I have a 99 XV1100SE, and the same problem shows up occasionally. Kill switch in the right position. Kick stand up. Press starter, lights on the instruments dance, but no start. Not even a click.

Ignition off, put the bike into reverse, hold the clutch in and back the bike up a foot or two and let the clutch lever snap out to force the engine to move some and try again. It always starts right away when I do that. I think the motor is stopping at top dead centre when the no start happens. Why? No idea.

You can, of course, accomplish the same thing by putting it in second and repeating the performance while moving forward, but it's just easier to get the motor internals to shift a little (that's all it takes) when you're pushing back with your legs.

BTW I bought mine with 19,000 km on the clock in May 2008, and it now has 49,000 on it today, October 24, 2010.

I'm looking to do handling and power upgrades on this Virago. I really love it and will have it for a long time, so I want to improve both those areas as much as possible. I have my own ideas on customizing the looks, but I'm always up for good ideas.

If you have any ideas, please feel free to send them to me at chrisviragoupgrades@gmail.com

No worries, I just created this email address while writing this for the sole purpose of getting email from people who have experience and/or advice on how to improve the machine.

Thanks in advance, and I will answer every email.