Questions About Rough Idle And Backfiring

[Ed Murphy]

Hi all, I’m in the SF Bay Area and have been riding for several decades. I bought my 2014 Bonneville Base (5500 mi.) from a dealer last week and when I test drove it, it started and handled flawlessly. Now it (practically) won’t start w/o the choke out in the 1st position (60ºF here) and it feels like it’s going to stall before I put it into first gear. I’ve read other posts about rough idling and wonder if it comes w. this bike. I’m aware the manual says to start it w. the choke, which is confusing b/c it’s fuel injection.

Some other concerns:

—It does well at high speeds, but feels a bit jerky in town in lower gears.

—I’m the 2nd owner and am not sure if the exhaust system is stock, but it sure pops and backfires some at deceleration. The bike has a "Oct '16" tag on the plate which makes me wonder if it sat unused for the past 4-5 months...

I’ve gotten a couple of suggestions from the Intro Group to add injector cleaner to the gas. I’ll do that today. Any suggestions for a good cleaner?

Thanks for any input.

 

[Ed Murphy]

 

[Rocky]

I don't think there is much to choose between injector cleaners.
Most name brand products are fairly equal and quite good.
If this doesn't help you will probably have to have the dealer take a look.
Normally, these EFI bikes run flawlessly.

 

[Ed Murphy]

I don't think there is much to choose between injector cleaners.
Most name brand products are fairly equal and quite good.
If this doesn't help you will probably have to have the dealer take a look.
Normally, these EFI bikes run flawlessly.

Thanks, Rocky. Luckily, I bought a maintenance program w. the bike. Looks like I may need to use it, once my 30 day warranty wears out, if the cleaner doesn't work.

 

[Ed Murphy]

Thanks, Rocky. Luckily, I bought a maintenance program w. the bike. Looks like I may need to use it, once my 30 day warranty wears out, if the cleaner doesn't work.

I just added some "Techtron Complete Fuel System Cleaner" to the tank, and whoa! it seems to have done the job. Simple fix. Thanks to all who suggested it!

 

[Rocky]

Great news!

 

[Qship]

Seafoam is great stuff to run through periodically too.