Hey everyone, I just recently bought a 1990 ZX600r and I have a couple questions about the bike. First off, it starts everytime and it runs great. However, there are a few things that concern me. When I rev it high, there is a bit of kickback from the exhaust. My buddy was following me and he said that he saw flames shooting out of my exhaust. The exhaust is not stock, it is Vance and Hines. I'm guessing that the carbs need to be balanced? Also, whenever I finish riding, a strong odor of gasoline comes off of my bike. There are no leaks that I can find, so could this paired with the kickback from the exaust just be symptoms of the carbs needing some work? Thanks

 

You are new to this ride, but are you new to rides?
Was the ride jurky or flat anywhere?
When was the cam chain and valves adjusted?

 

This is my first bike. Sorry, I meant backfire, notkickbackfrom the exhaust haha. That is why I think it is the carbs.The bikeis a bit jerky whenever I first get on the throttle, but other than that the acceleration is smooth. I'm not sure if the cam chain or valves were adjusted, the previous owner said that he rejetted the carbs, not really sure what that means though. I just picked up a shop manual for the bike from ebay, but I think any work with carbs is way over my head.

 

I am thinking the low speed circuit is a turn off. Since the accelleration from then on is smooth for you.

 

So what does that mean? Sorry, I am totally new to bikes. I mean that when I am just coasting and first twist the throttle, the transition from coasting to accelerating is sudden, but from then on the acceleration is smooth. I am just worried about the backfire and also strong smell of gas after I ride, which I'm guessing are related. Should I just take the bike in for a tune up?

 

it sounds like the bike is dumping to much fuel into the bike which is causing the bike to back fire. if your friend can see flames coming from the exhaust then i'm sure its running really rich. I would check the carbs to make sure everything is set where it needs to be. If you want to take it in and have it looked at if the repairs are beond your scope of knowledge.

Just wondering is the bike black with purple and green stripes? My friend from back home where i grew up had a bike like that just wondering. I knew that bike use to scream when he rode it.

 

I have the same bike with the same problem. I just cleaned my carbs and it seemed to help but after it warms up I hesitates again. I would check you tank see if its rotted out mine was and I had to cream it (coat it in apoxy stuff) After that and the carbs I was much better off. But still not quite right. I hope one of these helpful guys gives you a goodadvice witch will also help me.