Erratic idle

Jefft · November 3rd, 2013, 09:00 PM

So, I've noticed over the last couple of weeks that my 2012 ninjette has a bit of an inconsistent idle speed once warmed up. Does need a bit of choke to start up. Once warm, I've see idle speeds between 1900 and 3200. I put in an adjustable brake lever 500 miles ago and never messed with the throttle cable. (bike has 1000 miles on it now) There doesn't seem to be much happening when I tweak the throttle. Revs go up and then come back down to the either somewhat normal level or this new high idle, depending on where it started. Since this is a new bike, I'm hoping there should be a pretty easy fix. And, just to be clear, the choke is off once the bike is warmed up.

csmith12 · November 3rd, 2013, 09:02 PM

Start by checking for vac leaks and ensure the airbox and snorkle are clear. Well, battery connections too.

rojoracing53 · November 3rd, 2013, 09:20 PM

not many miles on the bike

has it sat unstarted for any long periods of time(several months). if so it could simply be gummed up pilot jets and a little seafoam fuel treatment could clear that out.

vacuum leaks like mentioned above are also a leading cause for random idle as well.

Jefft · November 3rd, 2013, 09:50 PM

Just got the bike in the spring and while it's just a weekend toy, it's been ridden at least every other week and ocd that I am, I have it on a battery tender between rides and I know the connections are solid there.

Gonna have to google how to check for this vacuum leak business. Appreciate the responses.

DaBlue1 · November 4th, 2013, 12:38 PM

Your idle speed is too high. Once the engine is fully warmed it should be adjusted to 1350 +/- 50 rpms. Ambient temp changes can change to idle speed and a small adjustment up or down may be necessary. You can also affect the throttle if you turn on move the throttle housing so that it puts a lil tension on the cable. Sometimes turning the handle bars can do the same thing. Just something to check.

November 3rd, 2013, 09:00 PM	#1
Jefft ninjette.org member Name: Jeff Location: California Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2012 250R Posts: 27	Erratic idle So, I've noticed over the last couple of weeks that my 2012 ninjette has a bit of an inconsistent idle speed once warmed up. Does need a bit of choke to start up. Once warm, I've see idle speeds between 1900 and 3200. I put in an adjustable brake lever 500 miles ago and never messed with the throttle cable. (bike has 1000 miles on it now) There doesn't seem to be much happening when I tweak the throttle. Revs go up and then come back down to the either somewhat normal level or this new high idle, depending on where it started. Since this is a new bike, I'm hoping there should be a pretty easy fix. And, just to be clear, the choke is off once the bike is warmed up.

November 3rd, 2013, 09:02 PM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Start by checking for vac leaks and ensure the airbox and snorkle are clear. Well, battery connections too. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

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November 3rd, 2013, 09:20 PM	#3
rojoracing53 Fast-Guy wannabe Name: Jason Location: Brentwood, Ca Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '13	not many miles on the bike has it sat unstarted for any long periods of time(several months). if so it could simply be gummed up pilot jets and a little seafoam fuel treatment could clear that out. vacuum leaks like mentioned above are also a leading cause for random idle as well.

November 3rd, 2013, 09:50 PM	#4
Jefft ninjette.org member Name: Jeff Location: California Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2012 250R Posts: 27	Just got the bike in the spring and while it's just a weekend toy, it's been ridden at least every other week and ocd that I am, I have it on a battery tender between rides and I know the connections are solid there. Gonna have to google how to check for this vacuum leak business. Appreciate the responses.

November 4th, 2013, 12:38 PM	#5
DaBlue1 Long Time Rider Name: Blue Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Your idle speed is too high. Once the engine is fully warmed it should be adjusted to 1350 +/- 50 rpms. Ambient temp changes can change to idle speed and a small adjustment up or down may be necessary. You can also affect the throttle if you turn on move the throttle housing so that it puts a lil tension on the cable. Sometimes turning the handle bars can do the same thing. Just something to check.