Intermittently running on one cylinder

[bluebilly32]

Hi my GS1150 2002 model has been difficult to start for the last few weeks. I recently topped up the battery and charged it up. It never really held its charge so a new battery is now required. I used the jump leads form the car to start it, no problem. I then left it for the weekend and when I came back I tried to jump start it again, she was back firing and sounded strangled. The exhaust box was actually glowing with the heat, so I left it off. I checked the plugs and the right plug had carbon deposits on it and the cylinder was warm but not as hot as the one on the left. I changed the plug but it hasn't made a difference. The oil required topping up (three quarters of a litre).
I've used this bike to travel around south america, and use it for work everyday. She had a full BMW service history prior to me buying her. I've serviced her myself, but bigger jobs (poly V belt) was sent to the garage for changing.
Does anyone have any ideas:
Regards
Billy

 

[Colban]

Sounds like the old favourite.
Check the seating of the off-side throttle cable.

 

[Timolgra]

Or a duff plug lead

 

[ELIMINATOR]

If it's twin spark, probably the coilpack gone down. Although why the extreme heat

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

exhaust valve clearances are too tight ?

unburnt fuel in headers - that sort of thing

swap stuff side to side - and do a compression test

 

[cookie]

see post #2 or my post here

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126168

 

[Colban]

I've serviced her myself, but bigger jobs (poly V belt) was sent to the garage for changing.Regards Billy

If you service the bike yourself,changing the V belt (alternator drive belt) is very easy so dont waste good money on a garage.Steptoe did a "how to" article with pictures to follow.Look in the wisdom bit.

 

[Toddy]

Plug cap ?

Had a similar problem and found the plug lead had somehow got roasted resulting in arcing and a weak spark on the RH cylinder. Bit insulating tape for temporary repair and easy replaced.

 

[Toddy]

More detail on ADV

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5402268