High Idling

[fg1234567892000]

My 2003 seems to be idling unusually high, especially after a long ride at higher speeds. For example, I just came back from a 1.5 hour ride and averaged 55-70 mph. It started off ok, but I noticed that as I came back into town, that while I was stopped at a light that the bike was idling at a very high RPM; this is a problem that I have noticed since I got it a few months ago. Is this a normal issue, and if not, what could be the problem?

I always use full choke to start the bike, and then shut it off after the bike has run for about 30 sec. I do not touch it after that.

Thanks!

[fg1234567892000]

Also forgot to mention that the bike backfires after I shut it off when it is idling this high.

[blaine]

It is normal for your bike to back fire when shut off when it is idling too high. As for idling to fast your choke may be stuck partly on causing excessive idle when completely warm.Or a sticky throttle cable,that will usually show up when you turn handle bars from left to right. :2tup: :)

[fg1234567892000]

Sure, that sounds like valid problems; what should I do to correct the problem? Should I try lubing my choke cable? How can I tell if it's the throttle or choke? I am quite a newbie on this.

Thanks for the reply.

[Easy Rider]

that while I was stopped at a light that the bike was idling at a very high RPM;

I always use full choke to start the bike, and then shut it off after the bike has run for about 30 sec. I do not touch it after that.


THAT is when you should adjust the idle speed......when it is good and HOT; turn it down a bit.

Then you start the bike with about 3/4 choke and gradually lower it in small stages until it will idle smoothly when it's completely OFF. That may take several minutes or several miles, even in the summer time. You may even need just a tiny bit of choke to keep from stalling when restarted HOT.

This is the normal method of operation for a North American GZ......and lots of other bikes too.

A good dose of carb cleaner in the gas may help it idle better after you turn the speed down.

[5th_bike]

I share the gut feeling that your idle is set too high.

For my bike:
cold to just warm - need choke to idle
warm (after say 1 to 2 miles) - idles at around 1100 rpm, struggling to keep running
hot - idles at 1,300 rpm
really hot (>5-8 miles) - idles at 1,400 - 1,500 rpm

FWIW 1 turn the white thingy at the bottom of your carburetor to set the idle speed.
FWIW 2 always a good thing to keep the 5 cables well oiled. I use the engine oil collecting at the bottom of a container after it's "empty". Others swear by sewing machine oil or trombone oil.

[fg1234567892000]

Is there a good way to judge my RPM's? I don't have a tach on my bike.

[alantf]

Is there a good way to judge my RPM's? I don't have a tach on my bike.

If you've got a car, listen to the idle. It's usually set just over 800rpm. This will let you hear what 850(?) rpm sounds like, so your bike should sound a bit less than double this for the 1200 - 1400 that suzuki recommend. :)

[Easy Rider]

Is there a good way to judge my RPM's? I don't have a tach on my bike.

Experience. Lacking that, you slow it down gradually until you get a distinct thump-thump or it stumbles a bit or makes other odd noises.....and then you speed it back up until it just sounds smooth again. It's better to be a bit too high than too low.

That adjustment is made with the engine HOT and the choke OFF.

Your dealer may do it for you for free; after that, you can gauge it by ear.