Repair / Power and fuel use
Power and fuel use
Problems, repairs and parts for the power and fuel use.
Problems
- Bike feels held back, as if something is draggingRide with care
- Uses more fuel than normalOK to ride
- Engine feels weak and down on powerRide with care
- Will not reach normal top speedOK to ride
- Pinging or rattling sound when accelerating (pinking)Ride with care
- Struggles to climb hills or carry a passengerRide with care
- Power fades as the engine gets hotRide with care
- Engine revs rise but the bike does not speed upRide with care
- Sudden loss of power while ridingDo not ride
Repairs
- Road test to diagnose a faultRider job · 15 to 30 min
- Check for brake dragHome workshop · 15 to 30 min
- Check tyre pressureRider job · 5 min
- Clean or replace the air filterRider job · 15 to 40 min (estimate, plus drying time for foam)
- Remove, check, gap and fit a spark plugRider job · 15 to 20 min
- Check the fuel tap, lines and flowHome workshop · 20 to 45 min
- Replace the fuel filterHome workshop · 20 to 40 min for an inline filter; in-tank filters are workshop jobs
- Check the fuel pump (fuel injection)Home workshop · 15 to 45 min for the home checks
- Read engine fault codes (fuel injection)Home workshop · 15 to 30 min
- Test engine compressionHome workshop · 30 to 45 min
- Check and adjust valve clearanceHome workshop · 45 to 90 min (estimate, screw-and-locknut type)
- Decarbonise a two-stroke exhaust and portWorkshop job · 2 to 4 h
- Check and adjust chain slackRider job · 20 to 30 min
- Adjust clutch lever free playRider job · 10 to 15 min
- Clean the carburettorHome workshop · 1.5 to 3 h
- Check the engine oil levelRider job · 5 to 10 min (estimate, includes warm-up and settling)
- Check air cooling (fins, airflow, mixture)Rider job · 20 to 40 min
- Check and top up coolantRider job · 5 to 10 min
- Read a spark plugHome workshop · 10 to 15 min, plus a short ride
- Test the ignition coil and plug capHome workshop · 30 to 60 min (fuel tank may need removing)
- Find an intake air leakHome workshop · 20 to 45 min
- Check the carburettor float and needle valveHome workshop · 30 to 60 min with the carburettor off
- Measure fuel consumptionRider job · 2 to 3 tanks of normal riding
- Check the choke or starter valveHome workshop · 20 to 45 min
- Adjust carburettor idle speed and mixtureHome workshop · 20 to 40 min
- Check the oxygen sensorWorkshop job · 10 min for home checks; 30 to 60 min at a workshop
- Check the fuel injectorWorkshop job · 10 min for home checks; 1 to 2 h at a workshop
- Inspect and replace clutch plates and springsWorkshop job · 1.5 to 3 h (assessment and plate change, engine in frame)
- Check a semi-automatic or centrifugal clutchWorkshop job · 30 min (outside checks); 1.5 to 3 h workshop assessment
- Inspect and replace the scooter drive beltHome workshop · 45 to 90 min
- Check the scooter clutch and bellWorkshop job · 20 min (look inside the case); 1 to 2 h workshop assessment
- Inspect sprocketsRider job · 10 to 20 min
- Check wheel bearingsHome workshop · 15 to 30 min
- Adjust a drum brakeRider job · 5 to 10 min
- Adjust the rear brake pedalHome workshop · 15 to 30 min
- Clean a brake caliper and free the pistonsHome workshop · 45 to 90 min per caliper
- Check a combined braking system (CBS)Workshop job · 15 to 30 min assessment
- Check the fuel tank ventRider job · 10 to 20 min
- Check for a spark safelyHome workshop · 10 to 15 min
- Lubricate or replace the throttle cableHome workshop · 30 to 60 min
- Assess the top end (cylinder, piston, valves)Workshop job · 3 to 6 h strip and measure
- Check the ignition timingWorkshop job · 30 to 60 min assessment
