I have a '95 F3 (stock), and the other day I decided to clean the plugs, and maybe get new ones if needed. Well, I took them out, and nothing was wrong with 'em, so I just cleaned them off and put them back in. But now it sounds like its missing in one of the cylinders. I didn't adjust the gap on any of the plugs, just cleaned them with a wire brush. Keep in mind it ran fine before. And now it won't idle, it will die if I don't keep it revved, and if I let it get to a low enough RPM it will backfire and sometimes puff out white smoke. Anyone got any ideas? I've never owned a CBR before so I have no idea if it IS the plugs or the rings or just whatever. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

My first thought is that the plug wires are either not completely on, or on the wrong plug. It's easy to do either. It's really tough to push the wires on all the way so that they're properly seated. The top of the boot should fit snugly on the cylinder head cover. Also, look closely at the wires, they're numbered, 1-4. #1 is on your left as you sit on the bike, and #4 in on the right. Check that out and get back with us.