Running like a dog
 

After changing front end over a week ago, bike has been running fine. Today however, after 95% of the 14 mile or so jorney to work in the rain, my bike starts to run exceptionally rough.

Difficult to describe the issue - it's as though the revs just won't go up, and then every now and then, do, with a spurt, and then die off again. On getting to work, the bike idled roughly and on blipping throttle, backfired a bit.

I have around 45mins to investigate over lunch time, otherwise, it'll be a long walk home tonight.

I'm thinking this is probably an air problem?

Any suggestions as to where to start?

Re: Running like a dog
 

Not to worry mate, this is a classic SV design fault.

Does your bike have a fender extender? I guess not...
Mine is identical to yours, in heavy rain (like this morning) I loose the front cylinder. Its becauce water is getting into where the spark plug is at the front behind the radiator. It may be because your old front end provided more cover and protection to this area of the bike that previously this has gone un-noticed.

Simple fender extender will sort it, also may be worth popping out side at lunch and let it run at about 6000rpm for a while heat the engine up and try boil off some of the excess water around that front plug. Or WD40 give that a good spray in there if you have some handy.

EDIT: not run for a while! you dont want it to overheat lol, just a quick spin with the revs high but be aware that you'll keep getting power bursts to be ready to react if you decide to ride it rather than to it stationary.

Re: Running like a dog
 

I have a fender extender fitted and even when its dry my bike has started to do exactly the same thing in 1st gear like somthing is holding back the power?

Re: Running like a dog
 

Makes sense now.

Removed fender extender couple of months back - will re-fit and follow your suggestions. Thanks for the fast response!

Does it in any gear.

Re: Running like a dog
 

Yeah it will do it in any gear, its the front cylinder that not firing, you are quiet literally running on half power. I had to do 8000rpm in 3rd to be doing 50mph im sure its not ideal for the bike but it was either that or stand at the side of the road until it stopped raining lol.

Geodude, yours sounds like it might either have the idle set too low (assuming you only use first to set off) or that your choke plungers are sticking. After some advice from Yorkie Chris I've greeced mine up and it seems to have a bit more tourqe all the way though the rev range now.

Re: Running like a dog
 

Geodude, yours sounds like it might either have the idle set too low (assuming you only use first to set off) or that your choke plungers are sticking. After some advice from Yorkie Chris I've greeced mine up and it seems to have a bit more tourqe all the way though the rev range now.[/QUOTE]

Thanks matt i will look into that. Cheers.

Re: Running like a dog
 

After a while of running, it's now idling fine, if not slightly under it's usual idle (probably the same, more likely me being paranoid).

Good suggestion, must re-fit fender extender - Any idea of where to get some suitable substitute double sided sticky foam stuff anyone?

And how long/short were those self-tapping screws I probably don't have anymore?

Re: Running like a dog
 

Im in the market for an extender at the moment, Im just going to fit it using arildyte TOTALLY THE WRONG SPELLING but hopefully you know what I mean. I want to get some filler too, sand it down and spray it as one so hopefully it doesnt look so obvious. (Mines a yellow curvy).

Re: Running like a dog
 

Anybody out there gone for ones of these and got it from these guys in spain?

I think I'd rather have one of these than a Pyramid but it would be nice to know that I'm not going to loose my money!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-Carbon-Fib...d=p3286.c0.m14

Cheers Luke

Re: Running like a dog
 

I just bought one of those today! I took a chance as he has good feedback. I'll let you know what its like in a few days....