| Author | Message | ||
     Easttroy |
When I fire up the bike in the cold morning, it seems to be missing until it starts to warm (normally less than 30 second). Once warmed up, never seems to be any issue missing (an occasional hiccup is the exception when warm). I've changed plugs recently in attempt to prevent fouled plugs (had the stock rear plug foul when riding on a hot day and disliked that). I'm using the NGK DCPR9EIX Iridium IX Spark Plug. Not sure whether that's the issue or not as it seems to be fine once warm. I also put 14Ga ground wires from the battery to both the ignition coil bolt and the starter bolt. Bike seems to behave better since doing this, but doesn't seem to correct the cold miss before it warms. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
If you just replaced the plugs and it started to do it after the replacement, I would guess that one of your wires might not be seated all the way? On a cold morning, it's common for my 2008 to die and need to be started a second time. This is especially true if I leave it alone for a couple of weeks. | ||
| Easttroy |
Plug wires are BRAND new and seated (checked 3 times), isn't that. I didn't just replace the plugs (months ago) but the weather has changed from moderate to cold. I've never had to do a second start of my 09 with EBR ECM and Drummer SS. | ||
| Tootal |
Could be a minor intake leak that seals itself as it warms up. If you take both scoops off you can spray WD-40 or brake cleaner on them from both sides and see if you get any change in rpm. Of course you'll have to do this when it's stone cold. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
It may not be broken either. If it runs fine after 30 seconds, perhaps it's fine. | ||
| Reepicheep |
My 07 does that also, kind of a "cough" stutter. Never a stall, but it certainly makes my first 4 turns from my driveway to the highway exciting sometimes. I have those same plugs ready to go in after I clean the garage. I did the TPS reset, and that seemed to make things a little worse. Once it's warmed up, it seems fine. I'm kind of waiting for it to get worse before putting in too much work to track it down. | ||
| Etennuly |
One thing that is easy to check is the cleanness of the throttle bore and throttle plate. I have had a couple of them that I have worked on, build up with carbon on the edge of the throttle plate. It was just enough that the plate would not seat completely leading to a rougher running bike after a TPS reset. I went back with a couple shots of carb cleaner, reset the TPS again, and all has been well since. | ||
| Spacecapsule1 |
my 08 STT does the same thing. almost like it's firing on one cylinder or something. Sorry I have no other input but at least you know you're not alone. bike is fine as it begins to warm up, but when its in the 30's, it exhibits what you describe. it too has iridium plugs, about 6 months old. | ||
| Britchri10 |
'09 12XP here. Mine does the same thing. Brand new plugs, oil change & all. I only noticed it when the temp's fell. (relatively speaking, I am in Florida) Not noticeable after c3-5 min's of normal running. Chris C | ||
| 7873jake |
Chris, like today? | ||
| Britchri10 |
Dunno about today 'cause I took the truck to work this AM. (I left c0530 & it was 38F) I don't mind riding in the cold but it takes longer to get dressed out than it does for me to get to work as my commute is only 15 miles. Chris C | ||
| Ratbuell |
Just remember to make a fist and point it at the starter button. NO throttle. Start the bike, THEN suit up. That gives the bike time to warm up. Remember - this is a big V-twin lump. When its cold...its a little crotchety. And even more important in the cold, than in the summer - if you're going to start it, make sure you RIDE it for at least 30 minutes. Colder weather means more time in "choke" mode, which means more likelihood of fouled plugs if you don't get it up to full operating temp and ride it there for a while. Don't tease the bike by making it start and only taking it around the block. It's not nice. Let it rest until you can take it for a REAL run. It will thank you  | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
When it is cooler out I always make darn sure I've got my left hand ready to engage the clutch within the first 1/2 mile. It seems to hickup when I've got it leaned over going around a corner at low speed so the clutch can save my butt from jerking into a low speed dump. I'm so used to this happening within a 3 or 4 block distance that it really doesn't bother me since I know it is likely to happen if I have the rpm too low. When it hickups I just clutch and throttle it out of it's cough. | ||
| Schwara |
Per Ratbuell's suggestion, I have finally started making myself leave the throttle alone on startup. On previous bikes that was a requirement, but on the XT ... she does much better if I just leave her alone. I stuffed two rags in the scoop for the oil cooler (another suggestion out here somewhere) and now she is starting and running better than she has is weeks. The first time I've ever had a bike I want to ride to work all winter. It was a beautiful ride in this morning, ~28° earlier if memory serves. I'll pull the rags out for any longer rides I might make, but for the work commute it seems to help her get up to temperature faster. | ||
| Etennuly |
When I start mine on cold days I may turn the throttle a little if needed to get it to run, then I will leave it set there idling while I gear up. Sometimes even as long as ten minutes. If I attempt to take off too soon it will run like crap, like everything is wrong all at once. If I ride out at almost warm enough it will have a single cough at about two miles out. It always runs without that hiccup at two miles if I let it warm up enough. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Just remember, Vern and I have the earlier EFI and sometimes a slight crack of the throttle is required to get them started. The later EFI, with AIS motor, cracks its own throttle and does not want any interference from us. Usually I just up my idle by 1/4 turn or so in this weather and operate everything the same as I do in the summer. | ||
| Yamafreak |
If you let your bike sit to long you will melt your vr like I did. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Doubt it. If you melted a VR, you had other issues (most likely electrical, melting it from the inside-out). I've done parade duty on my Uly, as well as being stuck in traffic in the summer for more than 20 minutes, not moving. |
