odd hesitation just off idle
- minderbinder
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odd hesitation just off idle
10 Nov 2009 19:19
1976 z900, . starts, idles,runs, pulls very well. when cruising at low speeds with the throttle just barely open kinda rumbles and pops. when i let off the throttle and go to give it gas again there is a momentary hesitation then takes off fine. doesn't happen when accelerating through the gears. its super annoying when you're stuck in traffic, unnerving when it hesitates coming out of a corner. that said, if you give it throttle very slowly or just whack it open it wont do it. any advice? btw, valve adj., float level, power to the coils, timing, sync., etc. all checked and good
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- tomsweb1
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Re: odd hesitation just off idle
10 Nov 2009 19:27
ok, I don't know Kaws very well, so just bear with me... Does the bike have an accelerator pump? If so, sounds to me like it's not working. If not, try adjusting the freeplay on your throttle... it may be out just that smidge.
1978 CB400A Hondamatic
1983 CB550SC Nighthawk
1978 CB750A Hondamatic
1982 KZ1300
1983 CB550SC Nighthawk
1978 CB750A Hondamatic
1982 KZ1300
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- hoghaterkaw
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Re: odd hesitation just off idle
10 Nov 2009 19:49 - 10 Nov 2009 19:51
"hesitates coming out of a corner" tells me you need to recheck the float levels. also poor throttle response at low RPM is usually out of sync.
Last edit: 10 Nov 2009 19:51 by hoghaterkaw.
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- 650ed
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Re: odd hesitation just off idle
10 Nov 2009 19:58
My crystal ball says you're using pods.

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- Patton
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Re: odd hesitation just off idle
10 Nov 2009 20:12
As stop-gap measure, might try this as an experiment --- turn each side-located carb pilot adjustment screw clockwise 1/2 turn, which is supposed to enrichen the pilot circuit.
If it doesn't help, just turn them back where they were.
I'm also suspicious of the carb pilot circuits, thinking they may need a thorough cleaning.
Good Luck!
If it doesn't help, just turn them back where they were.
I'm also suspicious of the carb pilot circuits, thinking they may need a thorough cleaning.
Good Luck!

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
KZ900 LTD
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- tomsweb1
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Re: odd hesitation just off idle
10 Nov 2009 20:47
Patton wrote:
+1 on that.
I'm also suspicious of the carb pilot circuits, thinking they may need a thorough cleaning.
+1 on that.
1978 CB400A Hondamatic
1983 CB550SC Nighthawk
1978 CB750A Hondamatic
1982 KZ1300
1983 CB550SC Nighthawk
1978 CB750A Hondamatic
1982 KZ1300
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- bountyhunter
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Re: odd hesitation just off idle
10 Nov 2009 21:26
I would guess either pilots too lean or need to rich up the needle settings a bit. As said above, if this bike has pods, you need richer jets/needles to make up for that (mistake):laugh:
1979 KZ-750 Twin
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- Bluemeanie
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Re: odd hesitation just off idle
11 Nov 2009 06:16
Can we get a little more info on any intake and exhaust mods? Makes a BIG differance in adjustments!

1980 KZ650F1, Bought new out the door for $2,162.98!
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- vict182
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Re: odd hesitation just off idle
11 Nov 2009 06:41
Seems like we're having the same problem with the same bike.
has this problem started after you changed something in your intake/exhaust devices?
or it was fine and without any change in your bike one day this problem sorted out?
has this problem started after you changed something in your intake/exhaust devices?
or it was fine and without any change in your bike one day this problem sorted out?
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- taildragger1197
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Re: odd hesitation just off idle
11 Nov 2009 07:07
If your problem is "JUST OFF IDLE", say around 1000-1500 rpm, I would check the ignition advance assembly and make sure all is right with the ignition system before I attacked the carburetors.
Union City, Tennessee
1979 KZ1000 LTD B3
1979 KZ1000(1260)LTD S/G Pro ET
1993 ZX11 D1 Ninja
1979 KZ1000 LTD B3
1979 KZ1000(1260)LTD S/G Pro ET
1993 ZX11 D1 Ninja
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- vict182
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- TeK9iNe
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Re: odd hesitation just off idle
11 Nov 2009 07:21
Can-o-Seafoam! :laugh: + all the regular maintenence in the manual...
Cheers!
Cheers!

Motorcycle Shop Owner/Operator
79 Kawie Z1000 LTD
81 Kawie Z1000 CSR
83 Honda VT750C A
85 Kawie GPZ900 A2
86 Zukie GS1150 EG
93 Yamie XV1100 E
Lucky to have rolled many old bikes through my doors
79 Kawie Z1000 LTD
81 Kawie Z1000 CSR
83 Honda VT750C A
85 Kawie GPZ900 A2
86 Zukie GS1150 EG
93 Yamie XV1100 E
Lucky to have rolled many old bikes through my doors

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