Bandit Alley
GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MOTORCYCLE => Topic started by: 06 Greyhound on December 23, 2006, 10:47:57 PM
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I bought this a couple of months back and for one thing and another it has been sitting at the shop.
Sitting at the shop has been a problem because it seems that they don't like to bother with silly things like -- say-- fuel stabilizer. I can't imagine when the gas was first put in the bike but I do know it has been untouched for at least three months. It took them about an hour to get it started while I waited. It ran fine that night, too dark and cold to ride for long. And today it ran like crap - ofcourse the shop is closed until after New Years.
So far I have drained the few liters of fuel that was in it and replaced it with fresh and stabilizer and after tons of struggling managed to do about 10km before parking it tonight.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/hounddad/Starttheengine.jpg)
Here is a shot of it actually running.
and a tight shot of upfront
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/hounddad/BigBanditfront.jpg)
I had planned to be a lot happier about making this post.
And if anyone knows of a good carb cleaner maybe I can perk up a little before the next nice riding day.
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One more little note. When I checked it this morning the chain had not been oiled and the tires were at 24 psi.
I just can't say enough about the service at that shop.
I think they might see it just one more time -- that is if I don't come up with a good carb cleaner. :gatlin
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Try a product called Seafoam. :bigok:
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But it does feel good to finally get it home eh? I spent an hour or so just walking around it and looking at it when I brought mine home :grin:
:congrats:
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But it does feel good to finally get it home eh? I spent an hour or so just walking around it and looking at it when I brought mine home :grin:
:congrats:
Well thanks.
I did spend couple of hours walking around it - will cleaning cloths, and chain lube, before lifting the tank and draining it.
I got it out today, but it took about 10 minutes before it would idle. Once I got out though it's a blast. It's smooth and quick and a joy to ride. I'm even more angry that I was robbed of the qualities of the bike on the first ride.
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I second SeaFoam. I found it at the local franchised auto supply shop. You're going to have to run it through, though. You said it was cold where you are (where is Cochrane?), if you don't have snow or ice, bundle up and ride a tank's worth to get it through the system, then let it sit in the fuel lines at least overnight.
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Hey :congrats: and :welcome: The 06's were so lean but they couldn't pass the EPA stuff here so I'm thinking the plugs need to come off the carbs and the primary screws need to adjust out to about 21/2 turns to get the idle you will like. Even though your headers look to be the healthy gold they should be. Make sure the owner B 4 U didn't put a K&N filter in the box. One simple way to tell if its just lean and not a plugged jet etc is with the seat off, restrict the snorkel a bit, if it idles smoothly and strong your lean and the primary jet adjustment is needed! If it makes it worse you have some restricting of the jets or passages and maybe the Seafoam will help. :beers:
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How does the ABS work for you? I'm very interested to know if you can still brake hard into the turns without it going "soft" on you.... also is there a way to disable the ABS function and return it to normal braking?
Congrats on the new bike! :congrats:
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I second SeaFoam. I found it at the local franchised auto supply shop. You're going to have to run it through, though. You said it was cold where you are (where is Cochrane?), if you don't have snow or ice, bundle up and ride a tank's worth to get it through the system, then let it sit in the fuel lines at least overnight.
Cochrane is just west of Calgary Alberta.
It has it warm days and cold ones. Usually we just have to wait until a storm blows into the west coast and then we ride in the warm Chinook winds.
I have found the Seafoam website and will see if it can be purchased here.
First I'm taking it back to the store and telling them that I'm less than please. In three days of riding I have managed to put all of 30 km on the bike, and when you consider that it had 2km when I picked it up. It should be running just a bit better than it is.
