 Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 53
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Hi everyone. I hope you all don't mind but I have a newbie question to ask you. First, thanks for answering all of the questions my wife has posted. It has been a big help.
Just a little background. This is my first motorcycle. I have taken and passed the MSF class, and currently have my permit. Right now I am running into some trouble with my bike, and I don't know if it is me or my bike. We have plans to take it in to the shop in the couple of weeks to get the taillight repaired, so we will also have it checked out mechanically then. But in the meantime, I thought I would get y'alls insight on what I might be doing or if it sounds like something might be going on with my bike. I am having issues with the bike dying on me while driving, especially around 2nd and 3rd gear. At first I thought the problem might be me shifting gears to early from 2nd to 3rd because that is when the bike keeps dying, or maybe I was riding the clutch or throttle. But it has also happened as I down shift when I come to a stop. After the bike dies it takes about a minute or two until I can restart it. I have only been riding on a 1/2 mile strip so I can get comfortable with it and only getting up to about 35 or 40 mph. Any suggestions on what I am doing wrong, or does it sound like something might be going on with the bike. Honestly at first I thought it might be out of gas, but I have filled it up (with premium) and still having this issue.
Thanks,
Andrew
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62 |
2 things pop to mind right off, venting problem or hidden filter clogged. Not limited to those but they are common. Try riding with your gas cap loose (careful not to lose it) allowing it to vent through the cap, if that cures it you have a clogged or pinched vent. Clean the hidden filter and maybe your petcock too. Hidden filter is located between the carbs. trace your fuel line from the gas tank down to where it meets a T, pull it off that T fitting and the hidden filter is inside that T. It is just a fine screen and clogs easily. If it is a vent problem I or another member can lead you through trouble shooting that. Several easily checked common causes there.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 53
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 53 |
Thanks Earl I will give the gas cap a try tommorrow.
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62 |
My name is Ian , Earl refers to the number of posts.  You're welcome though.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Settle down Earl.
I agree though, probably the vent.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 6
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
My name is Ian , Earl refers to the number of posts.
Quote:
Settle down Earl.
now thats funny
Last edited by roadworthy; 05/23/2008 9:25 PM.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16 |
Hi Dinah, I see you have a America correct? No tachometer?
It's quite possible the bike is ideling to low and you are shifting early. There is a black knob on the left side at the base of the carburetor. After the bike is warmed up put it in neutral and adjust the knob a little until the engine speed increases somewhat.
Normally if the bike dies while running at normal speeds you may have a vent line blockage as the others suggested but that should have no correlation to shifting between 2nd and third.
At about what speed are you shifting?
Mike
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Hey Andrew, Mike is right...run the idle up a little until you get familiar with the bike. Also, wouldn't hurt to check the battery connections to insure they're good-n-tight, a loose connector can display the same symptoms.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
Quote:
Quote:
My name is Ian , Earl refers to the number of posts.
Quote:
Settle down Earl.
now thats funny
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 53
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OP
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 53 |
Mike,
I do have a tach, but I haven't been watching it probably as close as I should. I would say I have been shifting into 2nd @ about 20 mph and 3rd @ 30 mph. Am I shifting too soon?
-Andrew
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 53
Member
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Will do. Dinah and I just went to barns and noble and I picked up a how to motorcycle repair guide just to help teach me some of the different parts and basics. I just wonder since the guy we bought it from had health problems if the bike had been sitting for a while. Could that be some of the issue? I am no mechanic so I am trying to learn as much as I can quickly. I will try the gas cap first and then go through the list of other suggestions.
You guys have been a lot of help, especially you Earl, um I mean Ian:) LOL
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
I very much doubt it's your gear changes. I think you would know (lugging and chain chatter or whatever it's called in English) and adjust accordingly.
As others have already stated, it could be your idle is too low. Try anything between 1000 and 1100 rpms (if you have a rev counter, if not, listen to your adjustments, you'll know if it's too much). Anything over that is way too much (and detrimental to your fuel range/economy).
This along with the aforementioned fuel supply and battery connection checks should cover your woes.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Mike,
I do have a tach, but I haven't been watching it probably as close as I should. I would say I have been shifting into 2nd @ about 20 mph and 3rd @ 30 mph. Am I shifting too soon?
-Andrew
Yes, these parallel twins like to rev higher. Try shifting @ 25 and @40~45 and practice that bit until you get the momentum and clutch release smooth. As a new rider, don't push it until you get comfortable and smooth. On the other hand, the engine is a big gyroscope so some higher revs will help stabilize your balance. Then you should cruise around in 3rd some between 35 to 45 and get a feel for the motor so you can tell when it begins to lug...let the bike teach you, they're all slightly different so you need to learn yours, not mine. Oh yeah, add some Seafoam (ask the local auto parts store) to your next tank of gas if that baby was sitting up for any length of time.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Quote:
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My name is Ian , Earl refers to the number of posts.
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Settle down Earl.
Earl, I like the sound of it, though, huh Ian? Sounds like kinda what we like for bikes, as a descriptive noun kinda thing, ya know, kinda like old bikes,like EARLyIan. 
now thats funny
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16 |
Quote:
Oh yeah, add some Seafoam (ask the local auto parts store) to your next tank of gas if that baby was sitting up for any length of time.
Good call on the Seafoam Ed, just a few ounces will do the job.
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
My name is Ian , Earl refers to the number of posts.
Quote:
Settle down Earl.
