Bike starts then dies if I don't keep the engine reved...

So I just did and oil change, got new spark plugs and a new air filter. My problem is, my bike will start pretty easy most of the time but it will die if I don't keep the RPM's high. Also a little more information, not sure if its relevant: Sometimes my bike will start right off the bat, sometimes it will start after 5-20 seconds of holding it, sometimes it will start as I am taking my finger off the start button and sometimes it will only start when I tap the solenoid on my bike frame. Anyone have any ideas?

 

if it was me the first thing i would do would be to check an make sure the choke is working properly

 

Re: Bike starts then dies if I don't keep the engine reved..

I'm pretty sure it is, if I keep it all the way up my bike usually stays running.

 

adjust the choke until it is right good luck

 

When was the LAST time you did a COMPLETE Cleaning and Tuning.
That's the first question.

You could also Pull the Plugs ... Line them up 1 ~ 4 and take a Close-up and in Focus of the Busioness ends of them Plugs for evaluation.

Add a couple of Degrees (with of a Dime) Enrichment to the Pilot Mixture Screws.

 

Re: Bike starts then dies if I don't keep the engine reved..

I just bought new spark plugs...as for the complete cleaning and tuning...I have never done one in the two years I have owned it. And I'm not sure what you mean by adding a couple of degree enrichment, I am still a noob to this strange invention called a motorcycle, full detailed steps and simple terms work best for me.

 

Re: Bike starts then dies if I don't keep the engine reved..

That starting as you take your finger off the button is symptomatic of a weak battery, make sure it is in good condition & fully charged.

 

Re: Bike starts then dies if I don't keep the engine reved..

I hooked my bike up to my car with some jumper cables and it still has the problem.

 

When you have to tap the selenoid is the bike already turning over? If so, then possibly something in there is making a bad connection and eating up the power you need to throw sparks. If not then it sounds like a bad selenoid (sticking).

Check it by bypassing the selenoid. Perhaps it is also sticking after the start drawing power somehow (partly closed, im just spit balling here). With low RPM the bikes are using power from the battery to help with spark since the alternater is not making enough. So when it gets higher RPM it can sustain on its own.

 

Re: Bike starts then dies if I don't keep the engine reved..

Occasionally when I press the start button nothing happens, then I tap the solenoid on the frame and it starts to turn over. Does this mean I have a bad solenoid? Would a bad solenoid cause my bike to die as i'm driving it? Thanks for all your help.

 

Re: Bike starts then dies if I don't keep the engine reved..

I need to know where to start, what is the most likely cause of this? Is it a fuel problem? Or is it my carbs maybe? I NEED MY BIKE RUNNING!

 

Well, start with what Rick said. Take a look at his carb cleaning thread in the faq. You may very well have dirty carbs (probably do). If that's not it, it's certainly possible that your battery is getting weak, from what you describe. You can take your battery to a bike shop and have it tested, and then you'd know for sure.

I'd probably do that, since it takes 15 minutes, then look at the carbs. My bet, though is that you're going to have to do the carbs either way.