Struggling GS?

[Commuter]

I have just clicked over 5k on my '03 twin spark 1150 GS and have noticed that in the last fews runs that the bike is not as it was:

Symtoms:

Bike seems to struggle in any gear at 4kish revs. Like it is being held back. Almost like the bike is choking.

I have to give it a real handful to get it going again, no loss of power but the bike seems to strain at that level of revs. Accelaration is slower than before or so it seems.

It also feels like the engine is straining a little more. Like it is over compressing?

In addition when I sit at a traffic light the engine seems more out of sync. (I am awaiting a twin max) Would one effect another.

Any comments, things to look for would be great.

Thanks, Nick

 

[littleredrooster]

Under warranty?.............back to the dealer - "what's wrong with this, please fix it!"

Sounds like a breathing or Motronic problem from the description.

 

[Mike Chajkin]

My 2001 1150GS displays similar symptoms, although it is not consistent. Sometimes it will perform differently even after switching off for just 30 mins.

Symptoms are that it is 'boomier', seems to lack power and surge more when it is misbehaving. Usually at its noisiest around 2500 revs.

When it goes well it's like a completely different bike.

This problem has alays been there- SPC don't know what it is. Since junking the cat and fitting a Sebring Y-piece (standard can) the performance itself is better all round but this problem is still there.

Anyone got any tips - and have you had any more developments with your bike Commuter? Like you I travel up to London and back every day (around 60 miles)

 

[notadrop]

..........notice the same flat spot at around 4k on the rev counter....even after setting valves and twinmaxing. Noticed different makes of fuel affect it diferently. Tried Shell Optimax unleaded which takes most of it away - at an increased fuel cost!

 

[thesanguine]

By the way guys, the Aprilia's going really well!

 

[The Mechanic]

Struggling GS

Hints and tips:

1 Ensure that the air filter is not in any way restricted or dirty (unlikely at 5k but just make sure).

2 Has some twat (not you) pissed about with the throttle cables, like some spotty oik giving your throttle a right good twisting.

3 The hesitancy at 3,500 to 4,000 rpm is there on mine (03 1150 GS) but so it is on my FAZER thou and has always been there on most of my other bikes Pan European, Aprilia Mille, VFR800, Bandit 1200, CBR600FT, etc, etc. I just accept the environmental legislation and ride around the problem. Incidentally cars have the same problem but its not so noticeable (car drivers being less in touch so to speak).

4 You may as already mentioned by others have a warranty type problem developing, so at the very least you must report the problem so that your dealer can register your concerns.

NB you MUST ensure that the dealer raises a job card so that you have hard copy should the fault be something that goes bang outside the warranty. This is known as 'reported within the warranty period' so in effect gives you an extension on that one area of the bike.

Trying to please, hope I'm being useful.

One last thing; check as many wiring connectors as you can, just gently wiggle them and push them together to make sure of good contact.

 

[AlexV]

They all do that sir??!!

It appears that we have a "They all do it" syndrome. My 02 GS does much the same. Some days the engine sounds rough as anything and the next sweet as you like.

Interesting point Mechanic

4 You may as already mentioned by others have a warranty type problem developing, so at the very least you must report the problem so that your dealer can register your concerns.

Mines up for it's 6k service and I think i'll mention it.

regards

Alex