Earl, I like the sound of it, though, huh Ian? Sounds like kinda what we like for bikes, as a descriptive noun kinda thing, ya know, kinda like old bikes,like EARLyIan.
now thats funny
This just keeps getting funnier.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62 |
I'm not the fist person that mistake was made with ya know. It is funny though.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 529
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 529 |
On a slight sidenote Andrew, if you're going to be buying any books for your America I HIGHLY recommend the Haynes addition service & repair manual for your bike. I got one for Christmas and refer to it to answer a good number of questions. I'm pretty sure newspeedmaster.com has them for sale.
Now back to your regularly scheduled program, er, thread.
2005 America, green/gray, gutted stock pipes, tall sissy bar w/ luggage rack, Saddleman's dual touring seat and Tourmaster saddlebags (and sissybar bag).
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 529
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 529 |
Wow, I can't believe I actually wrote "addition" vice "edition". I need a beer; it's race day.
2005 America, green/gray, gutted stock pipes, tall sissy bar w/ luggage rack, Saddleman's dual touring seat and Tourmaster saddlebags (and sissybar bag).
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
Mike,
I do have a tach, but I haven't been watching it probably as close as I should. I would say I have been shifting into 2nd @ about 20 mph and 3rd @ 30 mph. Am I shifting too soon?
-Andrew
Those shift points are just fine. These engines are designed to have a very broad operating range. You can run all the way up to 45 - 48 (there is that much variation in speedometers) in first, but they will pull just fine from 35 mph in top gear on flat ground.
I agree with the general consensus that you probably have a fuel flow problem. The tank is usually off for the initial dealer setup and it is all too common that the mechanic forgets and pinches the vent hose in the tank mount. This causes a vacuum in the tank that stops gas flow.
Since you have a tach, make sure the warm engine idle speed is 1000 + - 50 RPM. + 50 would be better untill you get a good feel for riding the bike. It is adjusted with the black knob below the left carburettor. It is not a problem with the bike if this adjustment seems to wander, I have to adjust mine every time the weather changes.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 53
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Joined: May 2008
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Just thought I would post an update. I haven't gotten to ride much due to long work days. I finally got to ride this evening. I loosened the gas cap and got about 1/2 a mile on a straight away before it died. Then after that it died 3 more times within a mile. It isn't only dying between second and third, it is also doing it while I am trying to maintain a speed. For example I was working on trying to maintain 25 mph (I live on a Army post, and that is a typical speed limit.) While doing so (in second gear) it starts to sputter, and as soon as I pull in the clutch it dies. Also, after it dies it will not let me restart the engine right away. I have to let the bike sit for a bit before I can restart.
Next I am going to try Seafoam (already bought some, but I want to add it to a full tank) tomorrow. I will also check the hidden filter and idle RPM if I get off work in time.
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62 |
Might want to clean the petcock if the hidden filter is dirty.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Fuel flow problems for certain. There is a screen on the petcock that often gets clogged by paint bits flaking off the fuel filler neck. Where the gas hose attaches to the fitting between the carburettors, there is another screen down the hole under the hose. Just pull the hose and there it is inside the fitting. This one gets clogged with fuel residue.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16 |
The hidden filter can be a pistol to get to. I would try removing and cleaning the petcock first. IMO it's an easier job. Shutoff the gas , pull the fuel line( you'll need rag here).Attach a piece of hose drain the tank. Remove the petcock, disassemble clean reinstall, go for a ride.
I removed the little hidden filter,tossed it in the trash 20k ago and never looked back. I'm also particular were I buy gas.
I wont stop at some rundown roadside gas stop unless there's no other option.
Mike
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: May 2008
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Thanks guys, the bike is up and running smoothly now. So to answer my own question, "is it me or my bike?" Well it was all me. I am embarrassed to say the petcock was not all the way in the correct position. So you all were right, it was a fuel issue, but it was a self made fuel issue. It was all my fault, and inexperience  I wish they would have gone over more of this type of stuff in my MSF class, since it would have been a big help. Now I just need to read up on everything I can find about the ins and outs of my bike in order to try to avoid these self made problems. -Andrew
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 529
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 529 |
Well I have to admit, I chuckled when I read that Andrew. But don't worry; one of the great things about owning a bike is the great learning experience. The process may be pain staking at times, but soon enough your sense of awareness will begin growning unlike prior to owning/riding.
Keep riding, keep practicing and keep learning. Like I posted earlier, if you want to do any reading, pick up that Haynes; great stuff IMO. Keep posting and let us know how all goes! Cheers
2005 America, green/gray, gutted stock pipes, tall sissy bar w/ luggage rack, Saddleman's dual touring seat and Tourmaster saddlebags (and sissybar bag).
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Re: Is it me or my bike?
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 325
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 325 |
Quote:
Thanks guys, the bike is up and running smoothly now. So to answer my own question, "is it me or my bike?" Well it was all me. I am embarrassed to say the petcock was not all the way in the correct position. So you all were right, it was a fuel issue, but it was a self made fuel issue. It was all my fault, and inexperience I wish they would have gone over more of this type of stuff in my MSF class, since it would have been a big help. Now I just need to read up on everything I can find about the ins and outs of my bike in order to try to avoid these self made problems.
-Andrew
This turned into a good thread. Glad it was just that and not something worse. Good reminder to check the petcock to be sure it's in the right place...especially if you accidentally leave it on Res and run clear out of gas like I did on Friday and then had to paddle foot it 1/4 mile to the station.  
And I've been riding my Speedy for 3 years and this is the first time I've done that so it's not just a noob thing to be sure.
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Settle down Earl.
My new sig.
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