Hate relationship with those bikes...lol Hope 'this one' is the one for you. If not, I have heard that they're great in a Slow Burner stove....haha TFstopping by Jared. Gmail me some pics if you want. Cheers n RSOT >:)

[@jonathanrees3765]

The regulator mounts onto the passenger foot peg carrier to use it as a heat sink. Leaving loose or not mounting on a heat sink of some sort will lead to premature failure. Good idea to use an electronics heat sink grease/compound between regulator and mount/heat sink.

[@MrFalloffalot]

That is something I didn't think of....Doh! What I did find after sorting through all the brands of regulators. Is to find one that will do the same job from the wreckers!! That way you get a OEM Branded one. The one I bought off FleaBay, had the same design as the Virago one (No fins and only that black resin as a heat disperser). As a result, it got Really Hot out riding, more so than the original. Lesson here - Get one WITH fins or go genuine (2nd hand from wreckers to stay cheap). Thanks for your comment Jonothan, uRSOT >:)

[@jonathanrees3765]

@@MrFalloffalot Black resin goes away from foot peg carrier, heat should couple via flat aluminium surface. Not sure where I got mine from, but looks oem including numbers, but not oem price (oem $271.07 US 1 price I have found). You could bolt a finned heat sink onto the 1 you got, if you don't want to mount in original position

[@MrFalloffalot]

@@jonathanrees3765 Meh. I'm over looking for a decent 'like OEM' one. This one gets to around 70+celcius!! Modern day manufacturers are more concerned looking for ways to Save a Buck, rather than make a Quality product that works and doesn't break (unless you pay the Big Bucks!). When this one fails, I'll go get a used one (Finned) from the wreckers. After doing all the research, buying and fitting. The advice I've had since, is to go for a Factory one. Even from another brand bike. Doesn't matter the year bike either. As long as the numbers match, their's no problem doing that.

[@dl2.504B]

I just swapped out my coils, spark plug wires, resister caps, spark plugs... I removed the emissions (air cut off valve, etc...)... My next step is to readjust the valves in the cylinders since they're loose. If my bike still acts like yours did, I'll try replacing the rectifier as well

[@MrFalloffalot]

Well that's doing some Good Old 'preventative' maintenance. Also might eliminate your issue, but ya Bike will Love ya just for getting ya hands all over her. I still have the occasional missfire/cylinder Splutter. Possibly the O-Rings?? Next I'm going to do a Mikuni twin Flatslide setup swap (under $700), rather than get my carb rebuilt for a little over that price. Mikuni said it was Plug n Play too. www.mikunioz.com/shop/tm38-mikuni-flatslide-kit-yamaha-xv-1100/?v=6cc98ba2045f Good Luck with your work, I hope it sorts out your issue. Cheers n RSOT Devin >:)

[@dl2.504B]

@@MrFalloffalot thanks, bikes running much better with the valves adjusted. I'm going to check my carbs, the front cylinder is still running rich, spark plug is covered in dry black soot and wet gas. I'm going to check if it's a float issue or iring issue, then sync the carbs and air/fuel mixture. I ordered a rectifier anyway, waiting for it to arrive. I figured most parts are still original from 91 lol.

[@dl2.504B]

@@MrFalloffalot looks very interesting, what's the difference between the stock mikunis on the virago and the flat side mikunis in the link?

[@MrFalloffalot]

@@dl2.504B Well I'm hoping it does what people have been saying and is cheaper than a Stock Full rebuild. Here is a quote from the Mikuni website "These carburettors can be adapted to a number of different applications from single to multi cylinder engines, giving better throttle response, improved acceleration, increased horsepower and torque. In a number of instances Dyno tests have shown improvements of up to and over 25% when fitted to same size CV carburettored engines". But here is a link I found that'll explain the difference of CV to Flatslide (just ignore all the harley references...lol) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXjZmoareayga80 www.mikunioz.com/ has a few videos on the roundslide, needles and a few more. Left side 'How To videos'. Spoke to the guy in the vids a few times now, REALLY helpfull and says that it'd be setup as best as they can, to just plug and Play (with correspondence on altitude differences, etc.) Not sure when I can get mine, but I hope to be the Guinea Pig for others... >:D

