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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 4 Dec 2008
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KLE running funny

Hi

Lately my kle has been running slower than normal and struggles to get over 75mph normally easily does about 87mph (33bhp Restrictor Max 91mph) its done 7700miles and has had fresh oil , oil filter and cleaned air filter, plugs at about 7400. I was just wondering if its the cold weather 2degC sometimes or if i have a problem?

any comments would be appreciated

thanks
Shaunj
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  #2  
Old 6 Dec 2008
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Engines normally run a lot better in cold weather so id say there's a problem somewhere,Though i cant begin to guess where,SORRY.
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  #3  
Old 15 Dec 2008
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Add some fresh fuel and try again.I don't know in your country,but in mine t.e.Bulgaria they save some stabilizers and the result comes in one or two months...Could be the air ways/filter as well....Wish u luck
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  #4  
Old 15 Dec 2008
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i think its just the cold
The bikes jetted on the lean side for emissions so the cold makes it even leaner
Also i have 33bhp restrictor in it which don't help
my theory is that as the fuel/air is slowed down by the restrictor the fuel condenses and drops out of the mix hence i'v noticed the airbox breather dripping a small amount of fuel when stopped (doesn't happen on warmer day)
Also ran the bike with choke (richer mix) on 1/2-3/4 when really cold and was doing over 80mph, so much for the manual saying turn off when moving
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  #5  
Old 15 Dec 2008
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Check for partially blocked fuel filter and condensation [ie water] in tank .
Add some methylated spirit [ methyl hydrate] to take care of the water .
Try filling up at a different gas [petrol ] station.
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  #6  
Old 15 Dec 2008
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mine ran bit rough in the cold for the first 10mins, usualy due to the fuel going goopy in the lines as there is not "fuel off" tap on them.
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  #7  
Old 15 Dec 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by john_aero View Post
mine ran bit rough in the cold for the first 10mins, usualy due to the fuel going goopy in the lines as there is not "fuel off" tap on them.
the fuel tap on a kle switches off automatilly when the engines off
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  #8  
Old 15 Dec 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ShaunJ View Post
the fuel tap on a kle switches off automatilly when the engines off
oh so it works on a vacum like some of the older bikes. hmm learn something new everyday.

as for the cold. mine cut out last week twice as was driving along after turning it on. but once warmed up ran perfect
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  #9  
Old 5 Jan 2009
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From personal observation, I can say that:
- off road/enduro tires tend to decrease the topspeed,
- worn off road/enduro tires tend to reduce it even further,
- dirty/non-lubed chain makes things even worse,
- incorrect valve clearances is a disaster,
- add some misaligned brake pads in contact with the caliper, or
- the rider's unconscious habit of squeezing the front brake at all times and by now you have already lost more than 10% of your topspeed.

- Raised or modified windscreens may have a negative effect on topspeed,
- Too soft suspension (particularly the rear) is not too good, either,
- Weight is always a drawback, trust me I know (being heavier than a common offroad bike usually sucks).
- Panniers often ruin the aerodynamics,
- Passengers are good for chat, bad for speed
- I suppose overall reduction by now is some 15%, which is close to what you get from your bike.


If you get more scientific, I agree that engines work better in cold due to increased compression. Whether it is sufficient to eliminate the negative effect of increased draft of your bike+rider due to more dense air, however, is beyond my knowledge.

Whatever. Before messing up with your carbs or worrying yourself to death, I would suggest you to check all the issues above.

PS: Right after having my 2004 KLE fully serviced, with no negative elements above, I was overtaken by a 2005 KLE, which is restricted and had a passenger. So I may actually be talking crap!
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  #10  
Old 5 Jan 2009
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this has been sorted new exhaust, air filter and re-jet
but thanks for the input although none of the points applied
although lowered tyre pressures didn't really help
does 90mph two up now
and match my mates restricted zx6r upto 80mph
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