Yamaha Customs

hello to everyone! because i'm starting a new riding season i of course want to change oil and oil filter. Because i haven't done this before and because i don't want to start this if i can't do it on my own(but i want to save some money )i ask you guys this: do i need any special yamaha-tools that i don't have? i mean...i have all the standard tools and wrenches you can buy in every shop... thanks for answers!

Anyone knnow the guage of the wires in the loom? The wires that run upto the handlebars switch gear.

Hi all, this is prob a FAQ and already been discussed in depth. As i have said i am new to biking, i flattened my battery yesterday (on my xvs 125) I only left the head light on for about 20 mins, anyway i read up a bit on the net about jumping/ charging batteries i decided to phone the RAC out as i read so much about how if its a gel battery i would damage it by jumping it, and that you need special chargers for bikes etc bla bla bla. So anyway the RAC bloke came and just jumped it off his van no probs! Lesson learned for next time. So my first question, is it normal to flatten a battery after 20 mins? (my mate says it it) Second another mate says i should invest in an o…

Hi all, Due to an error on Yamaha's part I've got the Yamaha XVS950 OEM quick release side arms for sale. If anyone is interested I'm sicking them on ebay (would post a link but would be naughty). Normally wouldn't mention it here, but I know how much yammy charge for parts (£219.99 for these http://www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/accessories/acc_overview.jsp#Star+Acc/XVS950A/XVS950Seat//5S7-F84A0-V0-00) but I know a few of you on here have the 950, so if someone here wants them cheap have a look. They come with the mounting hardware for the 1300 which may/may not be any use for 950? It is only the side arms so you still need to get the uprights and pad... (Th…

hi all could any tell me if there are any drag pipes out ther that are loud but do not need rejetting. i was looking at the caligula drag pipes as these seem to have removable baffles. i have just bought the bike but it sounds crap hope someone can help

Hi, I picked up a reasonable cheap 2000 xvs 650 for a bobber conversion project However there is some corrosion damage on on the rear swing arm and monoshock. I have a replacement swing arm and monoshock but the problem I am having is the rear monoshock bolt and sleeves seem to be rusted solid. Heat and freeing products havent worked and using a longer lever on the bolt dosnt either as it merley lifts the bike up and moves it. Does any one have any other ideas to try as there isnt a lot of room to dry cutting / drilling. Thanks

Hi All, I have recently purchased a XVS 650 Dragstar 1998. I am trying to locate to the battery to give it a charge. Your help would be appreciated.. Cheers, Scott

Hi all, Just wondering if anyone knows any options for removing deep scratches/gouges in chrome exhausts? Is it possible to fill them with anything? Not wanting to replace the exhaust as not worth it, but thought could improve cosmetic looks... Thanks Graham

i'm trying to fix my buddy's virago and i need a little advice. i did some research and it looks like the virago has a history of starter problems because of the way it is designed. my problem isn't the typical grinding problem though. the first thing that happens is it keeps blowing starter solenoids. so to get the starter to engage now i have to short out the connectors on the solenoid itself. when i do that the starter seems to want to turn the engine over but just doesn't have enough power. every once in a while it will work but 90% of the time it clicks but won't turn the flywheel. now i took the starter off and tested it and it seems to turn freely. is it possibl…

G'day All, The other day I was bored out of my brains and decided to surf the web. I cam across a facebook page for a company here in Perth that customises japanese cruisers. Anyway, they did a little XV250 Virago! I emailed them about it and they said they do sell parts for the Virago. They are putting together a bobber kit for the XV250. This bike was built for the owner's wife who is on her learner's licence. They also said it was built as a project that most people could do with some basic tool. Check em' out http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=156924&id=308488526805 There website is www.badpennycustoms.com.au

seeing the thread below about handlebar grips made me decide to share how i fitted my vista (throttle lock) with you. ...the kit comes with a handlebar clamp that fits the other side of the brake master cylinder (i didnt use it), and a 'crossbar' thats supposed to fit over the switch gear (i didnt use that either)...because i couldnt make either of them fit in a way i was satisfied with, after 90 mins of trial and error. instead i made a small 'L' shaped bracket and fixed it to the phillips screw just underneath the top throttle cable on the front of the switchgear. i fitted the slip ring that goes over the twistgrip the wrong way round , i also fitted the 'ca…

Hi everyone. What's the common consensus for the best oil and for that matter spark plugs to use in an xvs 125. cheers Martiniman

Hi anyone had problems with big ends on the xvs650 engines i have got three 650s all with the same problem just wonderd if it was a common problem ??

Hi everyone, newbie here. I own a 'Y' (2001) plate Dragstar 650 classic. I’ve owned the bike for 5 years - and love it. I’m not the jealous type, however I do get exhaust envy. I’ve trawled the interweb trying to find out what my options are on upgrading the exhaust, but I’m still not clear on what road legal options are available to me. I don’t have the inclination to swap the exhaust system every time I’m due an MOT and I’m not interested in trying to make the bike sound like a Sopwith Camel - I like my neighbours. I would like a solution that is a bit more ‘throaty’. Is drilling out the OEM exhaust my best option or is there an off-the-shelf solution that…

i have a dragstar 1100 and am wanting to remove the air induction system, does anyone know where i can buy the kit to block the pipes?

Hi all from a new kid on the block, please be gentle with me if I,m wordy. My daughter has a 250 Dragstar which she described as "needing a bit more grunt". I've hunted high and low online for tuning tips without success. Its a nice little bike, (coming just inside the power to weight for a newbe who isn't the tallest thing on two wheels and cheap to insure). In despiration I went back to the old days when we used to get rid of all the air filters to let the engine breathe. I didn't want to butcher the exhaust or get into major re-carbing. More recent bikes are a bit more sophisticated that the old Amal carb days so I thought a K&N filter would help; but when I stripp…

Ok Boffins Im stuck, bike lost power, I know it shouldn't have a lot but it has EVEN less now. Starts ok idle is ok but when I ride its lame, its lifeless and no its not a LIFAN its an original Yamaha. I cleaned the carb AFTER getting a mate to help loosen screws but even thats not helped - it was ok then but now its intermittent sometimes its 75% ok other times 50% rarely 100%. Cant imagine what else it could be? Spark is ok, the air intake is as close as it can be (never a great fit anyway) so is it just another carb clean and hope what ever is in there I eventually remove?? Could the mixture be out?

I've only had my Midnight star since halfway through december, and only just finished running her in last week. So I've done 1000 miles of commuting in the snow, rain and freezing conditions. Since the weather has picked up a bit, I've gone for a few ride outs just for fun and being as the roads are now dry - I've been leaning more. I only scraped the boards for the first time just over a week ago, and now I keep getting them - I can see this getting annoying by the end of the summer - They catch the ground much more than the pegs on the Dragstar did! So what can be done? Any ideas?? Looking down at the boards whilst riding along I noticed that they're m…

Excuse my extreme thickness, but how do I upload images onto the forum? (It's at times like this that I wish we were all still using the abacus). Please help.....AAAARRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH........... Thanks, Roy

Hello all! New to the forum so hello everyone! Can anyone tell me anywhere that i can get my hands on some custom parts (wing mirrors, indicators etc) for my XVS 125 Dragstar cheers Martiniman PS sorry if this is an FAQ