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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Idle speed adjustment
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Message started by Rodger on 12/11/15 at 10:13:32

Title: Idle speed adjustment
Post by Rodger on 12/11/15 at 10:13:32

With 100 miles on the odometer of this new bike, the idle speed seems a bit high. I don't want to adjust it down by ear, though, having read about possible oil pressure issues.

From my days as an auto mechanic, I have a dwell/tach meter, but it is intended for 4-, 6-, or 8-cylinder engines.

Is there a reliable "shade tree" method of determining engine rpm without investing $65 in digital tact (as mentioned in another post here)?

Title: Re: Idle speed adjustment
Post by Dave on 12/11/15 at 10:40:12

Well the simplest thing to do....is find a level piece of pavement and allow the bike to idle along in 1st gear.

On level ground, in 1st gear, the bike should be idling along around 9 mph.

Title: Re: Idle speed adjustment
Post by verslagen1 on 12/11/15 at 11:28:48

put it on 4 and multiply the reading by 4.

Title: Re: Idle speed adjustment
Post by DavidP on 12/11/15 at 12:02:31

If you are prepared to invest $10 this works well.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LCD-Digital-Engine-Tach-Hour-Meter-Gauge-for-Racing-Motorcycle-Black-US-STOCK-/331574848922?hash=item4d3366ad9a:g:maUAAOSwrklVcVoq&vxp=mtr

I installed one on my gas powered golf cart and 5 years later it is still going strong. All you have to do is wrap the sensor lead three times around your spark plug wire and it will give you the rpm. When you are done unwind it and store it away for another day.

David

Title: Re: Idle speed adjustment
Post by Rodger on 12/11/15 at 14:55:47

After a 20 mile run, highway speeds & city stop&go, did the idling in 1st trick. Putted along at 8-9 mph.

I'll try the old dwell/tach, too...and $10 isn't outrageous for the tach/hour meter, either. Thanks for the tips.

Title: Re: Idle speed adjustment
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/11/15 at 23:06:05

A little more RPM isn't deadly. Low is. Mine was easy to lug coming away from a stop until about 500 miles. Read the break in information.

Title: Re: Idle speed adjustment
Post by Kris01 on 12/12/15 at 17:21:11

Are you listening to your idle when the engine is cold or warm? Cold idle tends to be faster for whatever reason.

Title: Re: Idle speed adjustment
Post by Rodger on 12/12/15 at 17:50:39

@Kris01
The bike was thoroughly warmed up from several miles of city stop-and-go riding, plus a few miles of 55-60 mph highway.

@justin
After riding new bike back from dealership, first thing I did was read owner's manual cover to cover, especially the suggested break-in procedures and gear-position/mph limits. Additionally, I vary the engine rpm and load very frequently. (I may be a "nube" to this particular bike, but not a total "FNG.") Other than my very first bike, a 1965 CB160 Honda and my '02 Vulcan Nomad 1500FI, I've had an on-board tachometer with which to adjust the idle setting. It just seemed that S40 sounded a bit "busy" at idle; however, from what I'm reading on this site, better too high than too low.

Title: Re: Idle speed adjustment
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/12/15 at 17:58:20

I don't Know what FNG is, but, I get the context, and it's not good, I'm betting..
That said, don't infer attitude from me to you. I just toss suggestions.
I read mine, too, but it's not a bad plan to suggest it when it isn't known.
Wasn't being insulting, sorry if it felt like that.

Title: Re: Idle speed adjustment
Post by Kris01 on 12/12/15 at 19:01:15

282630323A3C375F0 wrote:

It just seemed that S40 sounded a bit "busy" at idle; however, from what I'm reading on this site, better too high than too low.

If you think idle sounds busy, try 65+ mph! ;D

Title: Re: Idle speed adjustment
Post by Art Webb on 12/12/15 at 19:20:28

at that speed, it doesn't thump, it hums

Title: Re: Idle speed adjustment
Post by Rodger on 12/13/15 at 08:47:39

Part of my break-in drill is to ride in town, stop-&-go, for a few miles to get engine thoroughly warmed up, then do highway, accelerating with moderate throttle to 4th gear/50-55, then upshifting to 5th...hold 55-60 for about a mile, then gradual deceleration..."rinse, lather, repeat," then stop for cuppa coffee, let the bike cool down a bit.

Did similar drill on last new bike, my 1984 BMW R80RT, on the advice of the shop's head Beemer mechanic. Rode that bike all over the western U.S. and it didn't use oil right up to the day I sold it with 50K on the speedo.

The Bmw & S40 have that low-frequency/high-amplitude vibe, unlike the in-line 4-cyl bikes I've owned. My '93 Kaw Concours had a high-freq/low-amp vibe @ cruise; would put my hands to sleep.

There's 4" of snow on the ground here in Colorado, so used the downtime to treat all light bulbs & electrical connections with silicone dielectric grease. Besides protecting from corrosion, it gets me "mechanically aquainted" with the bike. (Having to figure out things - like replacing a headlight bulb, for example - is better done in a well-lit garage than on some backroad in the middle if the night... :) )

Title: Re: Idle speed adjustment
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/13/15 at 16:40:22

like replacing a headlight bulb, for example - is better done in a well-lit garage than on some backroad in the middle if the night... Smiley )

You won't have to worry about that if you don't carry a spare.