Question for first cruiser

[importguyr34]

I'm going to be getting my license soon. I'm currently looking at a Yamaha Virago 535 as my first bike. It is my aunt's former bike since she got a new one. She said she would sell it to me for $800. The problem being that she thinks the carb is bad or something. I don't remember exactly what she said about it but that's what she thinks it is. I'm wondering, is it worth $800 to take a chance that it's nothing major? And if there is an issue with the carb, what kind of work/cost do you think I'm looking at?


Thanks,
IGR34.

[ShiftPlusOne]

I think Purkle is the guy to ask, but he hasn't been around for a while.

Either way, if someone offered me that deal I'd probably take it. However, from what the few members who have had carb problems on their viragos, it didn't sound like it was worth the headache.

[ilanidrac]

Clean the carbs, make sure you get all the jets totally clear.  My Virago's carb was gunked pretty bad when I got it.

Other problem you might encounter is the infamous starter issue.

Cleaning the carb will cost whatever carb cleaner + time if you do it yourself, though a gasket kit would be nice.

www.viragotechforum.com has TONS AND TONS AND TONS fo Virago info.  Certainly helped the crap outta me lol.

[importguyr34]

Thanks guys. Well I test rode it today. It's got little dents on the gas tank from being dumped a couple times. Overall though I think it's in pretty good condition (But I'm not an expert on bikes). I ran SeaFoam in it and it seemed to clear up the 'carb problem', if that's what the actual problem was. As far as I can tell it only needs brakes, oil change, spark plugs and NEW HANDLE BARS. Man, those handle bars are atrocious. I did notice a noise though. I'm not sure if this is the place to ask or on the Virago forums because I don't know if it would be specific to the bike or not. It's only 8800 miles and custom exhaust as well, so it's nice and loud.

[Viper6]

Throttle body cleaner in a spray can works great at removing any gunk or varnish. Make sure you clean everything in the carbs. Also, always use a fuel stabelizer when storing the bike.

[Ad714n83]

Sounds like a great deal at $800, I would take it. Take the carb(s) out and clean them really well with carb cleaner. Do not depend on seafoam or any other fuel adative to clean the carb. That will leave you stranded somewhere with a bike that won't start.

What kinda noise are you hearing?

Ad714n83