Recently I noticed a bit of sputtering (jerking) while riding. I first noticed it when I was cruising in 6th gear at around 50+ mph so the RPMs were in the 4k range. Today I noticed it very subtly while cruising around 60 mph. Also, while accelerating very slowly from about 40 to 45 in 4th gear I noticed it. I also have been noticing the headlights go dim and then brighten up among all this, and they go considerably dimmer when I let off the throttle and hold in the clutch. Oh, also, I stuck it in neutral and opened the throttle a little. While holding it constant, I watched the needle dance. It started out big (around 500+ rpm jumps) and then slowly became smaller and smaller.

A little info about my bike:
'05 F4i
Obtained mid-November '12 with 3280 miles
Currently at 4375 miles

Recent work (Past 2 weeks, in order):
Oil change at 4002 miles
Hot Bodies Flush Mounts
Air Intake LEDs (connected to the turn signals)
LED accent lights in the fairings (Connected to the remote control unit)
Keychain Remote Controlled Unit (Connected to the battery)

I first noticed this after installing all the LEDs. Any ideas what could be causing this problem? My only guesses are bad spark plugs, bad gas, or some kind of electrical issue caused by all the LEDs (I used a total of about 8 feet of LED strips), but those are just complete newbie guesses. I suppose later today I could unhook the accent lights and see if that effects anything.

Another thing that may be worth mentioning is I probably need a new battery. On a ride about a month ago, we stopped to get gas and planned where we were riding next. Meanwhile, I had left my key in the on position. Ten minutes later, my bike wouldn't start so I had to push start it.

 

You said it yourself, you need a new battery. If it is 7 years old with only 3000miles on it I would EXPECT the battery to need replacing. (might as well unplug the LEDs first and do some tests, it couldn't hurt and should be easy)

I would replace the battery but also keep an eye on how well the new one is charging to make sure the charging system is fully functional.
https://cbrforum.com/forum/f4i-main-...-issue-142179/
https://cbrforum.com/forum/f4i-main-...stator-141610/
https://cbrforum.com/forum/f4i-main-...system-141656/

You may also want to check the tires to see how old they are (there will be a manufactured date on the sidewall somewhere)... Old tires dry out and don't grip like new rubber... you will need to replace them if they are also 7 years old.

 

My guess is electrical as well. Check the battery first. Then start checking your electrical connections for your accessories.

 

Double check the Regulator/Rectifier (r/r).
If it's failing it can display similar symptoms.

Have the battery load-tested, but if it's more than a couple of years old,
it probably needs replacement.

Here's a couple of links on electrical diagnostics...

Charging System Diagnostics - Rectifier/Regulator Upgrade - Triumph Forum: Triumph Rat Motorcycle Forums

https://cbrforum.com/forum/f2-tech-9...-solved-27739/

Technical Resources - Resources for Electrical Systems on Motorcycles and ATVs - ElectroSport

Good luck, Ern

 

So I tested my battery voltage today. It was the same with the accent lights turned on and off. Here's what I got:

Before Startup: 12.1 V (After sitting for about a day)
Idling: 13.9 V
Shutoff: 12.4 V

I haven't gotten a chance to ride it with the accent lights disconnected, but I don't know what to look at next if it is still having problems.

 

My reasoning begins with the lights dimming. That points to electrical, not fuel or air or spark. Those would cause souttering and rough idle but not a drain to affect the headlights. Then you said tou noticed this after installing accessories that tie into the electrical system. Going on the assumption that everything was fine before installing them, it's a good chance they're related.

However, I don't feel they draw enough power to cause the symptoms. I've had LEDs and an alarm pulling on my electrical with no problem. Which is why I said check the actual connections after validating the battery. If a bad connection / nicked wire is grounding out, that could cause the symptoms as well. If it were me, I'd make sure I didn't screw something up first before I started pulling at other things... giving more chances to screw up again

Been there, done that... poor excuse for killing a case of beer

 

Haha thanks. I guess next step is to take the front cowl off again and make sure nothing got yanked. When I was putting it on I had a hard time getting everything to line up, and when I finally did, it was very snug. And I do admit, I cut some corners with the wiring at the end. I was just so anxious to put my bike back together after looking at it in pieces in my garage for a week.