Yamaha XV535 Virago - Recommissioning (Part 5) Carburetor Clean

In this fifth part in our video diary of the recommissioning work that we're doing on our 1997 Yamaha XV535 Virago project bike, we clean the carburetors. Unfortunately, we're not the first people to have been in these carbs, so there was a little more to do than we expected. We had to also remedy someone else's poor work.
A view kindly pointed out that we did not remove and clean the air mixture screws. We appear to have missed this from our video. Please do not forget to do this.

[@rootbeer5539]

Thanks. Great video. I’m going to go do this now!

[@MotorcycleFettlers]

Take a look at our Take II video. It’s so much easier if you don’t need to take the carbs off. Let us know how you get on!

[@joshdavies7409]

fantastic video. thanks for taking the time to make it :D

[@MotorcycleFettlers]

Thanks for feedback. Glad you found it useful.

[@xnestapl]

Very helpful thanks!

[@MotorcycleFettlers]

No problem. Glad you found it helpful.

[@richieiommi]

My Virago new 26 year old virago was running awful. The diaphrams in both had disconnected from the cylinder that houses the needle!! New ones in now and she runs a dream🎉

[@MotorcycleFettlers]

Following our insitu carbutetor clean, we had a ride out to see how she was performing. It was a bit of a mixed bag. We'll be posting that video shortly. We've now ordered some carbutetor repair kits for a full off-bike clean and repair. We had no issues with the diaphragms but there were some small holes in the air cut off valves; which are also small diphragms. We shall also be posting this update video, shortly.

[@reenoharteveld2430]

Great video man, tiny personal question.
I also have an Yamaha virago 535 project bike. After cleaning the carbs, and trying to start it. It wouldn’t run, the front float chamber stays dry/empty, and the back one does get fuel. Do you have an idea?

[@MotorcycleFettlers]

The first thing I would look at is to see if the float valve is stuck. I would also check the feed pipe.

[@ToskoOv]

What about the air mixture screw? Why didn't you take it out and clean it?

[@MotorcycleFettlers]

Very good spot. We did do the air mixture screws but failed to show this on the video. I will pin a comment to say that it needs to be done. Thanks, for spotting this.

[@user-fn1vn1hf9o]

Наконец то показали как почисть , а то наши сразу пол мотоцикла разбирают!

[@MotorcycleFettlers]

Спасибо за ваш отзыв.

[@NicePantsLance]

How do you get the other carb cover off?? The fuel line is in the way

[@MotorcycleFettlers]

I'm not quite sure I understand the issue. Could you provide a little more detail? Feel free to send a photo to [e-mail] if that may help.

[@Captain-gs4xv]

Those cables that are connected above the carbs, what are they for? I bought a virago and it came with those cables disconnected I’m not sure what was connected before

[@MotorcycleFettlers]

I think you're looking atthe carb heaters.

[@Captain-gs4xv]

The time stamp at 3:52 shows it, it’s the white connectors above the carbs. Is that the heater ? Are they important ?

[@MotorcycleFettlers]

If it's electrical and it's attached to the carb, then it's the heater. I don't recall if the heaters on ours, worked. From my experience and, anecdotally, then don’t make a huge difference. I had a broken one on a Kawasaki Zephyr and could not find a replacement on eBay. I guess, if you’re have trouble starting it, then try and find some replacements. That said, it’s an old bike so is likely to not always start on the button, anyway…

[@PaoReno]

Uh as it happens my virago wont start ! Charged battery. Replaced spark plug, but there is nothing 😢 ignition on, usual buzzing and thats that. No revs nothing 😢 any suggestion if cleaning carbs will help? Or where should l look ?

[@MotorcycleFettlers]

I think there's lots of possibilities. I'd first try to establish if it is electrical or fuel. Have you tested to see if there plugs are sparking? You could try some easy start to see if it will fire on that, which may indicate a fuelling issue. On an old bike, there's a good chance that the carbs will need some level of cleaning.

[@PaoReno]

@@MotorcycleFettlers good stuff my garage also mentioned carbs. So thats a good shout. Getting new battery anyway. Will test again tomorrow 🤞🏼 thanks for the reply. Your videos are super helpful 👍🏼

[@MotorcycleFettlers]

You can mostly service the carbs in-situ. We had to take ours off as we needed to replace the small diaphragms. They are a nightmare to take off and put back on…hopefully you can sort your problem without having to remove them.

[@Inklerzy]

5:59 what brand is the spray cleaner you use?

[@MotorcycleFettlers]

We don't use any brand in particular. We just use whatever's available.

[@josephabdelmassih4394]

4:48 how can i order it to meddle east

[@MotorcycleFettlers]

Sorry, Can't help you with that one.

I have virago 535 often my first cylinder floods overnight when I take out the spark plug, you can see that it is very wet what's the problem

[@MotorcycleFettlers]

I wonder if the float is sticking or incorrectly set? I'd take the float bowl off and take a look.