Rough Running 1300R

[NormO]

My 1300R runs extremely rough with only 1700 miles on it. It's very touchy when it comes to how much choke you use. Most of the time I don't need to choke it, but if it's sat for a while.
To me it smells like it is running rich, and it's missing and popping when you crack the throttle.
Any help would be appreciated.

Norm

[NC Hammer]

Need more info:
What do the plugs look like?
Have you had the 600 mile service? If you have, did this start after the service?

I don't ever use the choke. I crank the throttle once or twice, then kick her over and rev it some to warm up.

[blkxride]

Something else to check is your battery connections. Many of the bikes have had loose connections from the factory and it can effect how your bike runs. You won't get a good spark and it will run rich because the fuel is not being burned properly and it won't run very well. This may not be your problem but it's easy to check. Once you look even if they are ok go ahead and install lock washers on the terminals and you won't have to worry about it down the road.

[NormO]

I have not pulled the plugs yet, it blows a little dark exhaust if you jump on it warming up, so I think it's a fowling problem. I try not to use the choke, but have a few time in the recent past and that is when it sorta began.

I had the 600 mile service and it would occassionally run a little rough that's when I moved away from the choke.

I'll check the battery termals as well, right now I just want the problem solved. I try to ride year round and this is making it tough to enjoy.

[VTXRI]

If I use the choke just once during warm weather (over 70) I know for sure my plugs would be junk. I only use the choke if it is very cold and use it only for a short time.. it's seems to me the VTX's do not work well choked. Check the plugs and limit using the choke.. what I do is adjust the idle up a bit on colder days

[blkxride]

The subject of using a choke on the 1300's is an old one. There are many different answers to the question. On my bike, when I lived in Atlanta Ga, it just wouldn't start (when cold) without using the choke. Now I live in SW Fl and on occasion it still needs some choke to get started, after warm up it runs great. Each engine is different and may/may not required the use of the choke. I don't believe you can lump all these bikes into one on this kind of an issue. You have to find your bikes needs and act accordingly. I've got 22k and never a fouled plug.

[NormO]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, the plugs were fowled, cleaned them, checked the air filter, and battery connections, and put it all back together. Twisted the throttle twice and hit the button, warmned it up by hand and it runs smooth.

This bike does not like the choke for sure.
Take care and good riding.
Norm

[VTXRI]

Glad things worked out.. like said not all are the same but from what I have heard, weather like ours.. (I think your weather would be about the same now as ours) the choke can effect the plugs.

Glad you got it squared away and your riding smooth again

[Memphis Fats]

Use the choke, change the fouled plugs. I didn't know any better--thinking I was supposed to use it, since they put it there. Learned my lesson after seeing the black smoke and noticing some sputtering.
I now use the choke very sparingly when it's colder outside, and then only about 1/3 out, and back off as soon as it's running. Throttle it to warm it up.

[RetroRider]

How cold is considered cold? Its about 40 degrees in the morning in my area and I have been using the choke in the mornings for a minute or two, is this damaging my plugs? From what i have read seems like most people just start their babies up and rev them a couple times, I take this is less damaging than CHOKING her?

[jbfjr]

Retro, I live just north of you on the coast. With my VTX it seems that some times I have to use just a touch of choke just to get her going, and others no need at all. Seems a strange, but I just go with what she wants in the mornings. I have never have seen smoke or felt/heard any ruff running. Guess the blkx hit it right on, each bike has thier own personalties.

[RetroRider]

I did not use the choke this morning, might have needed al little choke, but i didnt pull it, just started her and gas her a little to get her going , NO PROBLEMS :)

Odometer as of today 229 miles.

[NormO]

It's been cold and rainy up her in Oregon for over a month, I have rolled the bike out a couple times just to run it up and makes sure everything is working. I still do it all by hand and don't use the choke, I'm probably a little gun shy from using the choke and having such a problem.
One thing I have read on this site is the potential of using hotter plugs if most of your driving is in town to help keep it clean.

[KenDoll]

Virginia is pretty mild, but I just moved here from Utah where you can't ride (without a death wish) in the winter and my bike is doing the same thing (sputtering and coughing) everytime I fire her up. I have been fully choking her but now I know better. I chalked it up to changing elevations on her without rejetting. I'm making an appointment to get her rejetted, but I think I'm going to check my plugs in the morning and try not to use the choke again.

[cool breeze]

When it`s cold, (and lately it has been around here :icon_sadb ), I use the choke for no more than 30 seconds at startup. After that I use the throttle till she gets warm.