Engine running rough (and i made it to moscow)

[poodle]

So I made it to Moscow however the bike isn't running very nicely. It chugs around 4500rpm and it's particularly noticeable at speed (over 60mph). I'm wondering if the crappy Russian fuel could have done something to the engine. I've been filling up with as decent stuff as I can get but I did put 1/2 a tank of crappier fuelled in. Fuel cleaner additive doesn't seem to gave helped.

Any suggestions as to what the problem could be?

 

[poodle]

I forgot to mention that the problem is much worse when hot. (Being 30+ here in Moscow doesn't help!)

 

[BRatigan]

I know people in the fuel delivery business and bad fuel in Russia is common. Find someone who has a vehicle that runs fine and find out where they buy their fuel. That could help eliminate the source of the problem.

BR

 

[poodle]

I've spoken to local drivers who recommend BP, shell and neste. However even after 5 or 6 tankfulls the problem hasn't sorted itself out.

 

[kiwi1125cr]

When you say its running crappy what do you mean ? does it go onto 1 cylinder or does it stumble like its going to die out or is it puffing black smoke. like what are the simtems etc. [cool]

 

[poodle]

So I stopped at HD in Moscow. They plugged the bike in and no error codes came up.

The guy reckoned it was a fuel issue and a couple of tanks of decent fuel would sort the problem out. Many tanks later it hasn't.

I then spoke to my dealer back home and explained the problems : bike starts fine, idles ok (not perfect but it doesn't stall). Then from around 4000rpm, particularly under load I get significant vibrations (I.e. this is far more noticeable at speeds of 50mph+).

He reckoned it was an ignition issue, most likely spark plug leads as the problem gets worse with heat. Trouble is the leads on the 1125r seem anything from standard (unless I'm completely mistaken).

Plan is to get the bike to HD in Warsaw (I'm about 200km away now) and get them to replace plugs and leads. That is unless there's something I can do myself?

 

[strawberrys]

Got Tools? Easy imo.
Straw

 

[poodle]

I've got an entire workshop to my disposal actually

The motel owner also runs a garage. Just no parts. I'm wondering if wrapping the leads in insulating tape might help (and cleaning contacts) .

 

[poodle]

Made it back to London, but man what a drama.

Two Harley dealers (Moscow & Warsaw) failed to spot the real problem for the vibrations - failing bearings both front and back. I'm particularly pissed at Harley Warsaw as I told them I was getting some vibrations from the front wheel under braking. The guy just dismissed it saying I probably warped the disc slightly. They then charged $80 for plugging it into a computer, clearing one error code and telling me the problem was down to fuel.

I finally got it to a tyre service place in Berlin that spotted the screwed bearings. Two separate HD dealers in Germany then replaced the front and the rears.

Of course the fun wasn't over there. Halfway to Paris I spot the engine warning light come on. I pull over to discover the sidestand freely hanging from the bike - somehow the spring had come off entirely.

Well all that aside it was still a heck of a ride. I'll post some photos soon.

 

[Drkside79]

All and all i am jealous of that ride. London to Moscow and back. Too bad about the bike issues though.