20 Most Recent 2000 Yamaha Xv 250 Virago S - Page 2 Questions & Answers

change them

inspect it very well as there has to be a reason for the lock nut to shear off if it is the same size , splines etc and is in good condition it should fit

If not an engine problem then it sounds like something is loose (sorry to state the obvious). Could it be your sidestand because as you are checking for the visible, the stand will be down as you look around the bike and is only up when riding. Hitting a bump or normal vibration could cause it to hit against something (exhaust, frame etc.)

A lot of people will frown on this solution but it is quick and easy to test. Spray a shot of starting fluid into the intake, if it pops when you try and start then lack of fuel is your likely cause.

The clutch master/lever has a safety switch that tells the bike if the clutch lever is in (no power to rear) or out (power to rear). After almost 30 years this switch may have failed, making the bike think that the clutch is engaged regardless of lever position. If you have a multimeter you can test the switch yourself. Since the bike starts properly in neutral (also a safety feature) then the clutch lever switch is your most likely problem. Your bike might also have a side stand switch like mine. It functions much the same way, if the side stand is down and the bike put in gear it will kill the engine. MGM

had same problem with a suzuki savage...my fix was to tie two overflows together with a t joint... ..its an airflow problem of some sort... also, some bikes have to run on reserve or prime always...its not a perfect system

Check fuses and relays. Unplug and replug all connectors, make sure battery cables are clean and tight.

you must be more specific about your model. I am not aware of any Yamaha That has a distributor and rotor type ignition such as in an automobile.

Check out distributor and rotor.

Drain any old fuel as it will be no good, take a spark plug out connect plug lead lay the plug on the side of the engine to earth it then push the starter button check to see if there is a spark at the electrode should be a bluey colour,make sure the engine has some compression with both plugs in put the bike in 3rd gear and push slowly should feel compression on both cylinders. hope this helps Pete.