Hello.  I'm having a little trouble finding the source of my problems.  I keep getting massive backfire and loss of power.  Sometimes it's only above 1/4 throttle, usually idle is fine.  The problem is intermittent, some days it works fine.  

I've cleaned the carb a few times within the last couple weeks, each time with minimal results.  I've also cleaned out the gas tank and added an in-line fuel filter.  

I last tuned the carb when it was around 80F outside.  Now it's a regular 60-70F.  I was at 2.5 turns out, now I'm maxed out at 3.5ish.  The effect was minimal if any.  The jets are stock for an 86.  I have an aftermarket cone style air filter and the stock muffler.

I've replaced the spark plug.  The old one was fine upon inspection but I did this just because I had no idea how old it was.

As for intake/exhaust leaks, I'm fairly confidant my intake is not leaking.  Earlier this week (problem had already started) I wrapped my exhaust just for looks.  I found that the exhaust header bolts were't torqued very tightly.  I also did not replace the gasket when re-installing.  I didn't think this could be my problem since sometimes the bike runs totally fine.  Also, it ran fine for months since the last time I messed with the exhaust.

One last scary issue - A couple times I've tried to start the bike recently the starter didn't spin and I could hear something arc over.  That's a recent development but it only happens rarely and when it happens it doesn't seems to have trouble idling after starting.  

THANKS!

Yeah.  It loses power then I'll get a few good pows and then get my power back.

I think you're right.  I had a sketchy mess of wires between my signal generator and my battery terminal.  I checked them and the connections were good but they were extremely nasty.  I cleaned them up and took a quick test ride.  I didn't get any backfire.  I'll keep an eye on it over the next few days.

Thanks!

Thanks.  I had the problem before I wrapped it though.  There was no significant change before/after.  I can't rule it out yet though

After going on a longer ride I had troubles again.  It seemed to only happen after the bike had warmed up significantly.  Before I started getting bad  backfire I noticed a little popping and crackling.  I think I may be on the lean side of things.  

After I got it to happen more consistently I sat there and watched my neutral and turn signal lights.  They would dim while it backfired but didn't ever turn all the way off.  Is that normal? Lower RPM or even a change in RPM changing voltage on the lights by a small amount.

NCSUindy09 wrote on 10/22/14 at 15:39:19:

If the lights are dimming that either you gotta short, bad connection or the battery is near death.  Take your pick.

Hey, resurrecting my old thread.  I cleaned all the connectors I could get to with some electronics cleaner.  I went to the auto parts store to have the battery tested.  They hooked it up to the positive terminal and the brake lever.  I actually told them to just use the brake lever because thats where I hook it up if I ever have to jump it.  Pretty soon after I got some smoke coming from the decomp. controller area.  We unhooked the battery tester and everything seemed to work just as it had before.

Still no results on the battery.

I also changed the oil and found out I only had ~450mL.  I'm still getting the loss of power and backfire.

450ml is half a quart... you have an engine for long if do that...

NCSUindy09 wrote on 10/28/14 at 15:59:18:

Decomp control... correct.
It actuates the decomp, spins the starter, and releases the decomp.
I believe it also checks the safeties.
Not actually waterproof, several on here have filled with water and failed.
some spin the starter (starting in the middle of the night ain't good) and some just don't work.