Posted by BikerBass on June 02, 2003 at 06:51:28:
In Reply to: I'm new here too! posted by BikerBass on May 30, 2003 at 20:36:06:
Thanks to FullGear, Max, Polar Pilot and Richard for the responses.
Unless you plan for an analysis of variance, its best to test one variable at a time, so we know which factor caused the change... So tonight, I left the tank half full. It was in the 60's (F) and rather dry as I headed over the Mendota Bridge just before dusk. I did not adjust my gas cap as it does not leak on my leg; so I though I'd let it be. Tonight's experiment was to reach down and turn the petcock to PRIME as I accelerated over the bridge. I continued down US 52. After the stoplights near Eagan, the limit goes up to 65 (mph). So here I could cruise 65 to 70, and wait for the engine to fade and die.
Result: No fade! The engine felt more sure of itself than I can remember on this thing. It was a great ride. Very nice evening too.
I see that there was some earlier debate on this petcock. Apparently, not all motorocycles have a vacuum actuated petcock. So LS 650s must be very technologicaly advanced. :-)
http://nmr.imb-jena.de/bheise/Fragen/messages/14388.html
An intersting thing happened Saturday, after I made the initial post. I went to our local shop and asked for an 18 x 1.5mm flywheel puller and a fuel filter for a Suzuki LS650. The guy behind the counter ordered the puller right away but then stared at the parts list for several minutes. Then he pulled over an associate and they asked me if I knew for sure if the LS650 had a fuel filter. I didn't know. I didn't buy one either. Their mechanic told me I should start by checking my battery cables for this fading and stalling problem.
I now have the petcock set back to the ON position. The owners manual warns that I could start my engine on fire if I should leave leave it on PRIME overnight. So, next weekend I will be taking a closer look at the vacuum actuated petcock and the vacuum line. I'll let yawl know what I find.
Did you know that the dealer charged me $16 for that skinny little owner's manual?
BikerBass