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Hey :congrats: and :welcome: The 06's were so lean but they couldn't pass the EPA stuff here so I'm thinking the plugs need to come off the carbs and the primary screws need to adjust out to about 21/2 turns to get the idle you will like. Even though your headers look to be the healthy gold they should be. Make sure the owner B 4 U didn't put a K&N filter in the box. One simple way to tell if its just lean and not a plugged jet etc is with the seat off, restrict the snorkel a bit, if it idles smoothly and strong your lean and the primary jet adjustment is needed! If it makes it worse you have some restricting of the jets or passages and maybe the Seafoam will help. :beers:
This bike is brand new, only 2km on the clock.
I got a very good price on the bike as it was the end of the season sell off. This is what makes me think that the fuel in it was what they put in to test fire it last spring when the brought it into the shop. That's why I'm convinced it's bad gas in the carb that is the problem.
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How does the ABS work for you? I'm very interested to know if you can still brake hard into the turns without it going "soft" on you.... also is there a way to disable the ABS function and return it to normal braking?
Congrats on the new bike! :congrats:
The ABS shuts off below 10km or 6 miles an hour. There is indicator light that shows red when the ABS is off. There is no switch it's all automatic.
I have no idea about cornering with it yet as I still trying to get it to run.
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:monkeymoon:
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I have no idea about cornering with it yet as I still trying to get it to run.
1st, get two spray cans of SeaFoam or one spray and one pour can.
With the garage door open and no open flames, pull the tank, drain it. Pull the petcock, hose off with SeaFoam spray or cleaner in a can, set aside and let it dry off....Don't use it all of the cleaner just yet:
With the tank off, pour some down into the gas line directly into the carbs, twist the throttle once or twice to get some past the needles and jets (hopefully).
While the tank is still off, pull the top off of each carb (do one at a time) watching for that little rubber grommet and with the slide lifted out, spray the crap out of each carb through the top.
After you've used up all the cleaner, break open the floatbowl drain screws and let everything flow out. I've gone so far as to slow pour cleaner down the fuel line while the bowl screw was loose, just to verify it's flowing out that bowl. Once you've drained them and tightened the screws, pour the remaining cleaner down the fuel line and let it sit for maybe an hour or while you're bolting everything back up.
Pour in some fresh gas and just cranking it (no throttle) start it up outside.
You should be good to go from there
:beers:
We have a heavy snow fall warning tonight so it's going to be a few days before I can do much of anything. The bike is garaged, but not heated and -22 nights make doing the fine work difficult.
I checked Canadian Tire for Seafoam and no luck. I will check with a couple of Auto parts stores tomorrow and see if we have it here or if it can be ordered.
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Hey buddy...its a brand new bike...take it back to the dealer and tell them you want it running correctly, once they've got it running correctly bring it back home...when Spring comes, fire it up and enjoy. You don't need to be screwing around with a brand new bike....that's what the warranty is for.
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I didn't realize it's a brand new bike. I agree with Dreadnought. What were you thinking? :duh: Get it back to the shop and tell 'em to make it happen.
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Hey buddy...its a brand new bike...take it back to the dealer and tell them you want it running correctly, once they've got it running correctly bring it back home...when Spring comes, fire it up and enjoy. You don't need to be screwing around with a brand new bike....that's what the warranty is for.
+1
If you don't like the screwballs at that dealership, take it to another one. Suzuki needs to make it right.
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I didn't realize it's a brand new bike. I agree with Dreadnought. What were you thinking? :duh: Get it back to the shop and tell 'em to make it happen.
The problem there is that the dealership I bought it at is closed until Jan 3, and was wanting to ride. My hope was that there is an easy cleaner that you folks have tested and can say works. That way I could ride to a good dealership and have all my service done there. Thanks for the notes on Seafoam, no luck finding any yet.
I was hoping to avoid the local shop altogether as this is one in a series of problems with them. Nice folks and they have good prices at times, but service has never been their thing.
The snow has brought everything to a standstill now and it looks like the locals will be open before I can get out on the road anyway. So -- Yes it is going back to them, and with any luck they will get to it sooner than they normally do.
