1999 XV1100 Battery cable connection points (west Texas) (SOLVED)

[Aphexangel]

Hello!
I recently purchased a non-running 1999 virago 1100 from a fellow who had left gas in the tank for seven years and apparently pulled a bit of the wiring out. I've rebuilt the air and fuel systems, but I'm not sure where the negative terminal connects to on the bike side. The positive seems to be intact and in decent condition, but the negative was not on the bike - I did purchase a proper replacement, but have no idea where it connects to. Would anyone be able to provide a photo or a description?
Thanks!

[ViragoJoe]

Hello!
I recently purchased a non-running 1999 virago 1100 from a fellow who had left gas in the tank for seven years and apparently pulled a bit of the wiring out. I've rebuilt the air and fuel systems, but I'm not sure where the negative terminal connects to on the bike side. The positive seems to be intact and in decent condition, but the negative was not on the bike - I did purchase a proper replacement, but have no idea where it connects to. Would anyone be able to provide a photo or a description?
Thanks!

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Aphexangel,

Add your bike information to your profile "What Virago you Own:" and your "Location". If you open another topic and forget to mention what year and model Virago you have. We won't be able to assist you and we'll just move on to someone else.

Help us out, so we can help you out. Fill in your profile.

[Aphexangel]

Okay, it's both in the profile and the post now.

[ViragoJoe]

Okay, it's both in the profile and the post now.

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What State?

Negative cable is mounted under the rear brake light switch bracket screw and the negative battery terminal.

[Aphexangel]

Out in west Texas. I'll grab a photo tomorrow while I'm working on it, not quite positive where the rear brake light switch bracket screw is, unless it's 23 in this diagram.
The diagrams provided in the clymer manual really aren't all too specific with how things are set up, and it's a bit confusing working on them after only working on Honda 750s up until now, lol.

[ViragoJoe]

Post by Aphexangel » Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:45 pm
Out in west Texas. I'll grab a photo tomorrow while I'm working on it, not quite positive where the rear brake light switch bracket screw is, unless it's 23 in this diagram.
The diagrams provided in the clymer manual really aren't all too specific with how things are set up, and it's a bit confusing working on them after only working on Honda 750s up until now, lol.

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Aphexangel,

Yup, that's the bracket #23 it sits behind when screwed onto the bikes engine. Make the eyelet nice and shinny on both sides. Wire brush it or sand paper prior to installing. Do the same for the battery terminal eyelet. Due to the short length of the cable itself, you'll have to play with it a bit to get the best path to the battery negative terminal.

Overtime and getting more familiar with your Virago, you'll find it easier to work on. Folks find the carburetors to be somewhat of a challenge, however, there are ways and (tricks) to make the removal and installation more palatable.

Click on Imagines to Enlarge Them:
Image of battery Cable:

BATTERY CABLE NEGATIVE XV1100.png

The eyelet goes behind the bracket next to the engine:

Brake Pedal Switch Yamaha Virago.jpg

Rear Brake Light Switch Location, Negative Cable behind its mounting bracket:

FUEL SHUT OFF VALVE 2.jpg

How to remove and reinstall virago carbs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9TZOLgop3I

[Aphexangel]

Thank you very much, and yes, the carburetors seem to be a little on the complex side with all the air intakes that seem to go to nowhere and the vacuum system. I think I've got a handle on that part, though, thanks so much for the help and clarification!

[Aphexangel]

I did promise photos of the bike's condition, so here they are. The fuel system was entirely rusted out, so all the line and the components needed treating or replacing. Both tanks were treated over the span of a week with evaporust after flushing them with water and sand, then loaded with non-ethanol fuel to prevent flash rusting. The AIS was modified, apparently for high elevation in Colorado, by filling a lot of the AIS lines with silicone - I've removed those and replaced them. The reed valve was just a block of rust internally due to this modification, had to be replaced. The carb internals were completely thrashed, but at least the plastic slide guides and most of the rubber survived. All of the line, be it fuel, vacuum, or air, was so dry rotted it crumbled in my fingers as I took it off - you can see the condition the rubber was in just from the tires here. THe carb boots? Completely shot. Even had to replace the gas cap gasket. I haven't even looked at restoring the cables yet. I did fix the timing after inspecting the crank case and cam chains - no rust, amazingly. The cylinder walls looked excellent on the borescope, so did the pistons aside from a little carbon scoring. The old plugs indicated that it was running close to optimal before it was left to sit for seven odd years, with a light tan coloration and even soot distribution. The crank also rotates beautifully, so I'm really looking forward to firing this up in a couple days.
It's my first Virago, and already it's being a fun challenge.