Bike doesn't like to cruise at low speeds

[RoadToRuin]

Is it just me? Trying to maintain say 40-50 (kmp/h) in second/third gear, the bike just isn't happy. It kicks and putters. It's got great performance accelerating and high speed driving. Is it the gear setup? what gives?

[dgyver]

At what rpm are you riding?

[simon79]

Well, in 2nd-3rd gear @ 40-50 km/h (25-30 mph, for non-metric folks) everything should be smooth and easy, as far as I remember.
Bike year? Miles-kilometers?
Might be clogged carburettor jets (especially the ones that work during low rpm's).
Carburation gurus, chime in!

EDIT: Haven't taken carbs apart yet on my bike, just wondering.

[groff22]

+1 What Simon79 asked. If I remember right, My 2004... 2nd gear at 40KM is about or bit below 5500RPM. It should run nice at that RPM.

Regards,
J

[RoadToRuin]

It's usually in the 4000-4500 rpm range. Also I just rebuilt my carbs and cleaned out the jets, so i don't think its a clog, but maybe it's something i have to adjust?

It's a 93 with 32k kms and change. Full Vance & Hines exhaust system, K&N 'lunch box'  air filter, Mikuni jets (new 40 pilots, and 150 mains)

[CndnMax]

From my experience at 25mph in 3rd gear you would be barely on the throttle, make sure ur not closing/opening/closing/opening the throttle that would make it jump back and forth a bit.

[groff22]

oh boy, i was wrong... i looked riding home tonght and I got 2nd gear at 40KM - 4500RPM ... Not 5500RPM.

[mikedrees]

i am having the same problem, same setup. v&h, k&n lunchbox, jetting via the matrix. i pulled the plugs & they were a bit sooty, so i am thinking it is a little rich in the idle circuit. i am going to lean it out tomorrow with the a/f screw  & see what happens. i will give a update. if that does not work i will take washer out from the needle.

[RoadToRuin]

I'm definitely not on and off the throttle, I'm holding it dead steady which is why I'm questioning it. I do mostly city riding so I don't normally notice it.... accelerate brake accelerate brake etc...

Glad to hear I'm not the only one. Let me know how the leaning out goes, mine smells a little rich right now too, but I haven't checked plugs.

[simon79]

^^^^^^^^^
Definitely check spark plugs out, they can immediately tell ya if something's wrong with carburation.

Let us know

[mikedrees]

2.5 turns out did the trick. no more stumbling & much more rideable in traffic now. i am at sea level (3 blocks from the gulf to be exact) if that makes a difference. also my bike is a cali model but i removed all that emissions crap.