Rough Idle and then Engine Dies?

[Sander77]

Hi all,

This happens very rarely on my 88 Hawk since most of the time it starts right up with no problems.

But once in awhile, I'll have trouble starting the engine and once it starts, it idles very roughly for 10-15 seconds and then dies. During this rough idle, if you even touch the throttle, it also dies.

This is in mild temperatures, too...

Anyone know what causes this?


thanks!

[gabemg]

Do you have the choke open when you start it? I happen to have an 88 hawk as well, I know it will occasionally die if I close the choke too soon after start-up. Does it ever occur at idle after you get going, like waiting at a stoplight?

[Sander77]

gabemg,

Well, my Hawk was jetted by a previous owner, so I rarely have to use the choke at all. In the case I was describing above, I didn't use the choke at first - but when it kept dying, I finally used the choke to get it idling strongly.

And no, this has never happened once I've gotten her warmed up and out on the road... Only during startup. And this is only the second time it's ever happened in about two months of ownership.

How are you liking your Hawk, by the way? :)

[hayabusafiend]

- remove and clean the carbs
- replace all four spark plugs

Then it will start with zero choke at 60 degF.

Why is the bike jetted? A buddy has an '89 HawkGT650 with an M4 pipe with stock jetting. I richened the air screw 1/2 turn on both carbs and it runs great.