Stranded :(

[Rosie]

So.. today I tested my AAA membership (it works..) and had my poor lil Ninja towed back home
I was on my way back home from work and noticed right away my Ninja was idling funny.. and as soon as I picked up some speed on a longer stretch of road, it died on me as I was happily cruising at around 7K rpm.. WTF? So I come to stop, pull over to the side of the road and try to start it back up. After to 15th attempt and nothing happened, I called up my hubby and he eventually managed to start it. But something wasn't right still.. the bike still wouldn't idle correctly although fully warmed up, and sure enough, as soon as I hop on it and head back home, 2 lights down the road the bike dies again. I start it back up.. and after another couple lights, it dies again. This time for good We tried everything: turned the fuel thingy to reserve, turned it back to ON, choke on, choke half way, choke off. Nothing. My husband's good working on cars but not on bikes so we eventually gave up and called AAA, that took the bike back home. We'll get another free ride to the dealer this weekend.
Now I'm without my baby, and I'm really sad!!!

[backinthesaddleagain]

Its funny AAA doesn't cover bikes in RI, varies by state. I have AMA membership which provides towing if needed. Sorry to hear bike is dead. If you remove fuel line and open petcock does fuel flow ok? Can put a meal can or something to catch the gass. Wonder if you are getting spark?

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

Its funny AAA doesn't cover bikes in RI, varies by state. I have AMA membership which provides towing if needed. Sorry to hear bike is dead. If you remove fuel line and open petcock does fuel flow ok? Can put a meal can or something to catch the gass. Wonder if you are getting spark?

Yeah.. fuel was there, it just wasn't idling correctly and it just kept getting worse until it died completely. I'm not a technical person so not sure what's going on. I'll just take it to the dealer and see if they can figure it out

[backinthesaddleagain]

maybe carbs need cleaning, or bad gas? could empty tank and try a little fresh gas...

[spooph]

Please post back on what the problem was for us nerd cataloging the issues... :P

[Alex]

Next time try to open the gas tank cap, and see if the symptoms go away. For a bike that's running well to suddenly die in the way you're describing, a common problem is some type of venting issue that isn't letting the gas exit the gas tank quickly enough to keep the float bowls full.

[kkim]

I was going to suggest that, but wasn't sure if this was an issue with the pregens, too.

[Flashmonkey]

Yikes! I'm glad you managed to get home safely, but I'm sorry you had to go through that.

This problem can be anything....but it'll be easy to diagnose. The dealership should be able to solve this no problem....but the bike's pretty easy to work on so maybe you and your husband can try and problem solve it a little first? It may help take away the 'mystique' of all the mechanical bits and make you more confident with the bike.

Start with the basics. Make sure the engine is getting:

1. Air
2. Fuel
3. Spark

This problem exists because one of those 3 things isn't getting where it needs to be.

[Alex]

It's an issue with all bikes, but more prevalent on carbed bikes where there isn't a fuel pump to overcome any venting anomalies.

[Flashmonkey]

Originally Posted by Alex

Next time try to open the gas tank cap, and see if the symptoms go away. For a bike that's running well to suddenly die in the way you're describing, a common problem is some type of venting issue that isn't letting the gas exit the gas tank quickly enough to keep the float bowls full.

Ahhh yes....this could be it too!!! Man you're smart.....

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by Alex

Next time try to open the gas tank cap, and see if the symptoms go away. For a bike that's running well to suddenly die in the way you're describing, a common problem is some type of venting issue that isn't letting the gas exit the gas tank quickly enough to keep the float bowls full.

We did that too.. thinking I ran out of gas or something, but it didn't work (and I still had plenty of gas). Plus the throttle was sticking and wouldn't return back to position so that was another symptom. Don't know.. it worked fine until today, and I didn't lay it down or anything, so maybe some cable got loose.. who knows. I'll keep you posted on what the dealer says.

[00NissanNinja]

I hope you get it figured out, you just started commuting on it too... Carbs can be PITA sometimes

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by 00NissanNinja

I hope you get it figured out, you just started commuting on it too... Carbs can be PITA sometimes

I know right?? I want the FI Ninja!

