| Author | Message | ||
     Dbf |
I started my 12Ss for the first time in a couple weeks yesterday to find it was firing on the rear cylinder only. It was running like a champ before that. I really didn't know where to start troubleshooting (my first Buell), so I started with the basics...fuel, air, spark. Interestingly enough, the front plug displayed the signs of no spark. It was wet, which indicated fuel. Since the bike started, I deduced there was air. I removed the plug wire for the front cylinder from the coil, and when reinstalling it, found it when on 'harder', with 2 distinctive clicks. When I took it off, it come off easily. As well, I ensured all the fuses where 'home', by gently wiggling them in the their slots. Once I did this, the bike fired up and ran as it should. I took it out for a short burn, about 25 kms and it ran great. It was bright and sunny, but only about 0 C or 32 F. I'm kind of stumped now, was it the plug wire, or a poor connection in the fuse panel? Any one experience this before? Dan | ||
| Phantom5oh |
May never know, but my guess would be a bad connection on the plug wire... | ||
| Bake |
Maybe a fouled plug? Change them out for new ones. | ||
| Djkaplan |
I had been riding motorcycles since 1976 and I never once fouled a sparkplug, not even on all the 2-strokes I had. Four months into my Buell, it starts running on the rear cylinder, and I'll be damned if it wasn't a gas fouled plug. Never had the problem again. | ||
| Dbird29 |
djkaplan, You should have had a Kawa H1 500 triple 2 stroke. That thing would foul pretty quick. | ||
| Glitch |
I used to ride an H2, carrying an extra set of plugs was a must. | ||
| Spatten1 |
Most likely the plug. Do not touch the throttle at start up or it WILL foul. I put in iridium plugs and have not fouled in the last year. Before that it was a constant problem. | ||
| Dbf |
I'm not convinced it was a fouled plug. Although the plug was wet when I pulled it out, it wasn't fouled (or at least it didn't look like it was to me!!). As for not touching the throttle, I have to admit I was guilty of that because it was so cold. When I first bought the bike in Aug, there was no problem starting it without any throttle. Now, since it's so cold, it wouldn't idle at first without a little blip. I'll more than likely get a pair of iridiums before the spring. Another question, whats the best way to access the rear plug? 1/4 inch drive wobble 6 inch extension with deep 5/8ths socket? It looks a little tight in there! Dan | ||
| Spatten1 |
The front plug will not look carbon fouled. A little liquid in the gap will kill the spark, period. Dry it, sand with some 400 grit lightly in the gap, blow it out, and my bet is it will start. | ||
| The_big_cat |
I had the same problem with my XB9S, turned out to be the coil.Give it the good old coil test and see what you find.The Service Manual is your best friend. Had mine all tore down and was ready to purchase a new unit and the dealer(Downtown Harley Seattle WA) actually replaced it for me at no charge. New plugs never hurt while your at it. Chris | ||
| Hkwan |
I don't use throttle when starting the bike. I only use it during idle (when it is cold) and right before the bike dies if really necessary. So what do you guys do after you start your bike during cold weather and the idle starting to struggle @ like 800rpm and about to die. Don't you have to blip the throttle a bit. Also, would someone explain why using the throttle during idle would kill the plugs (I don't do this, just want to know the reason)? | ||
| Buellfighter |
Yeah Dbird29, my buddy had a H1 triple. After I rode that I've been hooked on speed ever since. Plug fouling mutha. Also had a friend with a RD 400, wacky fast. | ||
| Djkaplan |
"The front plug will not look carbon fouled." Yeah. My gas fouled plug didn't look dark and sooty, it was just wet (in my one experience with it). | ||
| Dbf |
Just to update this post, I think the cause of the problem was the plug wire coming loose on the coil. I started it yesterday and went on a 45 min burn and it performed great. It certainly likes the cold, thick air!! If it only wasn't so damn uncomfortable and dangerous to ride in January (in Nova Scotia Canada) I'd be on it everyday the roads were dry. Dan | ||
| Hogs |
Hey Dbf, Glad to see you were out on her, Yeah keep an eye out for the front plug wire they have been known to rub and cause missing plms. on the front cyl. YEah won`t be long now just another 3 months and were out again ... |
