Broken Bike -- Need help

[newrider123]

Howdy all,

Just bought my first motorcycle as a project, have been working on it for a while, but I am at a loss. The entire bike doesn't get any power and I can't figure out why. I've been told it's the main fuse but I cannot find the main fuse box on my bike. It is a 1981 Yamaha Virago XV750. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks, Mike

[Gixxus Christ!]

Fuse box is on the front of the bike below the headlight.

[ReconRat]

On older bikes, the contacts in the fuse box can corrode (won't always be visible), causing the fuse to heat up and pop/fail often. Clean or replace the fuse box if this happens. Carry spare fuses.

[hiro]

Wow, a project like that might be better as a 2nd bike. Do you have previous experience with that kind of work, on cars, maybe?

[Strictly Street]

http://www.hotmanuals.com/parts_759/13857048/Yamaha+Xv-700-750-920-1000-1100+Virago+1981-1999+Service+Repair+Manual

 

[hiro]

(Nice looking bike. For some reason I like the look of drum brakes. ^_^)

Corrosion at any point can cause power problems. Even battery cables can corrode inside. Have you tracing the wires with resistance or continuity checks? Maybe test things like the starter separately? Could have a short even.

[max power]

My uncle has a custom one of those. It's for sale. 

[ReconRat]

Also on older bikes and cars, the ground wire from the battery to the frame can corrode and fail at the frame end. No one ever looks there. Keep it clean.