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If it's a problem getting it there with all of the snow, I'd get them to come and pick it up. I know you want to deal with them as little as possible, but it's a new bike and it should run like one. Get them to fix it and in the spring find a better service shop.
I checked the seafoam web site as well, it says Napa sells it. But I did a product search on the canadian site and they don't list it. I'm sure one of the car part stores have it.
Good Luck
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If it's a problem getting it there with all of the snow, I'd get them to come and pick it up. I know you want to deal with them as little as possible, but it's a new bike and it should run like one. Get them to fix it and in the spring find a better service shop.
I checked the seafoam web site as well, it says Napa sells it. But I did a product search on the canadian site and they don't list it. I'm sure one of the car part stores have it.
Good Luck
Thanks, I agree, I still have to wait until next week to talk to them and by then I might be able to ride it to them. If not they should be willing to pick it up.
I will check with Napa here, and see if they have seafoam. It's a good thing to know about, and as the same shop is storing my old bike for its' new owner, he may need some. They have had the bike in storage since September, so I would imagine that the carbs are starting to gum up on it too.
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There is some kind of Honda fuel cleaner available at the honda dealers that is similar to Sea Foam. I saw it on this site on some other posting. However I will readily endorse Sea Foam myself. I've used it befor with great resaults. Napa is where I purchased my cans of the stuff. I wonder why they don't list it up there? Any way...call the Honda dealer they may have the other stuff I was speaking of as most people speak well of their carb claener too.
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Advanced Auto Parts and AutoZone in the US carry it, perhaps you can order it over the border? Don't know if there's any 9/11 paranoia or other restriction on such a product going over the border.
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Advanced Auto Parts and AutoZone in the US carry it, perhaps you can order it over the border? Don't know if there's any 9/11 paranoia or other restriction on such a product going over the border.
I found Sea Foam at NAPA today. I walked in and found a big new display right by the cash register. They had not been selling it until just a couple of months back. Anyway I bought one for my truck (can't hurt) and will wait until the shop responds before adding anything to my bike. The roads are still are a mess and I may as well give the shop a chance to put things right before doing anything else.
If they don't make it right -- well the bike show is here on the 5th and there should be Suzuki reps there to get advice from, and I know where the Sea Foam can be found. :motorsmile:
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:beers:
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Dang, I didn't realize it's a new Bandit. Since you've got a can of SeaFoam, pour it in...the worst that can happen is it either works or it doesn't.
+1 on taking it back to a dealer, but if the dealers up there are anything like some of the ones I've encountered in SD County, I'd be looking for a repair manual, a heater for the garage, and some tools :wink:
We actually have a couple of very good dealerships in Calgary. It's just that I'm in a town about 15 miles west.
The only real problem I have ever had with bike shops in the area is with the one here in my town. I took them an old bike once and asked for an estimate to clean the carbs and check the rest of the bike out, I was going on a trip and wanted to ride when I got back. When I got back the bike had not moved. They were sorry but they were busy and would get to it soon. Took it home and did the repairs myself. I have given them other chances and they have always been too late or no help.
For the past year or two I only go there to buy oil filters and simple things. It was when I was picking up oil that I noticed the Bandit and the owner of the shop asked about my bike as he was looking for one for a long time customer of his. That is were the deal came from. I had never intended to buy a bike there, but at $200 over his cost -what could I say?
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Way to go, greyhound....you finally got it home..:beers:
I vote with the other guys....hold the dealer's feet to the fire and get THEM to get it sorted out. What a bunch of tossers to expect ANY customer to ride a NEW bike with gummed up carbs!!!
You'd think a small town dealer would try harder so he could make the big-box Calgary stores look worse by comparison and increase his business based on great word-of-mouth recommendations....but I guess that'd be in a perfect world. Of course he may figure that since he's located in Calgary and area he's got an ever-expanding pool of suckers...er....customers to choose from....
Anyway....I'd definitely be all over the dealer on this.
