Topic: Running issues!

[NoVaCain]

Hi guy, got a question for you gurus out there. The bike recently started acting up, she runs fine for about 10 miles or so, then she starts to idle really rough and will stall unless I give some throttle. On top of that, when I hit the throttle she will rev up to 2 or 3k and stay there, even after I close the throttle, I have to dial her down with the idle adjust and catch it before the engine cuts out. I checked the throttle cables and they aren't sticking that I can see, and she runs great the first few miles, after that the only way I can seem to keep her going is by constantly messing with the idle at stoplights. Any ideas where I should start?

[1timduke]

Sounds like the idle mixture is off, does operating the choke after warming up help or hurt it?   Have you checked the air filter, could be making it run rich, or a cracked boot making it lean...lots of things to check.   Did this condition sneak up or happen all the sudden after plenty of good rides?

-Tim

[TwoTired]

Any ideas where I should start?

Sure. Start with a complete tune-up, and vacuum sync the carbs.

[NoVaCain]

Synched the carbs and tuned up two months ago. I did switch to a foam filter though, didn't think that would be enough to cause this much of a disruption. I will futz with the idle mixture and see what happens. Operating the choke makes the engine die if shes warmed up.

[TwoTired]

We won't know the maintenance history of your bike unless you tell us about it.

Drain and catch the contents of each carb bowl into a clean container.  Look for debris larger than .016 inch.  If you find some, you have a cleaning issue and a possible fuel supply problem.

Also, you can spray the carb couplers with WD-40 to see if you have a vacuum intake leak.  The liquid will change the idle characteristics.