Well I still have the same old bike, and no surprise, she's giving me the same old problems despite my efforts to treat and care for her well.

I kept the bike in the living room over the winter so she wouldn't get cold. I rode off and on all winter, usually three weeks at most going by between rides. It's been about three weeks since I last rode and everything was fine. The bike did sputter just a bit that last warm-up, but I figured she just needed to be ridden; clear out her lungs.

So this morning I start her up and everything's fine. I get her out of the house, over to the driveway to warm up. I admit I did cut her off because my neighbor stopped to talk and I couldn't hear. But I started her back up as soon as I could to warm up. Three minutes later, her idle hasn't risen any and the choke is still on full. I lower the choke and she sputters and starts to die. Her idle is VERY rough!! There's a half-tank of fresh gas in her and I haven't dropped her in over eight months so I don't think I've fouled out a spark plug. I'm planning an oil change soon, but I still haven't put 2400 miles on the bike since I bought it so I didn't think that was urgent. I did the last oil change in May or June I think. Probably June, right before the ex and I split.

Anyway, my dilemma is that I still have no truck, no ramp, and no way to get the bike to the shop. I can work on the bike on limited things, but I have to have help to get the gas tank off and finding someone isn't the easiest thing in the world.

Ok, start brainstorming.

 

Hey Jennifer,

Maybe you should try some fuel additive and run the bike to clean out anything that may have built up after sitting. I would estimate the amount of fuel in the tank and add 1.5 times the amount needed and run it through. For a short ride or a long idle. Let it sit a day so it can work than run it again.
After that, it is time to start taking her apart.

Good luck.

 

Well I figured it out. It's the same old problem and even though I don't know exactly what's causing it, it's the spark plugs. I've managed to foul out another set. So when I find someone to help me get the tank off I can replace them. Until then it's no bike; what else is new with this POS? LOL

I told my mechanic when I get her fixed I'm going to let him sell her. Then I'll get a dependable bike.

 

The 2001 6 is a gorgeous ride. You have your floats set? Fouling the plugs already is an unknown to me. I have to agree that the carbs/fuel system will need to be looked at, but then again, I do not like additives. Just me. Additives may work. But not if you are having float height issues for example. I think that Notstock is on the right path.

 

ok well here's the short synopsis of the last year I've owned this heap of junk. This is the FIFTH set of plugs I've put in her since last March. Two sets the first week I got her, one in May and one in August, now these. I'll even spell out the problem for you. The main jet is 10 mm too big. Pretty much everytime I start the bike, especially if I have to use the choke, I flood the bike. Sometimes it dries itself out, sometimes it doesn't. When it doesn't my plugs foul. Now, yes I could have the main jet redone and have the bike dyno-tuned . . . for a minimum of $487. I don't have that kind of money laying around to spend on a bike that dies on me all the time. I do have the time to replace plugs that are covered under warranty.

BTW, if you think she's so pretty, buy her! lol

 

Why does it need to be dynotuned? just drop the main jet 10mm

If you wanna sell it...how much?

 

hey double V, wow you've been gone for a while... looks like you've found the problem on your bike... i hope you get her fixed soon.... welcome back........