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"Anyway....I'd definitely be all over the dealer on this."
Tomorrow will tell the tail. I should have a phone call first thing, and be ready to ride on the weekend.. Oh wait -4C on Saturday and -7C on Sunday and then colder and colder.
It's all in the timing, either you have it or you don't :crybaby:
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Its funny how since I was a kid dealers by in large haven’t changed a bit so I am not a bit surprised. After I agreed to the outrageous preparation fee ($250) on the invoice of my new 05 B12 and waited 2 hours when I got the bike home and check it over the battery hadn’t been charged, the tires had 10 PSI, and the steering head bold was hand tight (no kidding). Anyway I do allot of desert riding on my DRZ400 and so my B12 hasn’t been ridden in about 2 months and I could tell the carbs were acting up a bit in low RPM stumble. So as usual I just poured in a proportional amount of STP fuel cleaner (2 ounces) and took it out for a 5 mile ride, let it set at the gym while I worked out and when I started it up again all was once again right and the stumble was gone and acceleration popping all gone, just as if I had just synchronized the carbs. I think any good carb cleaner will work.
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Its funny how since I was a kid dealers by in large haven’t changed a bit so I am not a bit surprised. After I agreed to the outrageous preparation fee ($250) on the invoice of my new 05 B12 and waited 2 hours when I got the bike home and check it over the battery hadn’t been charged, the tires had 10 PSI, and the steering head bold was hand tight (no kidding). Anyway I do allot of desert riding on my DRZ400 and so my B12 hasn’t been ridden in about 2 months and I could tell the carbs were acting up a bit in low RPM stumble. So as usual I just poured in a proportional amount of STP fuel cleaner (2 ounces) and took it out for a 5 mile ride, let it set at the gym while I worked out and when I started it up again all was once again right and the stumble was gone and acceleration popping all gone, just as if I had just synchronized the carbs. I think any good carb cleaner will work.
When my son bought his SV650 from a dealer in Calgary we arrived to pick it up and it was washed. The tire pressure was right on. The salesman who sold him the bike spent 20 minutes explaining every little detail on the bike (we already knew) and gave him a gas voucher for the station on the corner. We did a post first ride check when we got home and everything was perfect. For some very strange reason I had expected the same treatment. :duh:
I am still waiting for the dealer to call and arrange to clean my bike up.
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I suppose in all fairness I have had 2 out of 12 good dealer experiences so I will name them here. Walts Yamaha in Lake Havasu AZ, I bought an 06 Yamaha Vino 125 scooter. They did the whole maintenance walk through, gave me the best price ($2700 OTD) and even made me a calendar with my picture. Suzuki of Kingman AZ, where I bought my 05 DRZ400 ($5100 OTD) & Ozark ATV 250 ($3500 OTD), they gave me the best price did all the servicing in front of me. But all the rest have been bad experiences, from fraud to damaged repairs.
Its funny how since I was a kid dealers by in large haven’t changed a bit so I am not a bit surprised. After I agreed to the outrageous preparation fee ($250) on the invoice of my new 05 B12 and waited 2 hours when I got the bike home and check it over the battery hadn’t been charged, the tires had 10 PSI, and the steering head bold was hand tight (no kidding). Anyway I do allot of desert riding on my DRZ400 and so my B12 hasn’t been ridden in about 2 months and I could tell the carbs were acting up a bit in low RPM stumble. So as usual I just poured in a proportional amount of STP fuel cleaner (2 ounces) and took it out for a 5 mile ride, let it set at the gym while I worked out and when I started it up again all was once again right and the stumble was gone and acceleration popping all gone, just as if I had just synchronized the carbs. I think any good carb cleaner will work.
