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Newb w/ Issues..help?

1.9K views 13 replies 9 participants last post by  MizzenMast54  
#1 ·
got my bike yesterday, 86 vt700. cleaned it up, changed the oil and tried riding it. seems to be sputtering alot for some reason. im no pro at changing gears but even when i finally got it into first it seemed like it didnt want to accelerate,it just ran slow and sputtered for about 5 seconds then took off and then did it again in 2nd. thoughts?
 

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#2 ·
I'm a new rider myself so may not be much help. I have read, and seems to be my experience that the Shadows don't like to lug like harley's do. They operate at a higher rpm. Also, not trying to be a smart***, but are you sure your starting in first?

Other than that, may check your choke or even your carb may need some adjusting.
 
#6 ·
Letting the bike warm up longer might help. You can ride with the choke on but remember the choke simply keeps it revving higher. You could be 'lugging' the engine--meaning you are slipping the clutch without putting power to the bike--which results in either a stall or a lurching launch.

Vijemo help:
 
#12 ·
Letting the bike warm up longer might help. You can ride with the choke on but remember the choke simply keeps it revving higher. You could be 'lugging' the engine--meaning you are slipping the clutch without putting power to the bike--which results in either a stall or a lurching launch.

Vijemo help: Howzit Done? Clutch & Shifting - YouTube
sorry...deleted.
 
#7 ·
First things first. Does it do this all the time or only when the motor is cold? Choke should be used when starting and warming a cold motor. 1-2 minute idling with full choke at start-up should be enough to at least be able to ride.
Does adding some choke, help? Can you rev the motor at cold start-up? what is idle rpm?

Next how scared of twisting the throttle are you? If you are timid with the throttle, on that bike it will protest. If you are going to slow when shifting to the next gear, it will protest.

Now, tell me about the bike? Was it being riden buy the PO or did it come out of storage? What was the condition of the oil? Did you do any other servicing, plugs, filters, fuel, coolant, brake or clutch?
 
#8 ·
only had the bike a day and its the first time i ever rode one, so you could be right about me being afraid of the throttle but i had it pulled way back it wasnt doing much . the PO rode it. the Oil didnt look to burnt but it was low.plugs were great so i didnt change them. havent checked air filter or coolant. and i wouldnt know how to check a clutch. FYI i dont plan on being this retarded forever i just havent started learning yet.
 
#10 ·
My Shadow was very cold-natured and required some partial choke when starting off on cool days. Also, the gas maybe old and has gunked up the carbs a little. Get a bottle of Techron and put the whole bottle into the tank and run it to reserve which should help the fuel system.
 
#11 ·
I've got an 84 VT700 and it is a cold-blodded beast. Full choke before I even touch the starter, and no throttle to start it. If I try to ride it without teh choke it'll do just what you are describing. Leave the choke on for the first mile or so (it's not a real choke actually. It's an enrichener) THEN move the choke lever back to normal. Keep it in the neighborhood until you take your course. Do it the smart way.