Virago sump oil surge issue

[Brant]

The Virago VX1100 is a great basis for a trike (I think) but in my case with just one niggling problem.  On long fast right handers (big roundabouts especially) the oil warning light comes on.  I suppose oil surging away from the pump is the problem (engine remaining vertical rather than tilting over).  Anyone out there with solution/ ideas?

[the coppersmith]

Is the sump removable, i.e. a separate item that could be baffled?? interesting problem.

[Brant]

Not a removable sump in the sense that typical car engines are.  I've never stripped down a VX1100 engine but suspect baffling the bottom end is not an easy option(?).

I posted the question in hope of a solution rather than expectation and suppose I may just have to live with it.  It's not a major issue, just something to bear in mind when cornering (though not a problem on left handers).

[hunter]

I take it the pick-up pipe is on the left then,
Could you make the pick-up pipe a little longer,
Alway's make sure the oil level is on max,
Even add a little extra just over the mark.

[BikerGran]

Is it due for an oil change?  Oil tends to lose its viscosity when it's old, so would surge more easily.

[rob62]

Dont panic viragos do that...it is an oil level light not a low pressure warning.the sensor is on the left so on a right hander the oil runs away from the sensor putting the liht on. you will find it may happen on long steep hills as well

[Brant]

Dont panic viragos do that...it is an oil level light not a low pressure warning.the sensor is on the left so on a right hander the oil runs away from the sensor putting the liht on. you will find it may happen on long steep hills as well

I like this reply best!  Good man!

Having now looked at the wiring diagram the switch for the warning light is indeed refered to as an "Oil Level Switch".  I suppose if there is no oil pressure switch/ warning light then we simply have to play it by ear and listen for the death rattle of knocking and banging to know when it's running without presure (but by that time it's too late of course).

Thanks Rob.

[BikerGran]

 I suppose if there is no oil pressure switch/ warning light then we simply have to play it by ear and listen for the death rattle of knocking and banging to know when it's running without presure (but by that time it's too late of course).

Just like most cars.

[rob62]

Thats what happened to my last engine....no warning just a sudden loss of power then a lot of knocking

[Brant]

Thats what happened to my last engine....no warning just a sudden loss of power then a lot of knocking

Was that a Virago?

[rob62]

yep...but dont worry it was a high mileage 750 with questionable oil in it