[00NissanNinja]

They should make a direct fuel injected ninja 250r, now that would be awesome, might even make more power over the carb'ed versions if they tune it right. Though I haven't seen direct injection on motorcycles attempted or even planned

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by 00NissanNinja

They should make a direct fuel injected ninja 250r, now that would be awesome, might even make more power over the carb'ed versions if they tune it right. Though I haven't seen direct injection on motorcycles attempted or even planned

As long as I don't have to deal with a choke any longer.. I'm happy

[00NissanNinja]

I never could really use my choke just makes my bike act weird so +1 for the FI. After I shimmed my needles using the choke worked better but now I don't really need it with the needle shimming. When I first was looking at the new ninja I expected it to be fuel injected then I found it was carburated. I was like wow carbs still exist in this day and age...Not that carbs are horribly bad or anything but everything has to be in a nearly fine balance with these machines.

[Rosie]

Sigh.. going to work in my car tomorrow

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by 00NissanNinja

I never could really use my choke just makes my bike act weird so +1 for the FI. After I shimmed my needles using the choke worked better but now I don't really need it with the needle shimming.

I wouldn't think I'd need it either considering where I live and the temperatures we get.. but my bike always needed a bit of choke to start up no matter what. I know the previous owner played with it to make it run a bit better, but no sure what he did.. and it doesn't look like it worked anyhow

[00NissanNinja]

Originally Posted by Rosie

I wouldn't think I'd need it either considering where I live and the temperatures we get.. but my bike always needed a bit of choke to start up no matter what. I know the previous owner played with it to make it run a bit better, but no sure what he did.. and it doesn't look like it worked anyhow

True it does stay pretty warm out there, maybe he screwed up go slap him lol.

[M]

Also check the fuel tank vent hose under your seat. If your seat pinches it, it can cause the symptoms you described.

[Blackwidow]

awww Rosie, i'm sorry. Hopefully your baby will get fixed up and we can laugh at this day later...much later.

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by Blackwidow

awww Rosie, i'm sorry. Hopefully your baby will get fixed up and we can laugh at this day later...much later.

Thank you Paulette. I miss her already

[Snake]

It kinda sounds like your fuel filter may be clogged.

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by M

Also check the fuel tank vent hose under your seat. If your seat pinches it, it can cause the symptoms you described.

I doubt it.. I've been riding it for a month and never touched the seat once, so I don't think I had a chance to pinch anything

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by Snake

It kinda sounds like your fuel filter may be clogged.

That could be.. who knows what kind of maintenance was done to this bike. I'm starting to be upset at myself for buying used and not checking the maintenance records

[Blackwidow]

Originally Posted by Rosie

That could be.. who knows what kind of maintenance was done to this bike. I'm starting to be upset at myself for buying used and not checking the maintenance records

HA!!! where are all those folks that told me i should buy used. And alas, my reasons have come clear...

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by Blackwidow

HA!!! where are all those folks that told me i should buy used. And alas, my reasons have come clear...

There's no reason not to buy used, if you do it smart and check the maintenance records, unlike me
I'd but used again, but this time I'd want everything documented.

P.S. My hubby agrees with you though

[backinthesaddleagain]

Rosie, probably be something simple.

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

Rosie, probably be something simple.

Hopefully I'll find out on Saturday

[Blackwidow]

Originally Posted by Rosie

There's no reason not to buy used, if you do it smart and check the maintenance records, unlike me
I'd but used again, but this time I'd want everything documented.

P.S. My hubby agrees with you though

ya i agree with you, but that was my major concern with buying bikes used. you never know what happened to it. its hard enough buying a used car, but a used motorcycle? something that is easily dropped...ya, i'm too skeptical of others and how they maintain responsibility.

So what are you going to do? taking it to a shop?

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by Blackwidow

So what are you going to do? taking it to a shop?

