View Full Version : Sv650s k3 feels sluggish?!?
Hi yesterday morning I made my 30 mile commute to work with no issues at all. On the way home when I pulled away the bike felt awful from the off. It appears to be vibrating much more than normal and felt sluggish to accelerate, almost as if I were in 6th but trying to pull at idle even though I was in third. Throttle response felt slow and laboured also. I was able to ride it at motorway speeds with no issues but obviously you cannot here the engine and so on at the speed and with the wind whirling around. When I got back to my town and back to 30 and 40 mph it felt awful again like a bit stop and start when on and off the throttle. As you can tell from my description I am no mechanic. I hope someone can maybe diagnose a problem.
Thanks Rae
wideguy
17-06-15, 01:49 PM
I'll guess, one of your spark plugs isn't working and it's running on one cylinder.
Start it up, start checking right away to see if both exhaust pipes are getting warm.
Alexander94
17-06-15, 02:46 PM
Have you been riding I'm the wet? And do you have a fender extanda?
I had a problem with mine when water got into the front plug cap, I took it off, cleaned it up and sprayed it with WD-40 and it was fine. Then I got a fender extenda on it very quickly haha
Cheers I'll look into that. I haven't ridden it in the wet and I have a fender extender. Can anyone recommend what plugs should be best please.
Okay update. I've turned the engine over and felt both downpipes and they're both hot. Whilst looking around I felt there is a slight blowing from the exhaust under where it looks like the original pipe has been cut then replaced with a after market slip on only for the original to be put back on. I put some redex in the tank as someone said have I ran it low on fuel and a few tank fills ago my light came on on the motorway 20 miles before a petrol station. So I'll replace the spark plugs and hope that's it. Anything else I should check?
Alexander94
17-06-15, 09:47 PM
I've got NGK iridium plugs in mine and they're quite good, CRE8IX I think
Okay I'll got those. Excuse my ignorance but I just need 2 don't i
nutzboutbikes
17-06-15, 10:16 PM
Okay I'll got those. Excuse my ignorance but I just need 2 don't i
Yep 2 plugs needed, IMO fitting Iridium plugs makes no difference to performance or how the bike runs they just last a bit longer and cost more money.
Alexander94
17-06-15, 10:28 PM
I got mine on sale and they were cheaper than standard plugs. I checked them again standard ones and the spark was a bit better, they're good but not as good as the hype will have you believe :P
Yeah 2 but sometimes, stupidly, you can get packs of 4 for the same price as 2 on their own...
Hi all I changed the spark plugs do these look bad?
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t379/raecarter18/Mobile%20Uploads/20150618_145938_zpsdonie8xi.jpg (http://s1056.photobucket.com/user/raecarter18/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150618_145938_zpsdonie8xi.jpg.html)
nutzboutbikes
18-06-15, 02:26 PM
They look like they have been in there a while and due a change, they are not wet with oil which is a good sign, what do the electrodes look like?.
They looked fine imo. Air filter looked like the previous owner had just changed it also when I just had a look.
nutzboutbikes
18-06-15, 02:31 PM
Just out of curiosity is the top spark plug from the front cylinder?
nutzboutbikes
18-06-15, 02:40 PM
is the bike running better now?
Annoyingly I haven't tested it because I had to get my kids from school. I'll see tomorrow
Alexander94
18-06-15, 05:15 PM
I've seen worse in bikes that ran fine but I agree with nutz, they were probably due a change
I will ride tomorrow and see what the deal is thanks
Hi everyone. I've taken it out for a ride with some red ex in the tank and red lined it everywhere to try and give it a clear out. I don't think it's running on one cylinder at all. It has no trouble with acceleration it just seems to be louder luke it has more vibration than before. I also feel it has less engine braking. When I was sat at 5500 rpm plodding it seems to be very slightly jerky like it couldn't sit at a steady speed and rev? I just recorded a video of me sat on it in neutral and holding it at different rpms to try and show what I mean. Would that be helpful if I put it on youtube and linked in here? Thank you by the way so far with your help and advice.
Alexander94
19-06-15, 12:41 PM
That sounds very similar to a problem I'm having atm so I'm going to stick around for an answer ^^
Feel free here is the upload if this workshttp://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t379/raecarter18/th_20150619_120354_zps2buvk8u0.jpg (http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t379/raecarter18/20150619_120354_zps2buvk8u0.mp4)
Ooh I think I've found a video on youtube that sounds the same it possibly indicates a cam chain problem? Here is a link to video I foundhttps://youtu.be/2MS6blD9ohY
nutzboutbikes
19-06-15, 03:00 PM
when were the tb's last synchronized?
