I just started my 08 250r (~1200mi) after about a month of non-use. It starts OK on full choke but as soon as I begin to push the choke back it dies. I then adjusted the throttle cable so that I could turn the choke off and that enabled it to stay running. However, whenever I shift into gear and attempt to pull away, the engine dies as soon as the bike begins to move. It ran perfect one month ago and I haven't touched it since then. I wouldn't think that would be enough time for the gas to go bad or the carbs to muddy up. I'm signed up for a track day at Tally this weekend so I'm kinda frantic to get this thing working right. Any idea what might be going on?
Are you using the choke as you should? You see, you should let the bike fully warm up before turning the choke off. Depending on your temp you may have to turn the choke all the way up and then turn the bike on. If doing so, stay near the bike for the first 30 seconds as the engine speed will greatly increase. At that point turn down the choke a bit, until the revs are at around 2,000 rpm or under. But don't turn it down too much or the engine will die. When a constant rpm is reached, let the thing warm up for a good 3 to 5 min. Turn off the choke and let it idle for a bit. It should now idle normally, at around 1,300rpm to 1,500. When you start riding, do some very moderately for the first couple of minutes. Idiots will give a cold engine full throttle the moment they leave their driveway, as they want to look cool. The only cool thing there is the engine, and a cool engine doesn't run well (or lasts).
Hope this helps. Let us know if it continues to happen after you try the above
When I posted that I adjusted my throttle I really meant that I adjusted the idle speed. In response to post #2, I do know how to properly use a choke, the bike is simply not functioning as it should. What really has me concerned is that it is unable to even move under it's own power without dying. My guess would be it's some sort of fuel/oxygen delivery problem but I'm not sure where to start with that one.
If you literally did NOTHING to the bike but let it sit for a month then I'm leaning towards bad gas myself. From my experience cables and levers don't magically adjust themselves in that short a span of time.
Without seeing the bike all we can do is speculate but I wouldn't think that gas would go bad that quickly. Even with all the ethanol you guys get in the US I would think it would take a good 3 months or so before gas would begin to cause problems (at least I would hope so).
Best thing to do is to done one simple thing at a time. Do what Kkim said, adjust the idle AFTER the bike is fully warm, to somewhere around 1,500 up to 2k. Is your clutch cable adjusted properly? And naturally, ensure the bike is fully warm before riding off. In my case even after the bike idles for a good 5 min in the morning it will lug a bit when I start moving it. Reason why I ride it very gently for the first couple of minutes, to let the engine warm up gently. Cold temps can do odd stuff.
Once the basics are covered it may be a good idea to call up your service dept in the event the bike does have some sort of issue. But hold off till you eliminate the simple stuff.
Can you give it gas and bring it to high revs when in neutral?
Or is only when engaged?
If it dies as soon as you put the bike into gear it could possibly be your side stand switch. Make sure no one possibly bumped into your bike and damaged it..etc.
(I am only assuming it has been sitting outside here)
My next step would be to just drain the gas, make sure you drain the carb as well. Then put in fresh gas.... Do this before you go taking the whole bike apart looking for other reasons.
Next simple things to check first are your air cleaner isn't plugged up, and your sparks are not fouled from overchoking.
Can you give it gas and bring it to high revs when in neutral?
Or is only when engaged?
If it dies as soon as you put the bike into gear it could possibly be your side stand switch. Make sure no one possibly bumped into your bike and damaged it..etc.
(I am only assuming it has been sitting outside here)
My next step would be to just drain the gas, make sure you drain the carb as well. Then put in fresh gas.... Do this before you go taking the whole bike apart looking for other reasons.
Next simple things to check first are your air cleaner isn't plugged up, and your sparks are not fouled from overchoking.
I can bring it to high gears while it's in neutral. It's not the side stand sensor, I cut and shorted it long ago. Also, it's not a sudden engine death, it's a death due to the engine bogging down quickly. The bike was laid down in a low side back in July, but I've ridden it dozens of times since then. A friend of my suggested removing the idle mixture screw and spraying carb cleaner directly in there. What do you guys think?
Engine dies without choke
Linear Mode
