loss of power in cold

[cleensmoke666]

since ive gotten my bike back from shop after repairng stripped oil cap bolts...it seems that my gz has lost some power is it because of the cold weather ..i remember not having that much difficulty last winter i have an 07 i bought new in june of 07 8800 miles

[alanmcorcoran]

Did they change your oil? I know everyone else will tell me I'm nuts, but the Rotella oil seemed to be more "powerful" than the regular stuff. I think once the bike is warmed up the cold weather won't affect it, except for maybe being better at keeping the engine from overheating.

Also, as has been pointed out here, some of the gas mixes in various part of the country are different in the winter and that might also affect your power output. Check your plug to make sure it's not gunked up and your air filter box and drain tube cap (make sure it isn't missing.) From what I've read, airflow, spark, fuel and carb all affect the power more than the outside temperature.

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

. . . some of the gas mixes in various part of the country are different in the winter and that might also affect your power output. Check your plug to make sure it's not gunked up and your air filter box and drain tube cap (make sure it isn't missing.) From what I've read, airflow, spark, fuel and carb all affect the power more than the outside temperature.

As a novice myself and someone with, shall we say, less than sterling mechanical abilities, hearing Alan talk like like this gives me hope :whistle:

Keith

[mrlmd1]

But he left out "check the thermostat". :poke2: :roll:

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by cleensmoke666

i remember not having that much difficulty last winter i have an 07 i bought new in june of 07 8800 miles

Your profile doesn't tell us where you are so.....how COLD is cold ??

Fresh 40 weight oil can bog things down a bit until it gets thoroughly hot.
A bike that runs lean to start with will be even worse off when cold.

If you ride much in really cold weather, you might want to consider a thinner (synthetic) oil for the winter. See owner's manual.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

Did they change your oil? I know everyone else will tell me I'm nuts, but the Rotella oil seemed to be more "powerful" than the regular stuff.

Thinner oil might give a tiny bit more power and would be more apparent when cold.
But that doesn't change the fact that we all think you are nuts!! :biggrin:

[cleensmoke666]

im in st.louis,mo. last time i rode was 25 degrees ..thanx for reply.

[alanmcorcoran]

Is it slow up through the gears or, is the top end off? What speed does it max out at?

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by cleensmoke666

im in st.louis,mo. last time i rode was 25 degrees ..thanx for reply.

Based on my recent experience at 60 F., I think you are lucky it runs AT ALL at 25.

[cleensmoke666]

rode it today could not get past 45 and also gears 1-2 are hard to get into like i need to apply more pressure to foot shifter