I am having an issue with a 2002 Honda Rebel I just purchased for my girlfriend. I can't seem to get the bike above 45-50 mph. When I got the bike a couple of weeks ago, it wouldn't idle without being on choke, so I figured I needed to do some carb work. I pulled the carb and the bowl was orange with crud. As I had figured, the low speed idle jet was clogged. So I cleaned the jets and the bowl, drained the tank, ran some seafoam through it and soaked the carb in it. Reassembled, put a new air filter on it, new plugs, and it idles perfectly, and starts most of the time without choke at all. The bike runs great; however, it seems like there's some sort of governor on the bike keeping it from getting to top speed. In the lower gears, it revs and pulls as well as I think it should be. ( I have never rode a rebel, so I have no comparison) I have read that people are gettin 70-80 mph out of theirs, but my top is 50 with a tailwind. It seems that between 3/4 throttle and full, there is no difference in the speed or sound of the motor in 5th gear. The throttle cable is pulling the throttle completely open (at least I can't move it any more with my hand, and it looks wide open from the side of the carb.)
Does anyone have any ideas as to why this bike that runs so well, and starts way better and quicker than my Harley would not reach its top speed?
I don't know the history of the bike, and I am not sure if there is a way to govern the speed in the event it was used in a MSF course. I am not sure if they even do that.
Even at the slow speed...it sure is fun to ride. Sorry for the long post, but I am out of ideas and could use a little help. By the way, I weigh 180lbs, so I don't think I am too heavy for the bike.
Thanks for your help,
Mark
Does anyone have any ideas as to why this bike that runs so well, and starts way better and quicker than my Harley would not reach its top speed?
I don't know the history of the bike, and I am not sure if there is a way to govern the speed in the event it was used in a MSF course. I am not sure if they even do that.
Even at the slow speed...it sure is fun to ride. Sorry for the long post, but I am out of ideas and could use a little help. By the way, I weigh 180lbs, so I don't think I am too heavy for the bike.
Thanks for your help,
Mark