[@MrFalloffalot]

@@dl2.504B I wasn't impressed with the Forsetti product. Cheaper brand (I found out in hindsight...Doh!). I'd call ya local wreckers, get a 'Finned' one. As long as the numbers match (Volts, Amps, etc), it will work. Standard gear is better than after-market anyway. I do have a Forsetti review vid coming 'one day'. I have read on a cpl of forums, the O-Ring on the bowl gets old and cracks. Letting too much gas in. I'd be checking that and the needles, seat and give it a really good clean. With all that it should be as Good as New! (new as a 30 yr old bike can be...lol) Love to here how you go. Cheers n RSOT >:)

[@RJSoftware2000]

So far the only thing that has ever failed on my xv1100. Two ways the regulator can fail. 1 quits as open circuit or quits with shorted circuit (to ground). Mine was the latter which caused main fuse to burn out as well. I tried to replace fuse to limp home. No go cause fuse kept burning out (aluminum foil -good to have). I had to call Geico for tow. They warned me for next time. If I would have unplugged the regulator I could have made it home without the tow. Btw, I'm buying a motorcycle tow dolly. My car has trailer hitch and you just stick the dolly in the hitch, roll the front tire in saddle, strap and crank front tire up off ground. Put bike in neutral and drive home. Thing cost around $70+

[@MrFalloffalot]

Sounds like a good thing to have (Tow Dolly), just wanna make sure it has a backup Tie-Down imo. When I used to smoke Tailored cigarettes, you'd have the Metal Paper wrapping, used to work a treat with old glass type fuses. I think my RegRec might have been an Open Circuit perhaps? No fuse issues ever. TFstopping by RJ, RSOT >:)

[@azdesertdog]

Good to see one from you. Hope you get it figured out.

[@MrFalloffalot]

All sorted now. Roaring like a tiger now. TFstopping by Az, uRSOT >:)

[@kdsowen2882]

Good stuff...Mine ran heaps better after stripping plug-caps and removing corrosion off spring and other bits. It does make a scary-clatter over 120k, cant find/figure it...and over here, we call the Po-Po the Police too LOL. "yes, of course Officer, sorry Officer, I'll get right on it.." Cheers from NZ, Dave

[@usingtheirhypocracyagainst8636]

You are running on one cylinder you should check the spark plugs for fuel fouling

[@geoffs1000]

Hello great interesting I've had some misfiring going on with my xv1100. In the past year I always think it's fuel carburettor because the next day it runs more or less perfect then it comes back a week later I'll look into it like you have many thanks missed your videos not done looking forward to next one thank you Mr F.

[@MrFalloffalot]

Thanks Geoffrey. Like you, mine was always intermittent and random too. Never would have thought a faulty RecRegulator. My money was on a carby blockage or similar. We shall see if it happens in the future though... TFstopping by, uRSOT >:)

[@sickduck66]

Update please

[@geoffs1000]

@@sickduck66 hello I had to sell my virago last year I suffer badly with R A and other illnesses I can't man handle the virago got myself a nice Yamaha 400 scooter now

[@banditnev]

Glad to see it fixed.

[@alcapon-o3f]

Mine I went through 4 different regulator rectifiers , before I got a good one and now mine when riding once you reach 5 gear it will spit sputter and cutter off then you have to sit for 2 or 3 minutes and then it will fire back up , cant figure it out voltage is fine stator is in range carbs synced . So I am stumped !

