Re: Bike problem
 

Check that the front spark plug lead hasnt popped off the sparkie slightly

Mine does it every now and again

Re: Bike problem
 

Yep, can definitely happen when riding. Paraphrased from the words of Our Lord And Master Sid Squid: You know how a fridge works? By compressing and accelerating air. Your carbs do this as well. It's most likely when certain circumstances occur: the air holds some moisture and it's quite cold but not freezing, as when it's freezing the moisture drops from the air and forms ice on the road. It's less likely (tho still possible) through town as your engine gets hotter at lower speeds because of the reduced air flow. At higher speeds, the engine is colder because of the increased airflow round it and there you go: carb icing. If the problem rears it's ugly head again, try stopping for a few seconds and letting the engine heat up. If it goes away it's a good sign that carb icing is the culprit.

Re: Bike problem
 

I tend to find that the carb icing happens on moist/wet/foggy days with a air temp of around 3-5 C, but thats just my SV. I would also check your front and rear spare plug connections as Cobly said.

The rear plug is easy to get to as you just pop the tank up, which you can look at when looking at the air box. The front on the other hand is more difficult you need to loosen off or remove the front side panels and then unscrew the bottom bolt to swing the rad forward to get your hand in. I woudl be sure to use a manual to do this the first time or find someone to advise/help.

Re: Bike problem
 

I've found if you have a long screw driver you can actually push the spark plug cap back onto the sparkie without removing everything

Re: Bike problem
 

You can buy carb heaters from here. According to the SVRider forum, they fit fine and work well.

Price comparison: (Pounds)50 for carb warmers, (Pounds)12 per litre of Pro FST. I find I go through two bottles of the stuff each winter.

Re: Bike problem
 

many thanks all, had some bits to do today so am going to check air box and plugs before i set out tomorrow

cheers

Draper

Re: Bike problem
 

Have you looked at the condition/colour of your spark plugs? Check them against the colours shown in the Haynes manual to see if the mix is ok or if one is oiling up.

The only time that sort of thing has happened to me was after about 300 miles in lashing rain without a fextenda or siliconed up front plug seal. 30 minute stop at an Autoroute rest area to let it dry out and it was fine.

Re: Bike problem
 

......and of course, the famous sticking choke plungers...........

Re: Bike problem
 

yeah could be the choke embee i suppose, would that account for little losses of power though? i can understand the idling searching for that

ejohn - the plugs are brand new (well a ride down cardiff to wolves and back new) so i cant see how theyd be knackered

Re: Bike problem
 

Not saying they're knackered mate. Just wondering what is making one or both not fire properly. You can tell from the colour and condition of a spark plug a lot about what is going on in the cylinder. Mixture rich/weak. Oil fouling the plug(s) - that sort of thing. It's just something to have a look at and give feedback on - and it doesn't take long to do.. ;) And the choke thing only affects the small throttle area.