Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech EFI makes groaning noise -speedmaster

hi, when the bike is cold and I turn it on, instead of the usual nice hum, the efi seems to make this loud groaning noise..it has stalled 2 or 3 times too within about a km of first starting out post this cold start, the bike is brand new with only 300kms so far.

Well I'm no expert , it sounds like your fuel pump. Do you have enough fuel in the tank? If it's still under warranty, let the dealer deal with it.

The fuel pump can make some odd noises when you turn the ignition on - groaning and squealing like hog on heat. Wait for it to finish priming before your start the bike (usually 3-5 seconds).

Your stalling sounds like you are not warming the bike up sufficiently and/or your idle is set too low - should be around 1050-1150 rpm. Make sure you use your 'choke' even if the air temp is not cold. I warm the engine on choke - middle notch - for about 3 minutes at least and only take it back to the first notch a couple of blocks down the road. Use revs and ride the clutch for slow maneuvers and stay off the front brake.

I had a bad experience - didn't warm the engine sufficiently - didn't leave the choke on - starting uphill and immediately doing a slow speed tight turn. The engine stalled just as I leaned into the turn. Nothing was going to stop me dropping the bike. Fortunately I sacrificed my leg to protect the paint and chrome and there was no damage except a bit of bruising

I have the same problem with my EFI 2008 model, the sqealing is when it first starts with the choke out. It also stalls when in twon and the engine is really hot....

Took to the dealer who has remapped it to the latest but still does it....

I don't see the squealing as a problem - I think it's normal.

Your stalling problem could be dodgy fuel or too low revs. What is your idle set at? It might also be a poor connection in the side stand cutout switch. This switch at the bottom front of the cradle is exposed to wet weather and can cause the engine to cut out. A liberal spray with lanolin or WD40 can help.

with the stalling...it takes several tries to get it restarted..but as Im stil getting used to the bike Im going to warm it up more and try that.
Thanks for the constructive replies, I also rang the dealer who said its pretty normal to make odd sounds while cold.

If MY bike had EFI, I'D be making the groaning noises!

What is your description of squealing? A fuel pump should make some noise but more of a whirring noise, not a squeal. Whenever I heard a fuel pump squeal in a car, it was usually on it's death throws. Leave the bike with a dealer overnight so they can hear the noise.

Compare it to another EFI bike if possible. I'm betting the other bikes don't make as much as yours.

Anybody know what the fuel delivery pressure is withthe pump running? Easy check to see if there is enough fuel pressure to keep the bike running.

Yes a whirring noise is more accurate although occassionally its revs get higher pitched for a couple of seconds.

I've been dealing with the same issues. My fuel pump squeals on cold days as well, only on first start up though. After that it won't squeal the rest of the day. I complained about it earlier on here and was told it's normal. Never had issues with my bike stalling on me though.

Yep, my 09 America also makes a "Squeal" sound when on first start up from cold. It starts of with what is the usual brrr of the pump but then the squeal kicks in pretty much straight away. After that it is normal for the rest of the day. I have not had the tank off it myself (i presume the dealer had it off for serviceing) but intend on having a squiz under there cause it does not appear to be sitting middle. I too had some initial stalling probs when the bike was new and mentioned to the dealer when in for first service. They reset the idle and has not been a prob since (aside from rider error)