Posted by Tim Schroeder on August 03, 1999 at 22:56:03:
In Reply to: bike just died again posted by Allison Taylor on August 03, 1999 at 01:10:23:
Allison,
I think, judging by your description(s), that Bruce is right. If the soot is coming out by the heat shield/peg then there is a way-too-big opening somewhere in that junction. My 1996 had somewhat loose bolts there when I bought it (new) and when I found them I then went around the bike and tightened all the fasteners to factory torques. If the exhaust system has any leaks, it won't provide the proper parameters for engine "breathing." I use my choke out to the first notch for the first 10-20 miles. Once the motor is warmed up it's fine but runs very "hesitantly" if I don't use the choke when cold. It doesn't matter it the outside temp is 50 or 90, initial choking seems to help it run very smoothly until warmed.
I've used NGK plugs since purchase and have no problems, nor have I had problems with any factory carb settings. When you say "they leaned out the mixture" do you mean the mechanics messed with the carb settings ? It sounds like you need to move back to square one and reset settings to factory specs. Though each machine will vary a bit, I don't think you should be having so many troubles with this. A fouled plug is very rare on modern Japanese motorcycles unless something is very wrong somewhere, which certainly would include screwing around with factory carb settings or messing up sealed exhaust systems by incompetent mechanics. If you continue to have problems I'd contact American Suzuki and raise hell. You can write them (or call them) here:
National Service Administrator
American Suzuki Motor Corporation
3251 East Imperial Highway
PO Box 1100
Brea, California 92822-1100
Tel: 714-996-7040
Fax: 714-970-6005