[@MrFalloffalot]

Gday Alcapon. Sounds like something heating up (electronic)? Is your RegRec getting really hot when running? Mine used to. Or it could be a timing issue?? I am currently having starter issues, but before that, I was installing a New TCI. My occasional sputtering was centered around the Timing circuit inside the standard TCI. Got it tested and it was faulty. Got an aftermarket one, it turned out to be the 2nd cyl timing was out. So after a warranty exchange (the new unit had the same timing issue after riding for around 300klm) and my starter gears stuffing up. I am now very close to getting it going again. I hope to do a video on what I've done in the past cpl years, but for the most part, the bikes been idle waiting for parts/time/money... With yours, start going through all the terminals/connectors to do with the starting/running circuits, then get a strobe light on the timing window, check that it's in range (both idling and open throttle). When mine was 'sputtering' whilst riding. If I unplugged the spark lead, but left it 'arcing' against the spark plug, it would fire up n run right for a bit. That's where I think the timing was the issue on mine? Have faith, their are only 3things it could be - a Fuel/Electronic/Mechanical issue. Break your thoughts up to separate and simplify the diagnoses process. I hope my suggestions help you get it sorted real soon! I'd love to hear how you go. Cheers n RSOT >:)

[@martybartfast]

Nice one, Mr. F. 🏍

[@mrcombi]

Thanks for the blast to Bright...

[@MrFalloffalot]

ThankYou for getting me outta the house! Lotsa footage, video coming soon...uRSOT mate >:)

[@robd754]

great idea for the sissy bar..looks much cooler

[@joseyamidgomezatehortua5994]

Hola amigo su moto esta muy bonita Me gustaría aprender sobre la parte eléctrica de la Virago por que no confío en los mecánicos Yo tengo un Virago 1100 de 1994

[@MrFalloffalot]

Lo primero es comprar un manual de taller, uno con una sección y un diagrama de cableado completos. Las eléctricas no son mi especialidad (¡lo odio! Jajaja), pero ¿con qué parte de la bicicleta tienes un problema?

[@sweetapple116]

great job I saved this to my computer just incase my 1100 virago starts to act up thanks again keep up the good info yr bike looks great and sounds amazing sweet job well done

[@MrFalloffalot]

Thanks for stopping by Sandy. Take Care n RSOT >:)

[@bohemianwinter5051]

Hi. Great vid! What exhaust are you running? Thanks!

[@MrFalloffalot]

It's a modded/re-directed rear pipe (No std collector box), then theirs a pair of EMGO slash cut mufflers. 2" from memory. Occasionally I take the baffles out for that extra Bad-Ass sound! Hope that helps ya. Cheers n RSOT >:)

[@13137875]

Thank for ur videos. I just got my bike a few months a go 1985 Yamaha virargo 700 I Tried to rebuild the twins carbs but never got them to wk right. So I went with the MV30 Mikuni with the V I P heater and now the bike is coughing black smoke and it's all ways popping true the carb. CAN some one guide Me..😔

[@MrFalloffalot]

G'day Robert. Xmas is Pummeling me atm. Give me a msg in a cpl days and I'll see if I can help. You have a Merry and a Safe one. Cheers n RSOT >:)

[@MrFalloffalot]

Gday Robert. I was just wondering, Did you get the carbs sorted? 🤔

[@murf77donnelly33]

Sounds good what pipes?

[@MrFalloffalot]

Just a Generic 'Slash-Cut'. Not sure if they had the baffles in or out...? I did eventually buy a set of these (ONLY a example, NOT the size or place I bought them from. They're just a shorter product of the generic version) - shoptjbc.com/products/exhaust-baffles-1-75-exhaust They're Cheap n Nasty, just the way I likes it...lol Hope that helps you murf. RSOT >:)

[@simpledjt]

Really like your videos on the virago, I have a 1999 xv1100, where did you get that seat?

[@MrFalloffalot]

Made it of course! >:) kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4fOp4qQf6eShs0

[@MothershipVideos]

Sorted.

[@aaronwillie5625]

Wat idle rpm do you set your bike at

[@MrFalloffalot]

Gday Aaron. I don't have a tacho, but I set it barely above stalling. Gives it a nice - Banger-Dee-Banger-dee-Bang... RSOT >:)

[@anthonyjones2296]

a stupid question but which cylinder is numder 1 cylinder the front or back

[@MrFalloffalot]

Sorry for the late reply and No it's Not a silly question. The virago's forward cylinder is #1. Normally on v-twins, the forward cylinder is #1. On In-line 2/4's #1 is normally the left side and cars the fan end is normally #1. But hey, I could be wrong, coz there's sooo many different motor designs out there. Cheers n RSOT Anthony >:)

[@BikesDrones]

Great success.

