Hey Guys,

I picked up a 2006 with 2700km's and 84 hours on it about three weeks ago.  It's physically appears to be great  condition and has been running like an absolute dream.

Unfortunately whilst I was out riding on Sunday, about 1.5 hours into the ride she suddenly stopped being about to idle and was letting out a few back fires and was splattering and popping.
I got it home as the bush is about 10 mins from my house but not without plenty more popping,splattering when off the throttle and a few stalls at traffic lights.

During the week prior I admittedly did fiddle with the idle screw to bring it back a notch as the manual said it should be between 1500-1700 and it was idling around 1900-2000rpm.  I however figure this shouldn't really have much to do with the problem as the bike rode fine on Saturday for 2-3 hours and was fine for 1.5 hours into Sunday before the issue occurred.

On Sunday morning before the ride, I also filled up about 6.8 litres of gas and added some of the motul valve saver additive that I have been sticking in with it.

After getting home I noticed that I could get the thing to start and idle easily with the choke out, but as soon I press it in, she dies on the spot.

This evening I have pulled the tank off and inspected all of the hoses coming in and out of the carby and they all look to be sealed. I did this quick inspection as a lot of the 'idle' threads seem to suggest I could have an intake problem etc.    Next step is to drain the tank and inspect the plug  but I thought I would post on here to see if you guys can offer any guidance.

Since purchasing the bike I have;  changed the engine and transmission oils + filter, flushed the coolant, flushed the brake fluid, changed the spark plug, changed the brake pads and brake pins. All of which were using genuine parts.

Thanks in advance!

AJ

Very, very, common problem.
You must replace the pilot jet, clean the passage above the pilot, and start using fuel additive to prevent varnishing.
Inspect the tank for varnishing, as well as the petcock.

Krannie, thanks for coming back to me so promptly,   you have given me a little more confidence as my heart broke on Sunday hahaha!

I guess the good news is I ordered a JD Jet kit last week and just found it in my mail box after typing up this thread.

Can you recommend a brand or type of additive I should be using, I thought I was onto a winner using valve saver!

Another thing to check is the hot start lever and cable.  If it's stuck open a bit, it will lean you out.

Jim.

Yes, check hotstart too.

Don't know what additives are sold in OZ.

Unless JD has changed their kit it doe not come with a pilot jet. I went one size larger than stock and it idles much better. While you're in there changing jets give everything a good cleaning with Brake cleaner, not carb cleaner and plenty of compressed air.

Nayther, on 07 May 2012 - 11:28 AM, said:

Both my kits for the 250 and 450 came with a new pilot.

Jim.

Test run a 48 pilot, despite what others may say about a new 45.

we use sta-bil or sea-foam gas treatment in the states, it helps with our ethanol/gas/water problem.

Thanks for all the tips guys!

I've ordered a pilot jet today, as the JD Kit only included the main jet and needles. (Should arrive tomorrow)

I grabbed a #45 as that what they appear to run stock in OZ.

I'm about to get stuck into all of the jetting threads, but do I need to play for the fuel screw or install an adjustable one now I am starting to molest the carby?

I'm hoping not, I don't have any other plans apart from throwing on a slip-on FMF or perhaps a full system.   After reading the JD instructions I'll do the air box mod tonight.

I'll go grab a bottle of Sta-Bil tomorrow as-well.

An adjustable and easy-to-reach fuel screw is a must.

sounds like some dirt or crud got into the pilot jet/circuit.
its not a matter of varnish, since the bike was running fine prior,

Thanks for all of your help guys!   I really appreciated the kick in the right direction...

After Installing the JD kit, modding the air box, replacing the pilot jet and changing the fuel. My bike started within a second, I turned the choke off after about 15 seconds and she idling stable as hell!

Woooo hoooo   If it wasn't 9pm right now I would be riding around the streets of OZ like a moron!

Edited by azza13b, 10 May 2012 - 03:00 AM.

Smile from ear to ear after a quick little test ride!

Crisp throttle and the placebo effect of thinking I now have more power is great!

I'm pretty confident I do have a better throttle response none the less!