Hey guys so i have a 1999 cbr f4 with 24k on the clock. It has had new plugs, air filter, valve adjustment, and always an oil change at 2500 miles. When stored in the winter it is always with a full tank and a quality fuel stabilizer in it. I drove it about a week ago when there wasnt any snow. Then today i went out and went to start it up. Took a bit to start like I had bled all the fuel out but i hadnt. Then it fired right up with the choke on. I let it warm up to operating temp then turned the choke off. Then it died and wont stay running unless the choke is on or i rev the throttle. So if i keep the throttle revved it will stay alive and ride just fine. Anyone have any ideas?

 

Even with all of your efforts, it's possible that you have some fouling/clogging of the
low-speed jets. Since the bike IS running (even if it takes some effort), you might try
a quality carb cleaner in the fuel for the next couple of tanks. It may help remove any
varnish/blockage and let you avoid a complete tear-down/cleaning of the carbs.

That's where I would start and see if your issue clears up.

Good luck, Ern

 

i dont think it has ever had a carb cleaning do you think its worth it to just do it anyways. Because its a bitch to ride with it dying all the time and if i adjust the idle screw that does nothing to help.

 

On a bike this old, it's worth getting your hands dirty, IF you have the tools/skills.

The actual tear-down/cleaning isn't too bad, BUT to do the job right, you need
some specialized tools and a factory manual.

If you intend to keep the bike and do all of the maintenance yourself, acquiring the
vacume guages, RPM guage (it needs to be accurate within +/- 50 rpm) and right-angle
main-pilot adjuster tool are worth it. They'll cost about $95-$150 and pay for
themselves the second time you do the job.

If you don't do a lot of riding/wrenching, it'll cost about $200-$300 and is well-worth it
to avoid the hassle/challenge. I don't recommend this as your introduction into
motorcycle wrenching. If you've been around the wrenching block a few times, however,
then you won't find this to be too challenging.

Only you can decide if you have the talent/skills to make this a fun job or something,
best handed-off to a qualified mechanic. Just be honest with yourself and don't turn
this into a nightmare.

Good luck, Ern

 

ya i think im gonna take it in tuesday the guy quoted me 150 for a carb clean. I dont know **** about carbs besides that they are a pain. I have done all the other maintenance that i have had done to it but it seems as though there are a few things that can be messed up on it. The stealership quoted me 300 to 500 for it so they dont get my business.