Jet problems with a 1993 Yamaha Virago 535?

So if anyone remembers me I recently had a Maxim 650 with transmition problems which I eventually sold. Now I bought me a Yamaha Virago 535 and a day after driving it I notice new problems. If anyone could help that would be a life saver.
1) When I turn it on it putters, I hear a weird ffn ffn ffn noise comming from the carburator (I believe) and it runs a low idle.
2) When I'm ridding it it has a low response with the throttle. I pull back on the throttle and it doesn't pick up speed untill a moment later. ''EEEEENNNN'' bump ''uuunnnn''
I took it to a non-motorcycle mechanic and he noticed it had after market exhausts and recommended it needed the Jets redone.
I would like a second opinion before I take it to a mech and get charged a lump sum of cash. What does it sound like?

 

Needs a carb cleaning, process is the same as a xj. They are not hard to do since there is only 2 carbs. Don't let someone who does not work on bikes do the carb work. If the bike has stock intake and aftermarket exhaust the stock jetting is close and should run good although 1 size up on the main jet makes it better.
I just did a 920 virago with similar problems. Went through the carbs did all the normal things, float levels, sync, etc. It ran good. Went one size up on the main and it runs great.

 

Ah, thanks! I think I'm going to take your advice and not try to do it myself. Which means $500 mech here I come! When I have the money...
BTW do think it's alright to still drive in it's current state? It's my ONLY ride around and I need it.
And seriously thanks. It's good to know what the problem is!

 

eh? Bump

 

Kind of hard to say it is OK to ride without hearing it. A stumbling throttle could be as simple as fouled plugs or more complicated like carb floats too high. Virago carbs are easy to work on, if it was mine I would take the carbs out and clean , check everything. If you are experenced with carb work it can be done in 2 or 3 hours, a bit more if you are green.
I do suggest getting a manual if you don't have one. It will explain all the procedures. They are available on line for free , just start looking. I got mine at http://www.viragotechforum.com/

 

If it's like any old bike, nobody's ever adjusted the valves, replaced the air filter or anything else that doesn't jump up and smack them in the face.

Valve adjustment on that motor is by screws in the ends of the rocker arms, IIRC, much easier than on the XJs.

It will need its brakes attended to, just like any other bike over about 4~5 years old; if it has the original lines, they're old enough to need replacing. Caliper and master seals need to be replaced, like NOW.

That bike has a drum rear brake; the same brake as many XJs. You'd best check it for delamination like you would an XJ, and SOON. If it comes apart it will drop you on your butt. READ: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

If it has cast wheels and the original tires, replace the tires immediately regardless of remaining tread. Anything over 6 years is dangerous. If it has wire wheels and the original tires, replace the tubes IMMEDIATELY.

Quite honestly, I personally wouldn't even ride it until all of the above are dealt with properly. It's an old motorcycle; you can't simply ignore things until they fail, you could get hurt or worse.

Get a manual and get busy; lots cheaper than a hospital bill.

 

@bigfitz52
The prevous owner said he had good tires, batteries, and brakes which I'm inclined to believe him. There's no wear to be seen and the bike looks pretty much new for everything else. Well taken care of. I'm not sure about valve adjustments. If you'd be willing to explain what valve adjustments are for I'd be thankful.

The bike has only 6,000 some miles on it and he showed me that while he's had it he's only put on about 160 miles so the bike has to have sat.

I've recently heard about seafoam for carburetors? Could someone explain exactly what seafoam's about? Where I can find some? I've heard while it doesn't match to taking the carb out and cleaning it it will remove light gunk build up if that's your only problem.
I'd rather try the seafoam if it'll help but seeing as I have only $50 to my name I might consider trying the carb cleaning myself following the manual and youtube.

 

Never believe what the PO says about their bike. Even though the brakes may work , that does not mean they are safe. These bikes are almost 30 years old with parts the same age. The brake pads and shoes are glued to the metal backing plates, do you trust 30 year old glue with your life? The pads and shoes can come loose and break off the backing plates. No brakes is a really bad thing.
Your bike is due for a valve adjustment, Yamaha recommends the first one at 5000 miles. Valve adjustment is ckecking the clearence between the rocker arm and valve tip. It is a critical adjustment that greatly effects engine life and preformance. It is much easier to do on a Virago than a XJ, just a screw and nut to turn.
Sea-Foam is a solvent/cleaner for fuel sustems. Get it at most auto parts stores. It will help clean the carbs, but will not solve all carb problems. It would be worth a try.

 

You guys are making sense with the check ups. I'll look into the brakes and such.
For the valve adjustment I'll youtube it and I have the manual so I'll look into it too.
Thanks guys. This forum is always a good help to my inexperianced self.

 

I noticed in your second post you said you were going to have someone else do the work. Personally, I'd do it myself if I were you. Not only will it save you a ton of money, but no one cares about your life like you do.

I like to know that things are done right when I trust my life to them, and maybe I just ain't the trusting type, but that usually means I want to be the one to have done the work.

Most things aren't hard to do, they're just time consuming and a bit scary the first time. Go slow and methodical and you'll be fine.