Replacement Starter Brushes

[1986 XV700]

I've read of several members having trouble with their starters and decided to do a little bit of research. One of the first things I did was to search VT posts to see what I could figure out. The first thing that I found out was that the brushes out of a 1980 1100 Goldwing will interchange with a two brush Virago starter. That post also mentioned that these are Mitsuba starters. I started to consider that perhaps there is only a few different size Mitsuba brushes available and found what appears to be an answer HERE. If you notice they say that the "brushes" are interchangeable, but go on to talk about soldering the new leads to the existing terminals. This is helpful if you don't mind a little extra work to get your brushes installed.

My next step was to find out how the brushes would interchange within the various years of Virago's. This yielded some very interesting information, based on the parts cross-reference feature on Boats. Here's what I found out:

Brush Interchangeability:
Two Brush Starters 1980 - 1989 -- 700, 750, 920, 1000 and 1100 Virago's plus other models
Four Brush Starters 1990 - 1999 -- 750 and 1100 Virago's and 2000 - 2009 1100 V Stars

Brush Holder Interchangeability:
Two Brush Starters 1980 - 1989 -- 700 (except 84 & 85), 750, 920,1000, and 1100
Two Brush Starters 1984 - 1985 -- 700 (I imagine the above brush holder would fit)
Four Brush Starters 1990 - 1999 -- 750 and 1100 Virago's and 2000 - 2009 1100 V Stars

Starter Interchangeability:
1981 - 1985 -- 700, 750, 920 2 brush (Short Shaft)
1984, 1985 -- 1000, and 1986 - 1999 700, 750, 1100 4 brush (Long Shaft)
The two brush replacement starter is only available for 81-85 700, 750, and 920 bikes, all other have been upgraded to four brush starters. I think that I've read on this forum that it is possible to install four brush starters on 1981 - 1985 700, 750, 920 bikes but it will probably require upgrading the starter gears inside the crankcase.

What is the purpose in all of this other than to note how the starters and brushes interchange with one another? If your looking for brushes then there are many options available to you, especially if you have a two brush starter, for example.
Dennis Kirk
Z1 Enterprises

Here's some links for two and four brush kits: (use clockwise rotation kits)
eBay
Cycle-Re-Cycle
Dennis Kirk 2 Brush Kit
Z1 Enterprises
Google It

This info is primarily based on having brushes that will fit a Virago starter due to being able to interchange Mitsuba brushes, without forking over $30 each at a dealership or online. It is possible that a brush plate kit might have to be modified a little to fit the starter or you may have to relocate the brushes and springs to your plate.

If I failed to properly research this topic pleas let me know so it can be corrected.

[mark75]

Good info, Scott.
Thanks!

[1986 XV700]

One thing that I forgot to add on the original post. Because of the similarity between these starters I've got a hunch that a four brush kit might fit into a two brush starter. If someone has one of each for comparison or we could get a picture of each with measurements then it could be confirmed.

[daddydutch74]

Thank for all the usefull info man.
I'll set a bookmark on this thread for sure.

Cheers,
Al.

[Ernie-NH]

Hi Guys....

My first Post here on the Virago Forum... however want to compliment Scott of this very useful and applicable research. I hope that eventually as I rebuild my "new to me" Virago I'll be able to do likewise !

The question today is: Has anyone determined IF the 2-brush and 4-brush starters are interchangeable ??

Thanks in advance for your assistance with my project....

Best regards...........// Ernie in NH

[grazingazer]

awesome thread scott

[48vintage]

Good un Scott

Gary

[1986 XV700]

Thanks Graz and Gary

Ernie, I've heard or the mod being done on the older bikes and I think funkamongus has done it to his bike. Shoot him a PM and see if he can enlighten you, or if he will (maybe has) start a thread on how its done.

[48vintage]

Ernie - Yes, you can get a 4 brush starter to replace the 2 brush - just bolt it on . . . eBay has them.

Gary

[Ernie-NH]

Thanks guys...

From all the reading I've been doing here, it sounds like the "starter etc." is one of the Achilles Heels of the Virago Engine design, but one which has been solved by most of you.. EBay has 'em as does the "OldBikeBarn" ... so It looks like that's where I'll start ( 4 brush Mitsuba and replacement gear kit )

Very best regards and thanks again....// Ernie in NH

[anaman51]

I'm running a new four-brush starter on my '81 XV750 and it's a huge improvement. Lots of power. There are others out there much less costly than Mitsuba, though. Here's the place I got mine; take a look: EMS Global Direct Starters. If I'm not mistaken, they also sell starter rebuild kits.

I've bookmarked this thread. Thanks for the research!

Dan

[totallyredvirago]

i know its a old thread. but the info in it needs to be taken on some more..
my question is. and i think i read the answer (yes).
can i convert my 2 brush 82 xv750 starter to a 4 brush without buying a starter?......dan

[madhatter4119]

Great Question... wouldn't that be nice if we could...one I would do in a NY second...???

[Marvelicious]

I've wondered that myself. I'll make more popcorn if you try it!

[1986 XV700]

Different bike and starter, same configuration. Norton Commando with Prestolite two field coil starter and four brushes.

Looks like you could install the four brush holder and reconnect the field windings to the same set of brushes as before then extend leads from each opposing brush to the other. This should connect opposing brushes in parallel to each other while maintain the proper polarity to the field windings. I'm assuming the eBayer has his facts straight. From what I can tell the Mitsuba starters are fairly consistent in the case sizes so the brush holder should work.

[1986 XV700]

Here's another tid-bit of info I found in my search last night. Its not specific to Virago starters but is one of the most useful instructional videos I've seen. Thank you US Army for this little nugget from 1956.

Video from : www.youtube.com

[totallyredvirago]

scott
thanks for the new info and keeping up with it.
i am stuck trying to get a p/n for the norton 4 brush kit.
if i can find a kit i will buy one and try it on one of my starters...........dan

[bstig60]

If you have the 4 brush starter, you can replace the long shaft with the short shaft, I believe and get the 4 brush in the early 750 that way.

[totallyredvirago]

thats the thing bill.. i do not have a 4 brush starter..
ok lets say i had one.. how do i get a 4 brush repair kit for it??
if they sell the 4 brush starter then they have to sell a kit?............dan

[Streetmedik]

I have seen some places selling repair kits for 4 brush starters. If I remember where, I will post it.

Found this... http://www.ebay.com/itm/STARTER-REBUILD ... 0391161799

The company is EMS Global... http://www.emsglobaldirect.com

They would likely have ones for other 4-brush starters.