So this has happened to me consistently the last three time I've ridden my bike ('03 F4i). My bike has been sitting overnight in my garage. I leave my apartment and about 3 blocks from my apartment I'm slowing down to stop at a red light my bike backfires with a loud *POP*, and dies. I try to start it again, but it wont start unless I hold open the throttle a little bit. After a 10-20 seconds or so of trying to start it it will fire up and keep running. Then I'll be able to ride it around fine with out it happening again. Other then that it seems to run fine.

It just started doing this in the past week or so. Consequently, I've also just started ridding my bike to work which is only a mile or so away. So the many short trips may have something to do with it?


Eric

 

As soon as it dies, pop open your gas tank. Does it "whoosh" or make any other sound like it has pressure/suction? What you describe sounds like you have a plugged tank vent, causing a vacuum and preventing fuel from flowing to the carbs/injectors. Once it dies, fuel stops trying to flow and the pressure equalizes, allowing it to start again. That's probably the problem.

 

OK I'll try that the next time it happens. Where is the vent on the F4i? Is it in the cap?


Eric

 

There is a little hole, about 1/4" in diameter, directly under the gas cap...it allows fumes to escape and if you happen to overfill it drains the extra gas to the ground. Run a piece of safety wire or weedeater string through it until it pokes out the bottom of the bike.

 

I tried blowing out the vent with canned car, and it seems completely clear. Then I noticed a hose down there that was unplugged, which when to the charcoal canister (I have a CA model). So I plugged the vent back into the canister.

Should this have anything to do with my problem? Also does the tank vent from the top of the gas cap at all? Cause I also recently started using a Cortec tank bag that pretty much covers up the entire gas cap.


ERic

 

the tank vents from the top area of the tank, but it vents with a hose that ends up coming out down by your foot. Your tank bag would have nothing to do with the problem.

You need to make sure your bike is fully warmed up before you ride it. Right around 145 deg is considered warmed up. If you are riding it before that, you will have issues with ridability until it warms fully.