[@monstermash7487]

The rear end look lowered are those 10" (250mm) shocks? If so where did you find them? I cant seem to find metric shock that are short.

[@MrFalloffalot]

I put on the lowest I could get. The Link I put, it has x2 listings for the 1100, Not sure if mine are the 30mm lower, I coulda sworn it was dropped 2" not 30mm/1"...?? Have a look, email (or phone if your in Aust.), Great bunch of people and VERY Very helpfull. www.ikonsuspension.com/wp-content/uploads/full-ikon-shock-absorber-application-list.pdf Let me know how you get on, I might even be able to help in your search if you need. I must get my Original 'Monster Mash' vinyl record of my mum...Thanks for the reminder...lol Cheers n RSOT >:)

[@kanukumar3747]

Anyway you can send me a picture of the TCI and wiring connection (to see colored wires) attached please - i am having trouble wiring my 1995 XV1100. I don't know what each pin connection does in the TCI - trying to figure that out. THanks

[@MrFalloffalot]

Did another Google search for you, heres another link for a Full explanation on the Virago TCI. Kudos goes to - Hrvatski blog o Yamaha Virago motociklima (Croatian blog about Yamaha Virago bikes) yamaha-virago.blogspot.com/2018/10/tci-assy.html Hope that helps ya Quest >:)

[@jokermotorcycle]

Great job such a beautiful motorcycle

[@anthonyarmstrong9508]

Pleasant day my good sir, how many turns did you set up ur cylinders of the air\fuel mixture?

[@MrFalloffalot]

I've never touched the carb adjustments in 7/8yrs. Not sure if thats a good thing or not...lol RSOT anthony, Err, I hope that helped >:/

[@anthonyarmstrong9508]

@@MrFalloffalot I'm not sure what u said but thx anyway for responding,cheer. I've found out what u mean, thx bud u to be safe.🙂👍

[@balakayyy]

Hey. Mine is doing the same for the last year and a half since I've owned it. Been a headache finding out the issue. How has it been the last year ? I'm tired of replacing my sparkplugs every ride. And where did you get those rear shocks? Thanks mate

[@MrFalloffalot]

Gday. Mine has started intermittently doing a similar thing again, but I can't look past the exhaust, with it's Rich Black smoke. So I think mine now would be the carbs (needing rebuild). The rear shocks were from Ikon - www.ikonsuspension.com/wp-content/uploads/full-ikon-shock-absorber-application-list.pdf Those shocks dropped it 30mm. The seat height dropped it waaaay more! If you do get a new Reg/Rec, try get a reputable brand or get the standard one rebuild (IF possible). As mine - a Forsetti, get's way too hot to touch. Hope that helps ya (msg if not), RSOT Balakay >:)

[@balakayyy]

@@MrFalloffalot thank you for replying mate. Awesome man I'll look into it all as soon as the new year rolls round. Thanks for the link to the shocks. Happy new year

[@adamc457]

Hey mate are you in Melbourne? I ve got issues with my xv750 i am struggling to work out

[@MrFalloffalot]

I am in Melb....Brrrr it's Cold! What's the issue?

[@adamc457]

@@MrFalloffalot ha tell me about it i am freezing my ass off here in Altona north working on the gas. I ve got my rear cylinder not firing right. Pick ups and coils are working. Spark box got re done so its not that but the bike still runs like shit. It idles good for a minute then the revs come up "without touching the throttle" and then it backfires a whole bunch

[@adamc457]

@@MrFalloffalot i actually just uploaded the video to youtube if ya can take a look and let me know what ya think?

