Thanks XMM, i've gotta hunt for a compression tester, but we'll get it checked. I appreciate the help

Virago.......Just got through Completely (and I mean Completely) making an 83 920 roadworthy again. Two things to look at. 1 , if you are sure it's the front cylinder , that little mixture control valve on the left side of the frame up under the steering neck can go bad and lean out the front cylinder to the point where it won't fire. If your bike uses that little contraption , plug the 2 vacuum ports it works off of , and toss it in the trash. 2 , the TCI (computer under the gas tank bolted to the top of the frame..). Just had one rebuilt for the 920 , and it is like a dream. Cost is 99 bucks , and it is totally worth it (if that is your problem).
Here's a link to it:http://homepage.mac.com/ddenowh/TCI/index.html

If yours has the second generation Hitachi carbs on it , the little orifice in the bowl (that runs the idle circuit) has to be spotless (what a terrible design) in order to run properly. Hope this helps. BB

Alright, I checked the spark, both cylinders are getting consistent strong spark when I turn the bike over. I also ran a compression test, but i failed to open the choke and throttle when I did it, How much innaccuracy will that result in. As it was the compression in both cylinders was almost exactly the same. When I pulled the front plug however it was wet, maybe I need to go get the compression tester again, and run another test? We'll keep digging, thanks for the ideas thus far.

My buddy's 920 was delivering spark to both cylinders , and it still had a bad TCI , so........

Sure a float ain't get'n stuck? BB

I've cleaned both carbs, actually went through them 3 times because I was sure it was a fueling issue. I did have a stuck float, and a sticky needle, but both of those issues are long gone. The smaller jets aren't real accessable, and it's possible that something is stuck in the end of one of em, but with the wet plug, i figured that was out. Could be the TCI, any ideas on how to check that unit, i can find no information about testing them online, except that you can't do it. Go figure.

Try this! Hope this helps. There is no test for the TCI

I'll look in my shop tomorrow, I may have an ignitor module... The only way I found to troubleshoot one was to buy a new one and try it... Someone online fixes them, he might be able to help you with the troubleshooting...

XMM wrote:
Try this! Hope this helps. There is no test for the TCI

This is the specs that are almost to small to read above.

XMM wrote:
XMM wrote:
Try this! Hope this helps. There is no test for the TCI

This is the specs that are almost to small to read above.



Here is some more. Sorry guys about all the posts. Just not used to being so limited on image sizes.

Swap the coils and see if the problem "moves". BB

EDIT: Open the link I send you in post #12 , then look at the symptom list......sound like your bike?