MoreBeer

Changed the oil on the Virago 125 today, including a new filter and new sump plug and washer. It's the first time it's been done since I bought the bike last year, as it was allegedly done the week I got it, and I'd hazard a guess that it had been as the filter I removed wasn't too badly off. Can't comment on the oil as I've been topping it up due to a bad seal on the drain bolt (hence the new one and washer) caused the bike to leak a small amount of oil over time. Anyway, aside from leaving it far too long all went okay apart from the frontmost bolt for the oil filter cover (well it's more a big screw than a bolt really ) had it's head stripped. Had to use molegrips to undo and tighten it up in the end. I checked Wemoto but couldn't find the bolt needed, any ideas where I can get one? Of the 3 bolts that hold the cover in place it's the frontmost one and about 3 times longer than the other 2 bolts

I'm keeping the standard lights unless they decide to die As I said in the OP this is a bike that will turn into a ratbike, there's no turning it into a gothic bike It'll basically look like a bag of nails but be mechanically sound! It only cost me £400 as a partial runner anyway and it's cost me a whole £60 to get it roadworthy again. In fact I'd wager it's in better shape than it's been for the past 5 years. The guy that owned it before me must have had the mechanical aptitude of a baboon, because I have found so many cross threaded bolts it's unreal (all the airbox bolts, the oil filler cap..one spark plug..speaking of which it also had the wrong type of spark plugs..) I'm no mechanic, but even I can put a bolt in without mashing it up

As my Virago is slowly turning into a rat bike I figured I'd give it a paint job to suit, well that and the fact that various parts have been treated with Kurerust and the side panels were different colours from the rest of the bike.. Anyway, it's now matt black, as that's the only paint I had to hand lol. Other modifications to the bike are renthal handlebars (temporary as the originals were bent, more custom like bars are in the shed, just waiting til I get paid to get some Bar End mirrors for them) Currently has some cheap as chips taiwanese mirrors but I don't like them The photo makes it look better than it really is, the paitn job is crap as I have no real spraying skills, however it's still tidier than it was beforehand. Next up will be home made fork gaiters...

Yeah I just listed those two as an example I might just order one from M&P as they do them too. Thanks for the advice Paul

Hi there, As my Speedometer has a non working bulb, and because it's scratched to hell I have decided to repalce the Speedometer on my Virago XV125. As getting an official speedo is either too expensive, or like gold dust, I'm looking at a 'universal' speedometer. Basicall wondering if a speedo like the below will connect to the existing speedo cable etc? Speedometer 1 or: Speedometer 2 If so that would be cool, and save me some cash! Saving cash is good, just cost me £150 to get my other bike through it's MOT!!

I wouldn't use WD 40, it freezes at a higher temp than other oils (along with 3 in 1 oil) and might just cause your throttle cable to freeze open on a freezing cold morning on the way home from a night shift. Happened to me 3 weeks ago As well as the clutch cable also freezing! I have since re-lubed the cables with engine oil and not had the freeze problem since (and it was -9 the other day!!!)

I think he's asking how long it will take..possibly

After oiling the choke and throttle cables, messing with the idle screw, and running some Redex through the system the bike is running much better. I'll have the air filter out when on my next days off to check that (wasn't sure where it was at first.. but I do now) but according to the receipts that came with the bike, that was replaced 500 miles ago, along with the fork oil/seals, chain, sprockets and wheel bearings.

Bars arrived this morning, so set about fitting them..as it seems people like step by step stuff, here's some pics Click the images for a bigger version. Had to adjust the handlebars to lean a little further back after a test ride as it was a touch uncomfortable. As I thought, the right side clamp is a little bent too, so need to order clamps The idiot lights panel is missing a bolt too (my fault I dropped it and then lost it) so cable tied on one side for now, so it's uneven, will put a new bolt in at the same time as I replace the clamps. Also still waiting on the bar ends, hopefully they arrive Monday. Overall it's made the bike much more comfortable and a better riding position in my opinion Need to order some more mirrors...the ones on the bike now there is no way to actually see behind very well as they were designed for the standard bars for the Virago --edit I found an old mirror I had from my SR125 so stuck that on so I have 1 mirror that actually lets me see behind, new pair on order from eBay.

I've done this with the choke cable, but using 3in1 rather than WD40, seems to have freed it up some, I'll do the throttle cable tomorrow see if it makes a difference.

Adjusting the idle screw worked, though I think it's maybe revving a little too high so I may have to adjust it a little more I think the throttle cable needs replacing as it sticks a little, maybe the choke cable too. Other than that and the aforementioned handlebars it's all good

Thanks for the help there Paul. I hadn't checked the plugs etc last night, as I'd literally just bought the bike (VERY cheap due to the issues), and it was raining, so didn't fancy messing with it in the cold and wet I'll take a look at the plugs etc a little later on when The mrs is back from shopping and give you an update. (I have the kids while she's shopping..suits me I hate shopping!) I can't say how high the revs are, there is no rev counter on a '97 XV 125:)

Hi there, I joined up here a while back but never posted, sorry! Could use a little help if anyone is willing. I've picked up a '97 Virago XV 125 for a bargain price, but it has minor crash damage. The most prominent being slightly bent handlebars. There doesn't seem to be any 'proper' bars for sale on eBay, but I was wondering f any others will fit? I'd actually prefer straighter bars anyway Would standard renthal bars fit? (Chrome of course to match..) Other issues, the speedometer has no working light so is unreadable at night, is this user serviceable? In other words is it hard to replace the bulb? The last issue is the fact that it just won't idle too well it often stalls, but it runs fine otherwise. Any help for the above issues would be greatly appreciated!