what would cause my bike to hesitate (or lack response) when accelerating? air or fuel filter, dirty carbs?

how important is the sub-air cleaner filter?

#9 in the picture

 

possibly spark plugs??

 

All of the above.
Your carbs. might need to be synced
jetting
might need to go up or down on the niddles
air /fuel mixture
There is a whole pile of things that cause this

 

damn, i figured it could be a multitude of things...thanks guys

 

I would check your filters amke sure they are not dirty. If they are clean I would check your settings on the carbs. If they are good I would then synck your carbs. If all that didn't work I would make sure you don't have a small split in the rubber between your airbox and your carbs. If all that doesn't work take it some where. LOLOL good luck

 

ok, so i changed my air filter and my fuel filter (both needed to be replaced).

but now my bike barely starts up. i have to keep the throttle open to get it to start, and it dies when i let off the throttle (idle is extremely poor). when i do get running it lets out white smoke (not a **** load, but enough to see in the air).

now when i was in my high school auto class the teacher always said that smoke coming out of the exhaust can tell you if your fuel mixture is lean or rich, i just can't remember which is which. so i'm thinking that its now my carbs. what do you guys think?

do you think it could be the fuel pump? should the fuel filter be completely filled with gas when the bike is on? mines only like half filled (yes there is gas in the tank).

thanks for your time

 

Yeah, I think it is your carbs. Have you disassembled them, cleaned them out really well, the rebuilt them? It's not that hard and definately worth a go. My carbs had all sorts of stuff in them and the needle were sticking. A quick cleaning fixed them right up. (Now I just need to balance them)

Also, did you bump or fiddle with your idle ****? I have my idle set to 1500 RPMs. Your idle might be set too low.

Your fuel filter will only be half full--at least mine is and my filter is the glass type. I really think your fuel pump is fine. If you really want to test it, take a length os 3/8" fuel hose and a funnel and let it drip into the carbs by gravity. But I really think you'll get the same result.

Finally, make sure your firing order is correct. If not, you'll get the white smoke issue and a bunch of backfiring.

--Chris

 

so the problem was actually a loose wire for the fuel pump. so agravating...

 

Well atleast it's fixed