I'll be honest I have no idea I bought it 3 months ago. Is that an expensive thing to have done at a garage?
Hi nutzboutbikes I just read about throttle bodies out of sync and the symptoms sound identical or very close to what I am experiencing. What do I need to do to sort this problem please.
nutzboutbikes
19-06-15, 03:48 PM
I am not sure but I cant see it being more the an hours labour.
If your mechanically inclined it is a job well worth doing yourself you will need a set of gauges though, I use these http://www.carbtune.co.uk/
nutzboutbikes
19-06-15, 03:51 PM
Hi nutzboutbikes I just read about throttle bodies out of sync and the symptoms sound identical or very close to what I am experiencing. What do I need to do to sort this problem please.
When I listened to your video I couldn't hear to much wrong and thought to myself tb's need balancing.
You can watch people on you tube to get a idea of what is involved, also a Haynes manual can be a good friend.
I have a Haynes manual and am reading it now. The symptoms sound perfect for it so thank you very much I quote "throttle bodies that are out of synchronisation will result I'm increased fuel consumption, increased engine temperature, less than ideal throttle response and higher vibration levels"
nutzboutbikes
19-06-15, 10:05 PM
Your welcome bud hope it gets it running right, I think you will be surprised how much difference balancing the carbs/throttle bodies makes to the performance of the engine.
I'll let you know once I've done it cheers again
If you adjust the throttle bodies it is worth checking the TPS adjustment afterwards. The throttle body sync adjusts the position of the rear throttle valve, which in turn controls the TPS, so adjusting the sync can throw out the TPS setting.
I used to race snails, so we bred some without shells, hoping to make them faster, turned out it made them more sluggish !!!!!
Teejayexc
20-06-15, 09:07 AM
Baadumtish! :rolleyes:
Alexander94
20-06-15, 08:44 PM
Oh dear...
Ooh can i throw something else into the mix. I was speaking to a bike mechanic and he said first thing spark plugs which I did. He said next thing fuel filter check. I mentioned at this point I had to do 20 miles on the fuel light the other day. He said that if there was crap in my tank then I could have disturbed it and blocked the fuel line. He then mentioned is my fuel pump whining if it was struggling and I noticed the other day when listening to the bike that my tank was whining and it was quite noticeable. Does this sound like maybe could be my problem?
wideguy
22-06-15, 09:03 PM
Ooh can i throw something else into the mix. I was speaking to a bike mechanic and he said first thing spark plugs which I did. He said next thing fuel filter check. I mentioned at this point I had to do 20 miles on the fuel light the other day. He said that if there was crap in my tank then I could have disturbed it and blocked the fuel line. He then mentioned is my fuel pump whining if it was struggling and I noticed the other day when listening to the bike that my tank was whining and it was quite noticeable. Does this sound like maybe could be my problem?
You can hear fuel pumps whining when you turn on the bike and it presurizes the system. If he's saying it's making noise that it shouldn't be, try listening to another SV fuel pump.
There's a specified output pressure and volume for the fuel pump which could be tested, but not by me, I don't have the correct guage.
Hi all I had a look at my air filter today and had a ride and the bike still has an awful growl from 3000rpm upwards. It still feels like it's being held back. I'm really worried now that something may be bad with my bike as I checked the new spark plugs I put in last week and there appears to be oil on the back one?
http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t379/raecarter18/Mobile%20Uploads/20150624_163418_zpsa5pllxdi.jpg (http://s1056.photobucket.com/user/raecarter18/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150624_163418_zpsa5pllxdi.jpg.html)
nutzboutbikes
25-06-15, 08:26 AM
Are you sure it's oil not petrol?, If you are worried maybe do a compression test and see what results you get, what mileage does the engine have on it?.
I think your right I think it's petrol as it dissipated. I guess where I was just running it at idle it hadn't burnt it off.
My plan is to do an oil change do the filter and air filter then take it to a garage and say all those bits are done please give it a look over
nutzboutbikes
25-06-15, 09:36 AM
You may find the garage a bit offish if you do all the work then take it to them this is what I have found in the past.
To me it stills sounds like you should start by balancing the throttle bodies.
I don't think I'd be able to do it though. Do you think i should stump up the cash and by the balancing instrument then go for it.
Hi again. Quick question if I make my own manometer I only need 2 connection points don't I so one bit of tube curled round not 4 connections
You may find the garage a bit offish if you do all the work then take it to them this is what I have found in the past.
