Engine shuddering at low speeds
 

Ok I'm new to riding having only got my licence in March. I bought my SV off a workmate, 1999 year but less than 10k on the clock, recently MOT'd but last serviced about 4000 miles ago.

So, I've been having great fun getting some practice and love the high speed stuff. However, I commuted into central London for the first time today and whenever I was going at less than approx 30mph, the bike started juddering, almost jumping along. The only thing I can liken it to is in a car when you're accidentally in 4th gear instead of 2nd - but I tried going up and down the gears but nothing seemed to help, so I'm pretty sure it's not that. It's absolutely fine at higher speeds. I've noticed it before at slow speeds but only when I've been near home so I haven't thought too much of it. What I don't want is for it to conk out on me when I've shoved myself at the front of a busy London queue of traffic!

What could be causing this??

Re: Engine shuddering at low speeds
 

Hi Emma, welcome to the land!

Firstly, i'd say it would need a service 1st as the intervals are 4000 miles. It sounds possibly like a carb issue of sorts. I'm not too clued up on the carbs unfortunately. Hopefully one of the resident techies will be along shortly!

Carb balance might help for a start.

Re: Engine shuddering at low speeds
 

check the oil level. as said it's due another service.

Re: Engine shuddering at low speeds
 

It is definately due a service. You will be surprised what a difference a few glugs of oil make. It sounds like a rich mixture, which may present in a weak spark. How is it to start?

Does it feel like its on, off, on off etc?

H

Re: Engine shuddering at low speeds
 

Check your chain, often a tight spot can feel like it's jumping.