help needed

[chromium05]

This is a request for physical help.

I have a 1999 vamaha virago 125 with a knackered exhaust. I will have a replacement one ordered, along with gaskets etc but have idea how to go about removing and replacing the bloody things.

The box where all pipes meet is cracked - tried gun gum but no joy - I can't reach the bit that needs doing.

I wondered if there was anyone on here that had a bit of experience of these things and a bit of time to help with it in exchange for a few beer/pizza tokens?

I'd take it to a mechanic but money is extremely tight at the moment and the noise it's making is horrendous and downright embarrassing.

I'm in Galleywood if anyone could help

Cheers in advance of any suggestions

Darrell

[kasandrich]

Do you have somewhere to work, out of the weather?....garage etc?

..and when will you have the parts?

I may be able to come over friday evening if you have a garage?


No beer tokens neccessary, but I would be more inclined to show you how to do it yourself rather than do it for you......"give a man a fish...." and all that stuff. But don't worry about tools I would bring those with me in case you don't have the right tools.

[chromium05]

Thank you for the offer.

Unfortunately - I do not have a garage - the bike is on the drive.

Not sure when the parts will get here but it is the removal of the exhaust that I really need showing. Once I have got it off, I "Should" be able to get the new one on when it arrives. I always make notes when taking bits apart so I have a reference should I need it.

Haynes don't do a manual for this bike either

I am easy on when - I finish work and am home for noon on weekdays and off on sundays.

Many thanks

[kasandrich]

Obviously I do not have a workshop manual to hand or any specific experience of the 125 Virago, but I have just looked at a picture on google and there seems to be two separate pipes, one for the front cylinder and one for the rear........am I looking at the right bike?

http://media.vivastreet.com/v1/9/5/1/photo_1341857

[Max Lean]

By the look of it the front section should be easy to get to, its the rear that looks a pain. you may have to remove the side panels and take the battery out and possibly access the manifold bolts through there.

BE WARNED, use alot of wd40/plus gas on the bolts a few days before trying to remove it. the bolts are like cheese on them. especially after being exposed to the elements..

[r6paul]

Thought, i saw that outside yours the other day!!

Rich if you come over, i live across the road. Can always use my garage and tools! (not great but its out the wind and tools are better than none. lol)

[chromium05]

Obviously I do not have a workshop manual to hand or any specific experience of the 125 Virago, but I have just looked at a picture on google and there seems to be two separate pipes, one for the front cylinder and one for the rear........am I looking at the right bike?

http://media.vivastreet.com/v1/9/5/1/photo_1341857

Yeah - that's the right one. The exhaust is a 2 into 1 (the 1 being the bottom pipe) the top pipe is dummy - I didn't realise until having a good look the other day.

The bolts on the rear section DO look a pain but there is a collar attaching the top pipe that unbolts and slides down the pipe giving access. and on the other side the ignition barrel (key) is unbolted (a wierd star shaped screw head) to access the bolt.

Paul - that's a kind offer mate. Did you hear me going to work at 4:30 am on monday? I cringed all the way

[DJMCJERICO]

The top pipe is not a dummy, they are both fully working, just the rear one goes into the box.

I had to replace my exhaust and got a pair of straights, the box is connected to the exhaust, if you have ordered a new standard exhaust you should get a new box.

The front and rear exhaust are both conected so don't try and take them off seperately.

Karl used to have the same bike and gave me a Haynes manual for a 535, with the obvious differences the xv125, xv250 and xv 535 are more or less the same bike, I think the 535 frame is about 3 inch longer so its worth getting hold of a manual.


If you replace the downpipe on your bike and want to sell the old one then give me a shout as the colla snapped on mine and is bodge welded.

[kasandrich]

Thats a kind offer Paul.

Chromium05, can you give it a good dowsing with WD40 or better still proper penetrating oil round the bolts. It won't hurt to do it several times, may smoke a bit when you use it.

I don't know when we are going to get it done, I could do friday evening, but you have no garage or light. Paul has offered his but I know he will not be there friday evening, saturday is Moped Madness, both Paul and I will be at Lydden. Sunday I will be out until about 2pm, and I have a couple of jobs to do at home in the afternoon. Next week I am on lates, so working until 8pm or later, and next weekend I am away.

When will you have the parts?

[r6paul]

No worries, decide when you want to do it and let me know. If im around then you can use what space there is in the garage

[chromium05]

Kasandrich,

It's not so much about getting the new one on - it's getting this one off. Once I can see how and where I can reverse the process (hopefully).

I have no idea when the new bits will be here.

If I can get this exhaust off, I have been offered a weld job so if it can be repaired I'll put this one back on and resell the new one.

Have my full test in 3 weeks (again) so with any luck, I'll be selling the virago to move up a few sizes....

Timing - I can do any day after midday.

Thank you all