‘Idling’ Pro Tips + Gifts Under $50

Dec 16

Written By Juliana Riccardi

Gifts Under $50 + Idle Pro Tips! Vraaapp!

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12/20 Monday 10-6pm

12/21 Tuesday 10-2pm

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CLOSED NEW YEARS DAY

IDLE LOW, IDLE HIGH, IDLE JUST RIGHT

Ah, the sweet sound of an engine. Whether you push a button or kick start, there’s something so gratifying about hearing your engine kicks on— purr, pop and vrappp. If you listen closely, your idle will tell you some need-to-know things about your bike’s health.

Low idle sounds like a low frequency, slower vibration, and like your slowing down/stalling.

High idle sounds likes a high frequency, faster vibration, and sounds like you’re speeding.

Low Idle Symptoms:

Engine will easily stall - especially on take off.
Oil pressure inside the engine will be very low (oil pressure lamp may flicker)

High Idle Symptoms:

More noise/louder engine
Clunk noise in first gear

A common root cause:
If no serious issues exist, your idle top screw or electronic idle setting may not be adjusted correctly.

Most bikes allow the rider to adjust the idle speed themselves. Read on to learn how to adjust the idle on your own and for a list of more serious issues you will want to address with your mechanic.

DIY IDLE ADJUSTMENT

Adjust to the right idle on a carbureted bike / older fuel injected bike:

Locate the idle screw by consulting your manual.
With the bike parked and running in neutral, turn clockwise to increase idle and counterclockwise to decrease idle. If your bike has a tachometer, consult the manual for the recommended idle and adjust until reached. Otherwise, you'll have to go by sound and feel.
Note - certain bikes require a mechanic to adjust idle.

More serious root causes to idle issues that you should address with your mechanic:

Throttle cable/cold start lever jammed
Throttle valves not correctly synced
Valve clearances too tight
Leaking rubber hoses
Air/fuel ratio is too lean (aftermarket exhausts and/or air filters can throw off ratio)
Throttle position sensor not correctly adjusted
Faulty oil temperature sensor / water temperature sensor
Clog in tank ventilation line components