Bogging down in 2nd and 3rd...

Hey guys, quick question for y'all. I just picked up a 1999 Kawasaki ZX6R and it's a blast to ride except the fact that when I shift into second and third the bike seems to bog down or hesitate, if you will, for whatever reason. I was thinking it might just be the cold weather so I let it warm up a bit and then rode it but it was still doing that. Anybody have any possible reasons why this is happening?

Thanks,
D

 

Let's say it's carburated and otherwise running fine.
You're either running lean or running rich.
Sounds like it's running lean.
Checking your plug color will tell.
You've partially plugged-up some of your jets or other carb fuel circuitry.
Your "piston sliders" may be a bit sticky.
You may have old/bad plugs, or in need of a valve adjustment session.
The "SeaFoam" remedy might work for you. Acetone is way stronger, but you need to run it thru and tank back up.
(1 OZ Acetone to 1 Gal. Don't leave it in more than a day)

But if it's rich - -
Check airbox restriction, and filter.
See if you can check float level on-the-bike.
See if your petcock, lines, and filter are in order. Flow-test your fuel system.
Also - - check your tank vent (lean)

 

It is in fact carbureted and running just fine otherwise lol I figured the carbs were the culprits and will probably take them off tomorrow and give them a good cleaning. Changing the plugs can never hurt either. I'm pretty new to the bike scene so I don't exactly know how to tell if it's running lean or rich. Is there a certain way to tell exactly which way it's running?

Petcock and lines are just fine I believe. A vacuum line was just replaced the other day.

 

How many miles does it have on it?

I notice how you completely ignored the valve clearance suggestion, when that is indeed a really good possibility.

That bike has shim-under-bucket valves, similar to the "X" series of XJ bikes. You need to remove the cam shafts to adjust the valves, increasing the likelihood that it's been ignored.

The bike is 15 years old, or close to it. It's going to need all the same stuff your XJ did or does.

Starting with checking the valve clearances. And then check the date codes on your front brake lines.

 

The bike has 50,xxx miles on it. The valves were checked and are fine that's why nothing was mentioned about them. How do I tell if the bike is running lean or rich just by the plugs? Sea foam was added today and it made the problem a tad bit better but not by much.

 

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fiMM2S0aAD ... iMM2S0aADM

http://www.dansmc.com/spark_plugs/spark ... talog.html

 

Thanks adrian1, that was quite helpful!