Go to a different garage then. Just because they make easy money on the services doesn't give them the right to be "offish" if you do it yourself. It's a specific problem and you pay them to fix it. That's what they're for. Many spanner handy motorists use garages this way.
Hi again. Quick question if I make my own manometer I only need 2 connection points don't I so one bit of tube curled round not 4 connections
Yes, one length is all you need and connect each end to the relevant nipples. Use two stroke oil so it won't cause damage if it gets sucked into the engine. I connected the hoses with a cold engine but needed to clamp the hose to stop the oil movement whilst the engine heated and making initial adjustments as mine were a long wat out. Be patient when adjusting - a small turn of the screw can have a big effect but it takes a while to settle down each time you adjust it. Take you time and it works fine, no need to buy a set of gauges.
Hardest bit if refitting the nipple caps when you're finished!
Thanks. I am just going to buy one from carbtune for 60 quid. The garage was going to charge 80 in labour so it'll be sorted for next time
Hi all little update. I've ordered a carbtune manometer and I'm waiting for it to arrive. I was showing my dad today the screw I need to adjust once I have the manometer attached and thought why don't I just slightly turn it to see what happens. Well I did it and experimented slightly. I was actually able to hear the engine sound smoother by playing with it a bit. I found a spot that sounded smoothest then re adjusted the idle lower as it had risen whilst adjusting. I just took it out and rode it and I swear to god it sounds and feels totally different. It isn't as loud as before when it felt rough and it has a nice sort of burbling noise when accelerating now. Surely I couldn't have improved it just by messing about with the tbs adjusting screw?
Craig380
29-06-15, 09:53 AM
Yes, you could :thumbsup:
You've obviously twiddled the screw the correct way to get the TBs in better synchronisation than they were before.
When you get your manometer, you can still hook it up and fine-tune the settings. You may find that your 'by ear' setting is pretty close to being spot on, in which case I wouldn't mess with it too much.
The above is the main reason I bought a K3. No carbs.
The above is the main reason I bought a K3. No carbs.
This is a problem with a K3. A carbtune can be used to sync throttle bodies.
I've just done 30 miles in 28 minutes and the bike feels a dream. Can't wait to hook up the manometer. I simply cannot believe that by turning a screw you can make such a difference to a bike
I have a k3 you still have to sync the throttle bodies. That has been my issue
nutzboutbikes
30-06-15, 08:28 AM
I've just done 30 miles in 28 minutes and the bike feels a dream. Can't wait to hook up the manometer. I simply cannot believe that by turning a screw you can make such a difference to a bike
If they were way out of balance and not been done for some time the difference can be huge, glad you got it sorted.
I have a k3 you still have to sync the throttle bodies. That has been my issue
Oops. That just demonstrates my mechanical ineptitude and ignorance. Fortunately, I have a mate in the village who owns a garage and is a bike enthusiast. He does all my bike's service and repairs at mates rates.
nutzboutbikes
30-06-15, 06:04 PM
Go to a different garage then. Just because they make easy money on the services doesn't give them the right to be "offish" if you do it yourself. It's a specific problem and you pay them to fix it. That's what they're for. Many spanner handy motorists use garages this way.
Yep that's what I did Ophic, the final straw was them snapping an indicator off which they bodged back on with out telling me!, didn't notice till giving it a wash a day later, when I bought it up with them I just got no wasn't us honest, so I walked and now I have a different garage that I am happy with.
Funny thing was a couple of months later they were busted for steeling bikes and selling them on.
Funny thing was a couple of months later they were busted for steeling bikes and selling them on.
Karma :smt063
Throttle bodies synced! It was a fairly easy procedure once I got to the actual little nipped. It was a fair bit out also
nutzboutbikes
01-07-15, 04:28 PM
Throttle bodies synced! It was a fairly easy procedure once I got to the actual little nipped. It was a fair bit out also
No its not bad job to do and results can seem amazing, you can rig up some pipe work that you leave in place on the bike and then cap it off to make future adjustments easy. :smt023
I saw that yeah I haven't done it though. I can't wait to take it out for a ride now. I've ordered and oil filter air filter and oil so I am going to do a full service myself. Thanks for everything
nutzboutbikes
01-07-15, 06:49 PM
Your welcome glad its sorted, ride safe.
This issue has spurred me on to start doing my own maintenance. I took the air filter out today. Does this look like it needed renewing?http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t379/raecarter18/20150702_122546_zps4euv9vej.jpg (http://s1056.photobucket.com/user/raecarter18/media/20150702_122546_zps4euv9vej.jpg.html)
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