1150GSA won't idle.

[zeltus]

Hmmm... after an uneventful and pleasant commute to work, whilst pulling away from traffic lights, the bike hesitated and baulked a bit.

I was only a few minutes away from work but she got me there OK. But after parking up she cut out. Restarted OK, firmly and throttle gave a good healthy response. But then when I released the throttle, she dropped down to 800rpm or so (rather than the 1200rpm good ole' Steptoe had set her to) and then stalled. A restart later and some blipping on the throttle and she seems fairly stable - but idling at 800rpm or so - too slow.

Something is wrong - any suggestions beyond prepping the AA to get me home?

Bill

 

[Steptoe]

I never set the idle at 1200 RPM. If anything i set them low around 900rpm.

Is your bike a twin spark model ? if so one or both of the main plug coil caps/sticks may have failed.

 

[zeltus]

Yes, it is a twin-spark.

I did replace one stick coil which you diagnosed as failed. Hope it's not the other one :-(

I believe I can test this by disconnecting the stick coil power - there is a connector just behind the plastic L-shaped cover. But before I zap myself, can I do this while the bike is running?

Thanks!

 

[DrFarkoff]

Better not to in case the arrangement finds you simpler to earth thru!

Yes, it is a twin-spark.

I did replace one stick coil which you diagnosed as failed. Hope it's not the other one :-(

I believe I can test this by disconnecting the stick coil power - there is a connector just behind the plastic L-shaped cover. But before I zap myself, can I do this while the bike is running?

Thanks!

 

[zeltus]

Bit of a pig

Well, more by luck than judgement I found and fixed the issue that was causing this.

Hard to spot, isn't it? I must've been incredibly clumsy to have knocked that connector with my boot when I put my foot down at the traffic lights. And mebbe rather lucky that I didn't actually damage the thing.

Still can't see it?

Compare this piccy then...

(after giving everything a good wipe, some WD40 and making sure the connnection was a good 'un.)

Of course, I now have a spare stick coil. But I've no doubt that'll come in handy one day. For now, I am grateful to be back on the road and smooth running again.

 

[Welshman]

Well, more by luck than judgement I found and fixed the issue that was causing this.



Hard to spot, isn't it? I must've been incredibly clumsy to have knocked that connector with my boot when I put my foot down at the traffic lights. And mebbe rather lucky that I didn't actually damage the thing.



(after giving everything a good wipe, some WD40 and making sure the connnection was a good 'un.)

Of course, I now have a spare stick coil. But I've no doubt that'll come in handy one day. For now, I am grateful to be back on the road and smooth running again.

Did it one day after one of those "elegant dismounts" as the mud stopped my front wheel turning, I was on my own so not happy boy, so after riding it out of the mud at just over tickover I stoped and click found it after a minute or so as I had similar symptoms after not reconnecting it one day in my garage

 

[Fanum]

Well, more by luck than judgement I found and fixed the issue that was causing this.

Hard to spot, isn't it?

(after giving everything a good wipe, some WD40 and making sure the connnection was a good 'un.)

Of course, I now have a spare stick coil. But I've no doubt that'll come in handy one day. For now, I am grateful to be back on the road and smooth running again.

I've done that before, after dropping it and dragging my boot out from underneath the bike.

I bet you did a when you found it

PS wrap the stick coil up in greasy paper and carry it under the seat.......as you say, you WILL need it one day