jimmystartup Posted November 30, 2007 Share Posted November 30, 2007 So the Bird left me stranded tonight. Here's what happened... I rode from my office down to the ferry-boat without any problem. After the crossing I started the bike and let it warm up a bit as the ferry workers unloaded the cyclists. Then I rode off an not a half a mile later the bike started to sputter. At first it seemed like my clutch was failing because the power loss was kind of jerky. Then it just sputtered down and died. I pulled in the clutch, coasted as far as I could, and came to rest right beside a fucking bridge barrier that left me about ten inches of space to push the bike. When I finally got clear of the bridge, I pushed way to the side and tried to figure out what happened. It was totally dark so I couldn't see much. When I tried starting it the bike would start (only with the choke on) but die after just a few second. If it did stay running for more than five seconds, any movement of the throttle immediately killed it. Then I tried calling AAA and they told me they don't cover bikes unless you have a special rider. Nice, they could have mentioned something ten fucking years ago when I started paying them. I called a local tow company and they sent a flatbed with a bike dolly. I'm safe at home now, on my third Henry Weinhard's Hefeweizen. My bike is a 1997 with 38,000 miles. This really seems like a fuel issue but I'm not sure where to start looking. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. I've been commuting on this bike for the past few years without so much as a hiccup. The las time I got fuel was a week ago and nothing has happened recently that should affect my fuel supply (that I know of) :icon_think: Thanks, Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrBadExxample Posted November 30, 2007 Share Posted November 30, 2007 Could be the petcock. Specifically check the vacuum line to the #2 vacuum port. Also ensure that the petcock diaphragm is okie dokie. If you suck on the petcock vacuum line fuel should flow out of the two fuel lines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmystartup Posted November 30, 2007 Author Share Posted November 30, 2007 Could be the petcock. Specifically check the vacuum line to the #2 vacuum port. Also ensure that the petcock diaphragm is okie dokie. If you suck on the petcock vacuum line fuel should flow out of the two fuel lines. Thanks. Any idea where I can see a diagram that shows me what the #2 vauum port is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banshee Posted November 30, 2007 Share Posted November 30, 2007 It will be a roughly 1/4" rubber hose running to the valve on the bottom of the tank from the manifold just below the #2 carb. Remove the line from the carb & suck. You shold not get a flow of air, it sould just open the diaphragm to let fuel flow. Or for that matter, check that the hose itself is ok, is secure, no holes etc. Let us know what you find. It certainly sounds similar to what happened when I rode off after working on the bike & forgot to turn the petcock back on... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slowrideCX Posted November 30, 2007 Share Posted November 30, 2007 Could be the petcock. Specifically check the vacuum line to the #2 vacuum port. Also ensure that the petcock diaphragm is okie dokie. If you suck on the petcock vacuum line fuel should flow out of the two fuel lines. Thanks. Any idea where I can see a diagram that shows me what the #2 vauum port is? If you have a shop manuel it will show you what you are looking for. I agree with MrbadExxample that would be the only thing stopping the fuel from reaching the carbs. You may have a crack in the vacuum line causing the diaphragm from staying open that is why it would only run for a few seconds. If the line was off it would not allow any fuel to the carb and the motor wouldn't even sputter. Good luck with your trouble shooting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearXX Posted November 30, 2007 Share Posted November 30, 2007 I had the same problem, and found the solution on this page. http://www.cbr1100xx.org/forums/index.php?...&hl=petcock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hooplehead Posted November 30, 2007 Share Posted November 30, 2007 +1 fuel problem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhanxx Posted November 30, 2007 Share Posted November 30, 2007 My birds have failed me four (4) times. The only consistency has been about 200 miles on the tripmeter... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wockman Posted November 30, 2007 Share Posted November 30, 2007 Your right AAA usually wont touch a bike. But the AMA has a service called MOWTOW. I've had it for years. The peace of mind is well worth the extra $25. http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/motow.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkxx Posted November 30, 2007 Share Posted November 30, 2007 Then I tried calling AAA and they told me they don't cover bikes unless you have a special rider. Did you tell them that you are a special rider? Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uvaldeXX Posted November 30, 2007 Share Posted November 30, 2007 My insurance is with progressive, towing is an add on....well worth it. Only used it once on my Goldwing in the middle of nowhere. Blew a rear tire while traveling on interstate 10....freaky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Posted November 30, 2007 Share Posted November 30, 2007 But the AMA has a service called MOWTOW. I've had it for years. The peace of mind is well worth the extra $25. +1. I've also had it for years and have used it once, when the 'bird fried the stator. The amount saved on that one tow paid for 10 years of the annual premium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmystartup Posted November 30, 2007 Author Share Posted November 30, 2007 Then I tried calling AAA and they told me they don't cover bikes unless you have a special rider. Did you tell them that you are a special rider? Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I knew I was going to hear that one, even my Father in Law said it. First of all, thanks for all of the replies, you guys have helped point me in the right direction. Tonight I'll dig in after work. :icon_clap: Someone who rides here regularly told me to try a can of Heet in case I just picked up some water. It is a problem around here this time of year. I think I'll do that first before taking the tank off. The tow cost me $96 to my garage, I'll check out the AMA program and I guess I should call State Farm and see what they would charge to add it to my policy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB4XX Posted November 30, 2007 Share Posted November 30, 2007 the one time my 97 died on the side of the road was because the vacuum line slipped off cutting off the fuel flow. the tank removal on a carbed bike is easy. take the seat off, pull the inner panel tabs out of the tank, remove two 12mm bolts holding tank down, and you can lift it enuf to reach or look under to verify all hoses are good. i did it on the side of the interstate one time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CxBXR Posted November 30, 2007 Share Posted November 30, 2007 If the above input dosent work check your fuel filter, if it is completely clogged it will not allow adequate fuel flow. Look into tank & make sure you have fuel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkxx Posted December 1, 2007 Share Posted December 1, 2007 If the above input dosent work check your fuel filter A 97 doesn't have a fuel filter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
testrider Posted December 1, 2007 Share Posted December 1, 2007 Your right AAA usually wont touch a bike. But the AMA has a service called MOWTOW. I've had it for years. The peace of mind is well worth the extra $25. http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/motow.asp AAA will cover bike towing only if you buy the optional RV/Motorcycle. It's only $26 additional a year and I don't have to buy AMA to have bike towing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmystartup Posted December 1, 2007 Author Share Posted December 1, 2007 UPDATE - The Heet didn't do a damn thing so I unbolted the gas tank and, low an behold, the vacuum line had fallen off. Fuck, a flashlight and the tool kit would have saved me $96. Once I reconnected the tube it fired up and ran perfectly. Hindsight is 20/20. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaygermeister Posted December 1, 2007 Share Posted December 1, 2007 Dude, replace the hose!! If it fell off once it will do it again. its gitting old, mine did the same and a few month later the bike started running bad... that hose got a crack in it.......... just get a new one and save yourself some trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmystartup Posted December 2, 2007 Author Share Posted December 2, 2007 Dude, replace the hose!! If it fell off once it will do it again. its gitting old, mine did the same and a few month later the bike started running bad... that hose got a crack in it.......... just get a new one and save yourself some trouble. Yep, am going to do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rideonXX Posted December 4, 2007 Share Posted December 4, 2007 Also note Honda uses a hard to find, at least for me, except special order from dealer or on line, 3.5mm vacuum line---I used a piece I had that must have been 4mm as that is common---worked for awhile and then the heat and vibration caused it to balloon on the connection---and of course trouble. Worth the effort to get the 'right' tubing in my opinion. Happy trails kel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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