What Happened!?

[flitecontrol]

My 2001 Rebel was running rough (right cylinder missing) when I got it a month ago. Changed the plugs and it improved quite a bit, but was still missing a little on the right side. Today, I added some fuel additive (PowerPlusMPG) that improved the mileage in my truck by 20%; to the bike's tank and topped it off. I noticed that it took about 1.5 gallons of gas, and I had only gone about 30 miles since the last fill up. The info with the additive says it cleans carbs/injectors and valves. After riding a short distance, the engine REALLY picked up! Both cylinders fired consistently. When I let off on the throttle, the engine speed remained high. In first gear, it would do 13-15 mph at idle, and 20+ in second. The recommended dilution rate of the additive is 1cc per 8 gallons. I probably got a higher concentration than that in the bike 'cause I had to estimate on the dropper used to dispense it. I also installed an in line fuel filter today.

What happened? Was there crud in the carb that the previous owner compensated for by upping the idle, or is something else going on? Will probably siphon some of the gas with the additive out of the tank and replace it with straight gas tomorrow. Any ideas or suggestions?:confused:

[Guba]

If its any help, engine idle speed is 1,400 +/-100 RPM. That's with untreated gas.:confused: It might also be the plug wires, they don't use top quality parts on everything.

[flitecontrol]

Thanks. I've put around 100 miles on it since I got it in late July, all on gravel or dirt roads. Other than installing new plugs, haven't done anything I'm aware of with the electrical system/spark. Given the short time between putting in the additive and the tremendous improvement in engine performance, I'm thinking the additive created the situation, although I'm not positive. What I can't figure out is why the idle is so high. Swapping out the gas tomorrow may get it back to a reasonable idle. I remember noticing more power on hills in my 4-cyl truck with the additive, but there was no increase in idle speed. May have to go from using four drops per tank to one or two!

Not sure what is in the additive, but even if it was nitromethane, can't imagine the engine racing like that with only a few drops in an entire tank of gas!

[Guba]

I very nearly forgot about this simple test for plug wires! If the insulation is going bad the wire will try to arc in the shortest route. The first time I did this test, it was under a starlit sky. The test failed because it was too much light. You have to put the bike in a VERY dark garage or use a blanket or tarp around yourself and the front of the bike, your going to be watching the plug wires. Next, start the engine. If the wires are really bad you should see a nice little light show, little being the key word as it'll be very faint. At this point you don't really want to touch the wires, it's a shocking experience that your sure to remember! You also don't want to run the bike very long in a closed room, bad for your longevity!!

[flitecontrol]

After reading several threads last night about how cold natured these beasts are, I realized I never had to adjust the choke on my 250. :confused: Started it up today and it began to idle very high. Reduced the choke and it was fine. Apparently, the fuel additive cleared out whatever gunk was in the system, and once both cylinders began to fire regularly, the advanced choke caused it to idle very high. Rode for about 20 minutes and never got warmed up to the point that I could completely take it off choke.

There's no substitute for experience, of which I have very little! Thanks to all those who have taken the time to share theirs on this forum.:D

Lots of folks wanting to take the motorcycle safety course. Got word today I am scheduled for the November session. September and October are full. New Pirelli tires and tubes were delivered today. New X ring chain coming in a day or two. When I get everything on, will have it inspected, buy the tag, take the skills test, and start riding back roads. Two months is too long to have this bike and not put it on asphalt!

[Guba]

Chalk one up for learning experience! We've ALL been there.;) Just in case you don't know, there should be a book inside your left side cover and details whats, hows and whens. 20 minutes of engine running is more than enough time for the engine to warm up though. This morning I had 47 degrees and had only warmed it up for about 10 minutes before I got on the road, and it ran great.

[flitecontrol]

Thanks.* Haven't looked there yet.* Had the battery cover off to repair the bolt flange, which had cracked.* Used some aluminum screen wire for reinforcement and liquid epoxy to fix it.* holding so far.* Also have a Clymer manual for it.* Never worked on a bike before, but I found with my other vehicles, could do just about anything if I had the right tools and a manual.

[windy rebel]

"proper" warm up procedure:
start enginge
put on gear {reminds me of mopp 4 :cool: }
adjunst choke as necessary
ride
adjust idle speed as necessary

[flitecontrol]

Thanks. Need to do some investigating as to why it still needs choke once it warms up.