I just purchased a Virago 750 and am having the starter challenge.  When I try to start it, the idler gear #2 engages with the flywheel, turns it a few times, then the idler gear #1 (the one that mates to the starter) just spins freely.  I imagine that the idler wheel has dislodged itself from the #1 idler gear.  Any ideas on what would cause that would be greatly helpful.  I am SOOOO tired of removing and reinstalling the side cover!!!  Thanks for everybody's help!!!!  

The Yamaha's made in the 80's like your bike have one of the worst starter systems to trouble-shoot and repair of any bike out there. Good luck on correcting your problems.  

use to own a xv1100 that had the same problem. there is a kit you can buy that replaces the bushings that will correct the problem. there is also a virago owners group website that will probally be more  helfull to ya  also. good luck.