Yeah I'm calling AAA again on Saturday to have it towed to a Kawi dealership. I called them up and they will look into it and see what the issue is. Hopefully it's not going to cost me a fortune

[addy126]

I had a new 2007 before I grabbed the 2009. My idle screw would work itself down and I'd have to readjust it a few times to get the idle up so that it would operate properly. Seems I would hit it when fiddling with some wiring and the vibration would bugger it up occassionally. Just my 2cents is all.

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by addy126

I had a new 2007 before I grabbed the 2009. My idle screw would work itself down and I'd have to readjust it a few times to get the idle up so that it would operate properly. Seems I would hit it when fiddling with some wiring and the vibration would bugger it up occassionally. Just my 2cents is all.

I may look into that.. that would be an easy fix

[Sailariel]

So far, every problem we had involved that "Weasel Piss" that is passed off as gasoline. It affects lawn mowers, chain saws, outboard motors, and, yes, our cherished bikes. The only solution, at least in our case, has been to use Marine Stabil (The Blue stuff) every time we fill up. Also buy your gas at high volume stations--the ones that fill their tanks frequently. Gas has a very limited shelf life. You are also safer if you buy Regular 87 Octane gas--since that is used more often in most cars. You may pay a little extra for the gas but it is a good idea to stick to the known brands. In our area it is Shell, Mobil-Exxon, Sunoco, and Irving. We stay away from the Kwik Fills, No Names, etc. My 2 Cents worth

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by Sailariel

So far, every problem we had involved that "Weasel Piss" that is passed off as gasoline. It affects lawn mowers, chain saws, outboard motors, and, yes, our cherished bikes. The only solution, at least in our case, has been to use Marine Stabil (The Blue stuff) every time we fill up. Also buy your gas at high volume stations--the ones that fill their tanks frequently. Gas has a very limited shelf life. You are also safer if you buy Regular 87 Octane gas--since that is used more often in most cars. You may pay a little extra for the gas but it is a good idea to stick to the known brands. In our area it is Shell, Mobil-Exxon, Sunoco, and Irving. We stay away from the Kwik Fills, No Names, etc. My 2 Cents worth

Thank you The gas station close to my house is Shell and has a VERY high volume of customers since it's located in a pretty busy shopping area. I always fill up with the regular 87 too.. We'll see, I'm looking forward to hear what the problem is. The stuck throttle also has me concerned because the problem appeared together with the idle issue so I'm not sure if they are related.

[Sailariel]

Rosie, Your Kawi mechanic will have the problem sorted out in no time. Best he gives your baby a clean bill of health and then you will be safe and enjoy your ride a lot more.

[Cuongism]

Can you describe how it's idling funny (rpm hanging, never warming up?). Maybe we can figure it it before Saturday
Any chance you have non-stock grips? When I changed out my grips, the grips were longer so the rubber would catch on the bar ends and cause the throttle to stick. Likelier answer is that the throttle cable hasn't been lubed in awhile.

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by Sailariel

Rosie, Your Kawi mechanic will have the problem sorted out in no time. Best he gives your baby a clean bill of health and then you will be safe and enjoy your ride a lot more.

Yep, that's what I'm thinking!

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by Cuongism

Can you describe how it's idling funny (rpm hanging, never warming up?). Maybe we can figure it it before Saturday
Any chance you have non-stock grips? When I changed out my grips, the grips were longer so the rubber would catch on the bar ends and cause the throttle to stick. Likelier answer is that the throttle cable hasn't been lubed in awhile.

Well.. the idle would go up and down for no reason after already warmed up. Normally it was staying consistent at 1500 RPM. Also the engine always died when at higher speeds, while slowing down (so when I was letting the throttle go). The grips are non-stock I'm sure. The say "Valentino" and I'm fairly certain those are not stock ones, but they don't seem to catch on anything.

[kkim]

check to see if the clamps on either side of both carbs that attach them to the rubber boots are loose. give the clamp screws a 1/4 turn each to be sure.

also, look for loose/disconnected or damaged vacuum hoses in that area.