Popping and backfiring

[Argon0639]

Bike was running fine and now suddenly is popping and backfiring badly.  I am thinking that the first thing I should do is pull the plugs and check them.  (I've already checked the wires)  Any other suggestions?

[Chrisj CMA]

NEED MORE INFO...

If the bike in question is the bike in the avatar (pic) then its a 97.......has it ever had vacuum lines replaced?  If not thats a cause for sure!  If you have never tightened the intake tube rings there are 3 sets of screws (18 total) and they get VERY loose over the years.  When was the last time you checked the header bolts, they routinely need snugging up (careful not to break them)

If bike was sitting quite a while cabs could be gunktified........

Or bad gas


too much guessing here to help any more than that

[TGViper]

NEED MORE INFO...

If the bike in question is the bike in the avatar (pic) then its a 97.......has it ever had vacuum lines replaced?  If not thats a cause for sure!  If you have never tightened the intake tube rings there are 3 sets of screws (18 total) and they get VERY loose over the years.  When was the last time you checked the header bolts, they routinely need snugging up (careful not to break them)

If bike was sitting quite a while cabs could be gunktified........

Or bad gas


too much guessing here to help any more than that

I'll jump on board - my bike has same problem.  Where are the intake tube ring screws?  I checked the header bolts last night and they are fine.  My bike is a 2001.

[Ricky-D]

A poorly performing battery could be the cause of your problems.

The volts should be at least 12.6 volts to 12.8 volts.

***

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Sounds like an exhaust leak ? Or vaccuum issue ?

[Chrisj CMA]

NEED MORE INFO...

If the bike in question is the bike in the avatar (pic) then its a 97.......has it ever had vacuum lines replaced?  If not thats a cause for sure!  If you have never tightened the intake tube rings there are 3 sets of screws (18 total) and they get VERY loose over the years.  When was the last time you checked the header bolts, they routinely need snugging up (careful not to break them)

If bike was sitting quite a while cabs could be gunktified........

Or bad gas


too much guessing here to help any more than that

I'll jump on board - my bike has same problem.  Where are the intake tube ring screws?  I checked the header bolts last night and they are fine.  My bike is a 2001.

Not trying to sound like a smart a$$, but the screws are on the rings that secure the intakes to the airbox and carbs

[TGViper]

NEED MORE INFO...

If the bike in question is the bike in the avatar (pic) then its a 97.......has it ever had vacuum lines replaced?  If not thats a cause for sure!  If you have never tightened the intake tube rings there are 3 sets of screws (18 total) and they get VERY loose over the years.  When was the last time you checked the header bolts, they routinely need snugging up (careful not to break them)

If bike was sitting quite a while cabs could be gunktified........

Or bad gas


too much guessing here to help any more than that

I'll jump on board - my bike has same problem.  Where are the intake tube ring screws?  I checked the header bolts last night and they are fine.  My bike is a 2001.

Not trying to sound like a smart a$$, but the screws are on the rings that secure the intakes to the airbox and carbs

Didn't take it as such - thanks for the explanation - I'll check when I get home tonight!   

[Argon0639]

Some more info.  The battery is brand new and checks out good.  It is a 97 and no I have never replaced the vaccuum lines.  One thing I didn't mention is that the bike is suddenly also idling faster than normal too.  Weird.  I am going to go and check some things out right now, then I'll post the results.  Thanks!

[Valker]

I'd bet on the vacuum line(s) splitting. Fast fix if on a trip-put about 1" of electrical tape on the bottom of each hose as it leaves the carb.

[Argon0639]

Tightened every intake ring screw and checked the plugs and wires.  The bike still hauls ass and doesn't seem to have lost any power, but on idling or deceleration I am still getting little pops in the exhaust.  It does seem better after having tightened everything up, but there is still something lurking....how do you get to the vaccuum lines to do anything to them...they seem to be pretty well tucked away.

[Chrisj CMA]

Tightened every intake ring screw and checked the plugs and wires.  The bike still hauls ass and doesn't seem to have lost any power, but on idling or deceleration I am still getting little pops in the exhaust.  It does seem better after having tightened everything up, but there is still something lurking....how do you get to the vaccuum lines to do anything to them...they seem to be pretty well tucked away.

basically there are 3 lines and 3 plugs on a stock bike to check:
#1 has  aplug on the intake.....check for cracks
same with #2
#3&4 have lines that go to a "T" replace
#5 has a plug
and #6 has a line that goes to the petcock....replace

[Argon0639]

Thanks!  That info will help me out a lot.  Am I correct in assuming that I will have to remove the tank to get to everything?

[HayHauler]

Sadly, yes.  The tank is not that big of a deal, it's getting the air box back on after you are done...

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Chrisj CMA]

Sadly, yes.  The tank is not that big of a deal, it's getting the air box back on after you are done...

Hay 
Jimmyt

You DO NOT need to remove the airbox!  Tank off makes it loads easier but you can pop the lines off at the intakes, tie strings to them......then pull the "T" fitting and the main line (you shouldnt need to replace that main line) out from above the left carb bank, swithch te lines with new and pull them back in place with the strings you attached

[Argon0639]

I think I will be able to handle that.  Now stupid question....what do I use to replace the lines?  Do I have to order the lines, or can I use some kind of replacement tubing?  Thanks for all the input, it has been very helpful!

[R J]

You can use regular windshield washer hose.

[Argon0639]

Can I just pick that up at Autozone or Advance or something like that?

[1FAST6]

Yep!  Just take a piece in with you and they will hook you up!

[Argon0639]

Sounds good!  Thanks everyone for all the help and I will update when I have replaced the lines. 

[Argon0639]

I was reading in another thread something about Seafoam....and funny thing this popping and crackling happened almost exactly right after I had added some Seafoam to the gas tank (with a tank of fresh gas of course).  I wonder if that could be one of the causes?  Hmmm...  lol!

[NITRO]

I'm a little behind here, but I had the same problem last summer. I replaced the vacuum lines (one had a 1" split in it) and snugged up the bands on the carbs and intake (there are 12, by the way, you can't get at the upper ones unless the tank is out of the way). That got rid of most of the problems. I also ended up replacing the intake o-rings this spring as two were leaking somewhat and two were leaking badly. After all of this, I had no more problems.