my wednesday ride and break down

cOoTeR2004 · #1 04/12/12, 7:36 PM

I took my klx450r for ride into the chiricahua mountains Wednesday. I went up into pinery canyon road and rode around for awhile. I came down on the east side and got a little turned around as I was getting low on gas. I made my way out to 80 in NM and knew of a gas station near 10 so I headed that way. When I got there I was running on fumes but all they had was 86 octane. My bike requires 91 atleast but I figured I was desperate and one tank wouldn't hurt. I filled up and hopped on 10 for a very windy ride home. It went well but as I hit the Willcox exit it started to die as I slowed down. I let out the clutch and it basically bump started its self. When I got to the light and pulled in the clutch it died again. I assumed it was an electrical issue but tried to start it anyways and it turned over and started but died before I could get going again. Since it wasn't electrical I assumed it had over heated since I was riding it pretty hard on the highway. So I pushed it down to the TA gas station got a drink and let the bike cool down. After I finished i tried it and it fired right up so I headed towards home. When I came to my next stop sign it died again. So I let it sit for awhile and tried to start it again. This time it turned but wouldn't fire. It started after using the choke then died as I was accelerating to leave town. I couldn't get it started so I called a buddy to pick me up and give me a ride to get my truck. We loaded it up and got it home. I figured I fouled the plug so I went to pull it and as I was taking the tank off I noticed I was low on gas. Switched to reserve and it started up no problem and ran. I shut it off not wanting to damage it further if it was the plug. Do you guys think I should pull the plug and check it out or just top it off with proper gas and see if it runs fine?

500AF · #2 04/13/12, 5:53 PM

check for a fuel flow issue. pull the petcock and thoroughly clean it out. add a inline fuel filter.

clean carb, look for clogged air or fuel jets.

clean tank, new gas

is where id start.

3006 · #3 04/13/12, 6:20 PM

What's the scenery like on Pinery Canyon rd. after the fire? Are a lot of the trails closed off? Sorry to hear about the trouble with the bike.

Greg Pope · #4 04/13/12, 7:49 PM

Sounds like you have a float or needle and seat sticking on you. I would pull the carb apart and check the float height and make sure everything is squeeky clean. Also check your oil level and make sure it is not filled to high. That could make your bike run crappy and die as well.

RathrBdunin · #5 04/14/12, 6:14 AM

"Switched to reserve and it started up no problem and ran."

From your description it sounds like you were just running out of fuel & needed to flip over to reserve. Always remember when trouble shooting - Easy things first. Don't tear into the carb until you need to.

Fill it up & try it.

cOoTeR2004 · #6 04/14/12, 5:21 PM

Originally Posted by 3006

What's the scenery like on Pinery Canyon rd. after the fire? Are a lot of the trails closed off? Sorry to hear about the trouble with the bike.

It was pretty nice in some areas. Some of the fire areas looked neat. But I don't know how it looked before. I didn't hit any trails just the forest roads. I only came across one that was closed. Some of the fire areas had some pretty wildflowers blooming and they really stood out due to the dark surrounddings.

spike · #7 04/14/12, 6:54 PM

I had heard that in lower Rucker/Red Rock area that it just burned the undergrowth and stayed out of the trees. Turkey Creek area same thing, but the fire did get into the trees above the upper Turkey Creek campground.

spike · #8 05/20/12, 2:32 PM

Ok I have good news for Turkey Creek in the Chiricahua Mountains. Was out there this weekend With Bisbee's Scout Troop. The fire did stay low and cleaned out all the scrub under the trees and hopefully all the poison ivy. The creek was even running a bit, enough for the kids to dam up an area and all get wet. Even the turkeys are back and annoying as ever at 5 am.

luke · #9 05/20/12, 2:57 PM

Thanks for the report,
One of these days I will get down there for some riding.

3006 · #10 05/20/12, 5:51 PM

Originally Posted by spike

Ok I have good news for Turkey Creek in the Chiricahua Mountains. Was out there this weekend With Bisbee's Scout Troop. The fire did stay low and cleaned out all the scrub under the trees and hopefully all the poison ivy. The creek was even running a bit, enough for the kids to dam up an area and all get wet. Even the turkeys are back and annoying as ever at 5 am.

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