So I got my first bike... ever, and am loving every second of riding and wrenching on it.

When I first got the bike, its previous owner had not exactly kept up with its general maintenance, so before I even rode, it got fresh oil, fresh plugs, fresh air filter, fresh gas (with a stabilizing/cleaning agent).

However I have a persistent problem that I deal with when riding.
Whenever I give that first throttle pull from a stop, the engine winds up to 2000rpm slowly, bogs back down to almost stalling out, returns slowly to 2000 rpm, and then behaves properly.

So far I have combated this by not letting off the clutch till the bike begins its second wind up to 2000 rpm. I am becoming frustrated (and worried) that this is happening, especially when pulling out into a busy intersection.

I assume its a carb issue, but I'd like more information with hopefully some specifics.

Thank you

 

Check for duct/airbox obstructions, too. If maintenance was really bad, might be a mouse nest in there. Wouldn't hurt to be sure anyway. Is the idle too low? Should be about 12-1400 RPM. Does it idle fine if it's not blipped?

Ern

 

Have you tried riding another bike to make sure your clutch technique is not the issue? When starting out from a dead stop you should give it some gas and slowly let the clutch out as you start moving forward. If you just dump the clutch it will bog or even die completely.

 

It bogs down with the clutch fully pulled in, and even in neutral, it idles at about 12-1500 rpm really well, and the air box is clean and mouse free.

 

Might need to clean your carbs

 

It definitely sounds like you need to clean your carbs. If the bike sat for an extended period of time with gas and without stabilizer in the bike, look to clean your carbs.

Before you do that though, check your idle. It should be a little round notched *** in between the two small holes in your fairings by your left leg. Your idle should be a steady ~1400 RPM. And you should probably be giving it more throttle when you are slipping the clutch to start off. If you are releasing the clutch at 2000 RPMs continuously it could wear your charging system.

Honestly, I am not quite sure if I understand your problem. When it almost bogs down and dies, is that happening while you are throttling and releasing the clutch to go forward?

 

These teeny tiny little holes near the butterfly are what add additional fuel on the first initial throttle opening. Since they're small, they get clogged the easiest when poorly maintained. You're going to have to clean your carburetors and make sure when you do, get these clean. It's not easy to see these since they're hidden between the butterfly and the vacuum slide. That means they need to come completely apart.

 

This has actually been a huge eye opener, and the help on here has been phenominal
For Antatious: it idles currently at 1500, and the clear explanation of the storage without stabilizer is what i wanted to know.
For Idodirt: thanks for the picture, exactly one of the things a rook like me would need to know

 

I have had problems with my carbs before. I tried cleaning them with carb cleaner and it just didn't do the trick. I ended up getting some carb cleaner that you submerge the carbs in to clean them. It is called Berryman Chem-dip (Parts Cleaners) and I got it at Autozone. You have to take all the plastic and rubber bits out, but this technique really cleans them well. No problems after I did that.

 

What vfrman says is true. You must take them all apart. Otherwise you're going to damage the little O rings and hoses. Also, they need to be split from each other (taken off the rail) so they can be submerged entirely in the cleaner. I don't remember who, but someone suggested buying an Ultrasonic Cleaner for cleaning the carbs, so I did get one from Harbor Freight. With 4 motorcycles, that's 13 carburetors that I have to keep in top condition. It works great. I've been really pleased with how they look. I just clean them in simple green that you get at most hardware stores.

Here's kind of some before and after shots. Not the same view but you get the gist. Don't pay any attention to the arrows, they were for making another point to someone.