[rnr262]

Thanks to help from here, I got the seat off and a new maintenance free battery installed yesterday. I rode it a few times last night with no problems and decided to take it to work this am.

After about 14 miles I was coasting down hill, slowing for a stoplight and the bike died. It fired back up, and then died almost immediatly through the turn. Fortunetly, I was at work at this point and started it again to park, then turned it on/off a few times. It stalls when the RPM's go below 1000 each time. Getting home was entertaining. It would run as long as I kept it reved at stoplights. (most of my commute is freeway)

I bought the bike last weekend. It's a 01 model with 1600 miles. It did have an older battery, and some corrosion. I've noticed the garage now smells like gas.

Any idea where to start looking? After reading through posts here, I realize it could be a few different things. This may be too complicated a project for me, but I'd like to have an idea if we have to take it to the shop.

Thanks for all your help. I hope oneday I can help someone out here as much as you all have helped me.

 

[whistle clean]

Sounds odd.

Have you re-checked the battery terminals "AGAIN"? How are the battery cables where they connect at both ends?

Do you change the fuel petcock and switch it to off? I've read it's best to leave it turned to the reserve position.

How old are the spark plugs? Are the sprak plug wires connected tightly?

I'm just trying to think of things for you to check on...possibly you'll find something.

 

[Dianna]

What is your idle set at? Warm bike should be idling at 1100 rpms (+/-50). You might try adjusting your idle to see if that eliminates the low rpm stalls.

 

[eyeohknee]

I was having this problem, too. What's the story when you have the choke on? Is the idle really spastic? If it's a fuel-flow problem, it might be that there's "stuff" settling and clogging the flow (please don't expect me to know all the techy terms yet... still green here). Or... it might be that your fuel line's gettin' pinched somehow. I concluded this happened to me when a gromet was missing (posted recently) - it was a major challenge to keep the sucker runnin' at lights. Course, there's the old stand-by... try come carb cleaner. All these possibilities are easy fixes, even for a rookie-chick like me.


i

 

[hgree]

I purchased a 1997 that had sit through the winter w/o being ridden and the gas had formed tiny crystal looking stuff in the bowl and tank. I didn't have any trouble until a lady pulled out in front of me one morning and I had to shut down really hard to avoid the collision. The particles turned loose on this hard jolt and caused the same problem you described. I pulled the bottoms of carbs and drained and washed out my tank and have had no problems since. Maybe???

 

[rnr262]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I have rechecked the battery connections as I was sure I messed that up somehow. It was having the trouble before the battery install too.

I'll try the rest of the ideas too! It runs fine with choke, but never smoothes out. I'll adjust the idle, try some carb cleaner, replace the plugs and then see if I can detect any pinched lines somewhere. Then, I think it's time to go to the dealer for a check up. It needs to be inspected anyway. None of that can hurt, and it probably needs it anyway.

The bike had been sitting, so it's entirely possible the gas went bad. The owner had filled the tank up for me when we bought it so I have no idea if he topped it off.

Thanks again! I can't wait to get out for a decent weekend of riding, and when I do, it will be due to your all's help.

Kathleen

 

[whistle clean]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I have rechecked the battery connections as I was sure I messed that up somehow. It was having the trouble before the battery install too.

I'll try the rest of the ideas too! It runs fine with choke, but never smoothes out. I'll adjust the idle, try some carb cleaner, replace the plugs and then see if I can detect any pinched lines somewhere. Then, I think it's time to go to the dealer for a check up. It needs to be inspected anyway. None of that can hurt, and it probably needs it anyway.

The bike had been sitting, so it's entirely possible the gas went bad. The owner had filled the tank up for me when we bought it so I have no idea if he topped it off.

Thanks again! I can't wait to get out for a decent weekend of riding, and when I do, it will be due to your all's help.

Kathleen

If the gas has not gummed up the carbs (how long has it been sitting?) you may be able to simply drain the old gas out and add fresh gas. I would also add some SeaFoam to the gas (one ounce per gallon) as it will help clean the carbs internally and help get rid of any moisture in the fuel...lines...and carbs. You can buy SeaFoam at Napa Auto Parts stores.

 

[Syrinx]

I've noticed the garage now smells like gas.

I have to wonder if you have a damaged fuel line. On the petcock you should have two fuel lines (one for each carb) and a vacuum line in the center that activates the diaphragm to open and allow fuel to flow. Make sure these connections are tight at both ends and there's no leak anywhere. Also, I'd take a look at the petcock diaphragm and make sure there are no leaks there (might be losing vacuum and/or dripping gas).

 

[Mark]

Just thought I would add this tip for disposing of gas and other bad stuff. I had just mixed 5 gallons of gas for my 2-stroke dirtbike and then ended up having knee surgery. By the time I got back on the bike I didn't want to use the gas anymore.

I searched long and hard to find a place that would accept the gas - but was unsuccessful. Then I read on my local county website that gas, antifreeze, etc can be disposed by mixing it with cat litter and putting it in the trash.

I would of thought that wasn't much different than just dumping it in the grass - but we all know that govt knows best, right? With 4 cats we go through 40 lbs of litter a week - so it didn't take long to get rid of the gas with a clear conscience.

Regards, Mark

 

[rnr262]

Thank you for your replies and suggestions. We have 2 cats, so that tip is handy!

I'm not sure how long the bike had sat. It hadn't been registered for over a year. An elderly gentleman owned it, was diagnosed with cancer, didn't ride due to surgery, treatment, etc... then when he decided to start again, found out he had it elsewhere. He said he started the bike on a regular basis, and kept it garaged. I didn't ask him how he stored it. (I should have, I just felt so bad about his luck, and was soooo excited about this bike. Still am.)

I've gone through at least 3 tanks of fuel. I would assume I don't need to drain this gas, but I'm often wrong when I make such assumptions. I put close to 400 miles on it the weekend we bought it. It wasn't acting right then, but I was convinced it was the battery and just wanted to make it til Monday when I could by one. (bike quit on me Sun.)

I'll check the fuel line and the petcock too. Seafoam is on my shopping list for the morning. I ordered a Clymers manual from Amazon yesterday which should help tons. I'm pretty good at following directions but know nothing about bikes. My V Star never burped, and the Rebel has been perfect. (knock on wood) My poor husband, wants to be a mechanic, but has no clue, and isn't good about directions. He's great with tools though, and will try anything. Between the two of us, we may get this. (with all your help and suggestions.)

Thanks! I'll let you know how everything turns out! I'd love it if it was as easy as seafoam.

 

[Red Baron]

Well, if you've gone through several tanks of gas, no need to drain it now. Just try the seafoam and see if that works for you.

 

[rnr262]

Once again, thank you all. I rode about 60 yesterday, and then 150 or more today with no problems. The bike sounds and rides great.