When my son bought his SV650 from a dealer in Calgary we arrived to pick it up and it was washed. The tire pressure was right on. The salesman who sold him the bike spent 20 minutes explaining every little detail on the bike (we already knew) and gave him a gas voucher for the station on the corner. We did a post first ride check when we got home and everything was perfect. For some very strange reason I had expected the same treatment. :duh:
I am still waiting for the dealer to call and arrange to clean my bike up.
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The dealer called this morning and I took the bike in after work. It took me 15 minutes to get it running to the point were I could keep it (with work) running at the stop signs. After all I had to travel the better part of 1 1/2 kilometers from my garage to the shop.
I mentioned the low tire pressure and the dirt and the really rotten idle and rough starting etc. They have promised to work on it first thing tomorrow morning.
We shall see what happens - It seems that they don't have shop labour because of the shortage of workers, skilled or non-skilled, in Alberta generally. So they might not have it for me until next week, what with the bike show and all. They did say the all the Suzuki Reps would be there so that if they had problems they could get some help. I pointed out that I will also be stopping by to talk to the Reps.
In response to CW04GUNNER
Walt Healy in Calgary sold my son his bike and I have taken my other Suzuki there for service and always been impressed. Not counting the time I was waiting for them to finish the service on my bike when a very attractive young lady with a surprisingly low cut top rode in to ask about tire pressure or something. The service was slow that day, I realized after sometime. (Side note; always carry a digital tire gage
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Hope they get ya runnin' right!
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Here we go.
I took the bike into the shop last night. While I was there the shop owner promised to come in early and look after my bike. I mentioned that when I picked the bike up the tires were under inflated and the chain was dry, in addition to the poor running condition and that it was caked in dust. Everyone agree that that was not right.
I took my gear to work today, so that my wife could drop me at the shop and I could ride my bike home.
Unfortunately they were much too busy to get to my bike today. I had to call before leaving the office to find out that it was not ready. They have promised to do it tomorrow.
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Walt Healy in Calgary sold my son his bike and I have taken my other Suzuki there for service and always been impressed.
That's where mine came from too.....best deal BY FAR.....
I assembled and PDI'd mine myself but had them do the first inspection just to keep the warranty valid. They kept to their service appointment schedule and everything was aces. I can't say too many good things about them.....professional from first to last.
I hope you get your problems solved with no more pain.
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Day something or other.
I heard nothing today so I phoned to see if my bike was ready.
I was told that they put something called Carbon remover (?) in the bowls and are letting it sit over night. So it's tomorrow before I see my bike. They are optimistic that I will be able to ride this weekend. I think I'll take my tire gage, just in case it happens.
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Carbon remover
How can there any carbon that needs to be removed from a new bike ?? And especially from the carbs ?? Of course the stuff they may be using may be a general purpose kind of carbon/gum/degreaser type of stuff.....
If that's the case, that stuff will clean those bowls and any jets IN the bowls in about 5 minutes and sure doesn't need to sit "over night". Well, I hope everything turns out okay for you, greyhound......
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I checked on the bike on Saturday afternoon and they started it after some struggling, and it seemed to be running alright. I left it there so that they could start it again today and make sure it is running the way it should.
The Carbon remover was a general purpose product. It is about 1/2 the price of Sea Foam, and it seemed to do the job.
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It's home at long last.
I had a long chat with the Suzuki Rep for our area on Saturday afternoon and it seems that he passed along my concerns to the local shop.
I went in this morning, and they had checked the bike over and had it warmed up and had actually taken it for a test run to make sure it was running. :duh:
It is running alright now, I think I will still put some Sea Foam in the tank, just to be on the safe side.
I am really pleased to put an end to this saga. Now I can start riding. I wired up my heated vest and put about 50km on it this afternoon. What a treat not to have issues in the back of my mind, and a fine machine under me.
