I bought a used 2001 yamaha vstar and it stopped running cleaned filter and changed gas, any other options?

Question

Motorcycle was taken out on a test drive, but after about 40 miles it did not want to start anymore, it starts with starter fluid but then it stops. I think its the fuel system.

Answer 1

It could be anyting from clogged jets to your fuel sensor to your fuel relay.... If your sensor or relay is bad, your pump can't pump your fuel, so your delivery system is ineffective. These are part of the saddle harness and electrical system, so they can be checked with a volt meter, and are very easy to replace. If you can hear your fuel pump charge when you flip the switch, and your fuel filter is not clogged, check the sensor and relay, and go from there.

One of my track bikes started and ran the night before I went to Road America a few years back. The next day it wouldn't start. After taking the carbs apart, checking the jets, blowing them out, etc, we eventually shot brake cleaner into the carbs, it fired up, but then would still slowly die. We eventually figured out that the fuel relay had gone bad.

Also, I know it's basic and I don't mean to insult you at all...but you might want to double check that you did not put the fuel filter on backwards. I've accidently done that before. :-)

FYI: on a 2001 cruiser, you really shouldn't be having an issue like this. Clogged mains don't happen all the time on bikes. We do have that happen more frequently on our off road bikes because we are riding in dirt and mud and muck. Road bikes will start to sputter and miss if there is an issue, and you may need to take them in for a tune up or "check up," as it may be if you can't do it yourself. etc. But a blockage causing a complete shutdown in a road bike is not that typical....occassionally this might happen because something clogs a jet, but it's really rather atypical for a bike to be trailered, especially one that's still within this decade, because of a carbeuration issue (aside that most bike are now FI anyway). Things go bad, but I'd be interested to know what the actual cause was. Could you shoot me an email and let me know?

Jason

Answer 2

You need to have your carburator cleaned, get a motorcycle mechanic to do that. Probably a clogged main jet. Happens all the time.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, those bikes have a FUEL PUMP and the d**n things go bad no matter how many miles.

Try asking in a Yamaha forum, they are better able to tell you how to diagnose the pump.

Answer 4

You could have fouled spark plugs.  My guess though is it sounds like your fuel filter is clogged and needs to be changed.  Just two more things to look into.