Hi all, Cliffa here, fairly new to the Virago tech forum. I've got an '81 TR1 which I really like. I just wanted to post what I think was a pretty dangerous incident that happened to me today. I was on my way home from work, had just filled up with fuel then on a clear section of road gunned the old girl up to about 110 Kph and through a long left hand curve. Backing off as I came into a village, my left foot felt cold. I looked down and was horrified to see petrol gushing out of the tank and going everywhere. I stopped as quick as possible making sure to avoid the rear brake and shut the engine off, jumped off the bike and stood well back expecting it to burst into flames as fuel vapour coming from all over the barrels. Luckily it didn't so after a couple of minutes I went over to the bike, only to see that the bottom union of the fuel tap had dropped out !! (see the attached pics). I pushed it back into place, started the engine and it didn't leak, so I rode home very carefully while holding it in place, then when I got home safety wired it so it wont drop out again. Surely it's not a push fit is it? The screw and notched plate in the pics only seem to stop it swivelling. Anyway I thought I'd highlight this issue ( I'm sure it's already been done before somewhere, but I could find no mention of it). But I would advise that anyone who still has the original taps check that the bottom is secure.

I know a lot of people have replaced these original taps, but mine seemed to be ok until today. What it the best tap to use as a replacement?

Cheers, Cliffa.

Hi Cliffa,

same as George - fixed with a wire strap. I forgot since when. I think 2007. For heavens sake.......... time is running.

Greets

T M