Backfiring and uneven idle

[mr. softie]

Try this... :popcorn: And yes I know all this has already been covered to a certain degree in this thread. ( back in August I think!!) I'm just trying to delineate a troubleshooting path here.

Bear in mind again the usefulness of a multimeter and a test light in troubleshooting electrical problems. A wiring diagram/schematic is also invaluable. There are diagrams on pages 205/206/207 of the service manual. The components can be easily checked for proper operation, and wiring for continuity and shorts etc. Check out the troubleshooting section in the service manual starting with page 177. Pretty straightforward. Sure beats wondering which part is bad, and a hell of a lot better than buying parts till you get the right one. Take it step by step and don't get frustrated. Think how great you will feel when you get it running like a top again!

Here is a shade tree mechanic way of troubleshooting: (for those without multimeter/continuity tester, or service manual.)
Disclaimer!! I have not done the following steps on my own bike as I have not had this problem. So I might just be talking out my a** :twisted:

1) Remove the kickstand switch.
2) Find the plug it plugs into in the main wiring harness.
3) Fabricate a jumper and connect the two leads in that plug. This should properly bypass the switch for testing purposes only. Your neutral light will probably stay on when in gear. More importantly the switch is there to prevent you from putting the bike in gear with the kickstand down, a real safety feature. :skull: The diode in the switch is to allow the neutral light to go off when the kickstand is up and the bike is not in neutral.
4) make sure you are in neutral
5) make sure your handlebar kill switch is in run position :retard:
6) try to start the bike. If it starts and runs ok when you shift into gear the trouble is your kickstand switch or its' wires ...replace it. This is the most likely culprit. :2tup:
7) If it quits or runs funny when you shift into gear the problem could be in your clutch safety override switch, or the wiring going to it, or some other problem..sidestand relay ... :??:



If this sounds like funky advice someone please chime in and let me know. :poke2:

[patrick_777]

Originally Posted by mr. softie

5) make sure your handlebar kill switch is in run position :retard:

This actually gets me about once a month. It never fails to make me feel retarded.

:retard: :cuss:

[Sarris]

As I said before, I'm fairly sure there is some kind of diode (??) that figures in the kickstand switch and I'm fairly sure it won't run if bypassed.

If it were me I'd just replace the sidestand switch, If that didn't do it, I'd clean and/or replace the kill switch. Last but not least, I'd check the neutral safety switch.

This is gettin' old, just fix the damn thing and let us know what it was.

O_o

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by patrick_777

It never fails to make me feel retarded.

Mmmm......nope, too easy! :shocked: :crackup

[roncg41677]

Originally Posted by Sarris

This is gettin' old, just fix the damn thing and let us know what it was. O_o

Okay. I know it's getting old. :horse: :crash:

I'll update when it's working. I honestly didn't mean to be a leach. Just taking advantage of all of the acquired knowledge here :blush: .

[mr. softie]

I'll update when it's working.

PMA Brother! PMA! That's the spirit! :2tup:

[roncg41677]

It's running great! Changed the stand switch, then couldn't get the bike started. It hadn't been ridden for a few weeks. Cleaned the contacts for the starter relay and ignitor and what not, charged the battery and it sounds great! I just took it around the block in beautiful 70 degree weather. I really opened it up (when I was closer to home than last time ) and no bogging. It ran just like it should. I finally get to ride to work tomorrow! The weather has been so nice here. Glad I'll get to enjoy it before we're back into our hot humid FL days.

Thanks so much for the help and patience everyone. I really appreciate it. :biggrin: :2tup: :biggrin:

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by roncg41677

Cleaned the contacts for the starter relay and ignitor and what not,

Fantastic......I hope.

Hopefully the stand switch really was the problem and not one of those "what nots" that will come back to haunt you later. :cool:

[trykemike]

Hey roncg !

I appreciate the update. Glad the bike is running. I always blast the side stand switch with wd-40 when I do a cleaning. I did have a couple of no start occurrences but I kicked the side stand up then back down the the bike started no problem for months then a hiccup. perhaps dirt cloggs its micro switch.

[alanmcorcoran]

Photo Marketing Association? Produce Marketers Association? Pilates Method Ass... oh, waitaminute Positive Mental Attitude! (No wonder I didn't get it.)