[@MrFalloffalot]

@@adamc457 That PoP, is that when you give it a Brap? Also, does it sort itself out (run on both) after a bit of riding?? Try pulling one lead off to find which is not firing, then close the gap (as if you were putting lead on), Does it fire up when 'Arcing' between the gap??

[@MrFalloffalot]

DONT Arc it if you do work at the Gas plants....HaHa....Booom!

[@scottjones5013]

Can u do a video on your forward controls please

[@MrFalloffalot]

Gday Scott. I did read your msg a few days ago, I've just been Lazy get'n back to ya... Yes, I will. Your not the first to ask. Just give me a little bit, my editing software has vanished from my drive when I did a Mother Board upgrade. Worst-case, I'll do one with the Very Basic Windows editor. Keep n eye out, but in the meantime....RSOT >:)

[@MrFalloffalot]

Gday Scott. I know it's been a bit, but I'll be putting a Forward Controls vid out very soon. Nothing Flash. Just when I had to do an oil change. Fwd controls had to come off and I thought I'd film it for ya. I'll send you a Link when it's up. Cheers n RSOT >:)

[@MrFalloffalot]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHaQk4NratyHp8k RSOT Scott

[@stevenBlutze]

Hey mate did you do some custom forward controls ?

[@MrFalloffalot]

Yeah. Just a backing plate (welded steady arms and it to std bar), then just visited the wreckers to go through the bits till I found something that'd work. Going to ReDo them eventually, but that'll be a Fake down tubes/frame Mod with a Rake on the front at same time (when I get money and around to it....). Got a little 'Close-Up' bits on this OLD video (goto about 05:30) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rV7dc398j6aop9E I think I might have to put another vid on the list of ToDo's, I've had a few people asking about this mod... RSOT Steve, TFstopping by >:)

[@stevenBlutze]

@@MrFalloffalot thanks mate. I'm gonna try and modify the stock one for now and extend it but if that fails ill make some from scratch. Love your bike 😍

[@MrFalloffalot]

@@stevenBlutze Modify/Make from scratch...Just don't buy something off the shelf. Keep it Individual. I'd Love to see a pic when it's done. Love n Respect back at ya, RSOT >:)

[@stevenBlutze]

@@MrFalloffalot started on them today and was going to send you a progress shit but I have no idea how lol

[@MrFalloffalot]

@@stevenBlutze U could send Pics to [e-mail]

[@cruisin650]

So does this mean no more push starting in carparks and less chitty chitty bang bang now? :D

[@MrFalloffalot]

It does mean. I haven't had an issue with the battery since. No coughing or spluttering. Runs Great! We must catchup, do the winter coffee and shiver run....lol RSOT mate >:)

[@joseyamidgomezatehortua5994]

Me gustaría saber por qué los reguladores de corriente se dañan

[@MrFalloffalot]

¿Es tu moto fallando? ¿Ya has probado el Regulador Rectificador?

[@loukenthompson2365]

It’s funny you ask that about what you call the police. While there are many things I’ve heard, haters is the one that has really stuck with me. But I’ve heard some much less appropriate references in the years.

[@JustTex]

Seems like the vstrom meet up might need to change their name since more and more non-vstroms are showing up ! hahaha

[@MrFalloffalot]

For me it was having 3people in one place I don't get to see much. If you ever meet up with CptCranky, allow Plenty of time to sober up from the HOME brewed whiskey. Phew it has a Punch! TFstopping by Tex, uRSOT >:)

[@JustTex]

@@MrFalloffalot hahaha will do

[@antonlucas6652]

is it hard to find spare parts in 2020?

[@MrFalloffalot]

Parts aren't too hard to find. Their are heaps wrecking round the world and 'most' consumables would be available. The Only major hurdle I see, is sorting the good parts from Chinese Crap! I hope that helped. TFstopping by Anton, uRSOT >:)

[@rokitman5753]

We dont time for an intro just make the vid mate

[@bohemianwinter5051]

F**k off. We are sitting about watching the tube, with FF capability.

[@godworden2768]

Jakes, 5-0, Po Po