Is my bike wrong..?

Question

A few problems, any help muchly appreciated!

1) Just fitted new air filter, now sounds really loud and is a bit slugglish. (aftermarket K&N style filter)

2) Bike will only change gear while moving, cannot come to a stop then go to first, it sticks in the gear you are in, normal or??

3) Plug has a white ring around the electrode but the rest is a darkish brown colour.

4) Wind problem, is it normal for my bike (unfaired) to really get blown around in the wind and it goes really slow and struggles. Im getitng blown all over the road.

Thanks, J.

Answer 1

It is impossible to give a full, rational answer to your question without knowing:

a)  the make, model and age of your bike, and

b)  if you have done any other modifications to the inlet or exhaust tract.

Answer 2

Aye, you need to rejet to suit the K&N. Description of your plug sounds like you're running lean and therefore hot. Sounds like you have clutch issues too. Try adjusting the cable a bit, it sounds like its dragging a bit. If that doesn't work its a 'clutch out' job. Check for burrs and notchiness on your clutch basket, warped plates etc. It's not too tricky really but you'd do well to get a manual.

Dunno about the wind. I ride unfaired bikes, you sort of get used to it. It can be a pain in the **** in a hurricane, mind. It's surprising how much a strong headwind can slow you down. If your bike's running a bit shite with the new filter it's not going to help matters. Your best bet with mods like that is to find a website or forum specific to your bike and see what jets other folk have used with similar filters. It's all good fun, innit!

Answer 3

1.   Make sure the filter is fitted properly no leaks.

2.   Bike gear should not stick, needs to be check out by      mechanic.

3.   Mixture slightly rich and might want to check timing on valves like previous person said or even adjust the fuel flow.  Putting new filter is going to increase the amount of air and fuel going in to the combustion chamber than you will need a free flowing exhaust as well.  Do not just add a filter and expect it to perform better.

4.   Smaller bikes can get blown around but all bikes you can feel movement when wind is present and air resistance also from big trucks and even cars at higher speeds.

Answer 4

1-to much ari,either rejet the carbs or block the filters[tape around half the filter]

2-clutch drag,either adjust clutch so it bites further away from the bars or your low on oil.

3-plug is correct colour,nothing to wory about there.

4-depends on the size of the bike...

hope this helps.

Answer 5

You're running lean and need to rejet now!!!!!!!!   You're gonna burn up your cylinder!!!!!!!  Any time you enhance your air fuel ratio you MUST rejet!!!!!

Answer 6

Timing.

Answer 7

Well ...we all want to have the best add-on's to our bike but sometimes they don't work as well as they should.  In your case, fitting the air filter was half the story.  The remaining half is left undone.

The new air filter gives an unrestricted extra flow of air.  So the balance is upset.  Your bike does not run on air alone.  For increased performance, you need to increase the fuel supplied to the engine too.  This can be achieve by changing to a higher jet (polished brass s***w in the carb) size.

Once the increase in fuel matches the increase in air, you have a balance.

Your gears could be sticking because of a loose clutch cable.  Try tightening it.  It may solve the problem.  Always depress the clutch fully when changing up the gears.  It helps the gear cluster disengage before making the new selection.   You could also try blipping the throttle just before you change.  It helps in some cases.

Please ensure the heat range of your plug is correctly matching the model of your bike.  Gap it correctly before fitting.  Ideally, it should be a very light brown colour.  Once your jet size is improved, the colour too will change.

When you get tossed in the wind, you can do two things.  You can reduce speed.  That way you will get back into control.  Second, make sure that your tyre pressure is correct.  Reduced pressure may also creat instability.  Also try to crouch a little to reduce the buffetting.  Now you know why cars with windshields are safer.  Take care.  You will get used to it.

Answer 8

your bike is right,YOU are wrong....lol

Answer 9

If you changed your air filter depending what you changed to you may have to re-jet or readjust your carb.

The bike may only be changing gears while moving because your clutch is bad or just needs adjusting.

The white ring makes think your bike might be running a little lean. How did your bike run BEFORE you changed the air filter?

If the bike is small (you didn't say what size it was) yes the wind can definitely blow you around. If the wind is strong enough it will blow any bike around. Especially while crossing bridges. Experience and practice will teach you how to handle the wind and know when it's too strong to ride in..

Buy a repair manual for particular bike and learn how to work on it and how to perform maintenance and tune ups. Good Luck

Answer 10

your bike will be sluggish if it is on carbs as with an aftermarket k&N on you have increased the airflow but not altered the mixture try getting the mixture set to mach the k&n this can be done by altering a s***w on the carbs. best to take to a garage as they will use a machine to set this from the emisions. hope this helps.