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Hey that's great news
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:congrats: :motorsmile: :bigok: :motorsmile: :beers: :motorsmile: :beers: :bigok: :motorsmile: :banana:
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:congrats: :beers:
Way to go, Greyhound!!! Hopefully that's the end of your problems and your Bandit will give you all the trouble-free miles they are capable of......if kept away from ham-fisted wankers. :grin:
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Here we go again -
I parked the bike for a week of cold weather and when I went to start it on Sunday, it was stalling and choking again, so I took it back to the shop on Wednesday and they have promised to take the carbs apart and really clean it up this time for sure.
I'm getting really tired of this crap and would just like to be able to take advantage the odd nice day to go for a ride. At least a bit farther than the bike shop.
I am getting to know the road to shop pretty well.
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You need to get yourself a Claymer manual and start leaning the basics so those kind of dealers wont screw around. Good thing I am not your neighbor because I would have them reeling, I hate to see petty crap like this happen and it get my blood boiling. Find your self another dealer to get it serviced or call the regional Suzuki jerk and get some help with these jerks.
The only time I have ever let a dealership touch anything I ride is when it was under free warranty and I would negotiate a repair time and insist on watching the work when if it was from the garage door, none of this over night crap. Man I wish I was there to go with you when they open and shake there cage.
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You do realize that in cooler temps these beasts are extremely cold blooded in stock trim...I start mine without any choke at all and just use the throttle once it fires. Have to hold it a couple minutes at about 3Krpm then it'll finally come down to idle nicely. I'm hoping that the jet kit fixes this issue, if not then I'll have the VistaCruise to hold the rpms up while its warming up :wink:
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You need to get yourself a Claymer manual and start leaning the basics so those kind of dealers wont screw around. Good thing I am not your neighbor because I would have them reeling, I hate to see petty crap like this happen and it get my blood boiling. Find your self another dealer to get it serviced or call the regional Suzuki jerk and get some help with these jerks.
The only time I have ever let a dealership touch anything I ride is when it was under free warranty and I would negotiate a repair time and insist on watching the work when if it was from the garage door, none of this over night crap. Man I wish I was there to go with you when they open and shake there cage.
This is a brand new bike ! I will continue until they actually get it running, and then they wil never see me or the bike again. I did talk with the area rep for Suzuki at the bike show and he did talk to these guys. I think that is why they are doing the carbs without making it an issue.
The real lesson for me is that I should have followed my first instinct and gone to Walt Healy's even if it would cost me an extra couple of hundred, and honestly it would have only been an extra couple of hundred.
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I have one dealer up here Kingman Suzuki Az are wonderful people very small mom & pop place, everything out in the open, honest and great service. Iv had allot of bad dealer experiences myself and going to bat for my people that worked for me before I retired, so these type stories put me at GQ. Glad to hear you have a handle on it though.
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Home again and once again it seems to be running alright.
I took it for a bit of a ride, but at -1c it is just too cold to really get the feel of anything.
Here is the latest story.
"The factory setting for the carbs was too lean, and that is why it stalls at low speed and takes for ever to warm up."
The setting has been advanced about a 1/4 turn from the factory paint mark. I just don’t know how much sense that makes because I have nothing to compare with, and no idea what warm up time should be in these temps.
I know my last bike was a very cold starting machine and need to run for at least 4 or 5 minutes on almost any day before it would run right. Today after it's time in the shop and then sitting outside for about an hour, I warmed it up for 4 or 5 minutes while I suited up, and it stalled as soon as I cancelled the choke. Started it again and rolled it out into the sun for another few minutes and off I went.
So looking at about 6 to 7 minutes warm-up as it is set.
I have no idea if that is good or not. Suggestions?
I have no problem taking it back to the shop again if none of this makes sense.
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It makes sense that it came from the factory too lean. They all do these days, not just Bandits.
Given the below-freexing temps, 6-7 minutes isn't too bad. See what it does when things get warmer. Mine's usually warm in ~3 minutes in temps a few degrees above freezing.
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Sounds about right to me...as I said earlier, I don't use the choke. I manually keep the rpms high with the throttle until it will idle on its own.