Marine in need....multiple gsx 1100 problems

[Anonymous]

I just recently purchased a 1990 Suzuki GSX 1100F Katana, looks were decieving. The bike sat in New Jersey since August of 04'. I picked the bike up in Feb. 2005. Supposidly the bike ran great, blah blah blah, before he winterized it. After an 11 hour drive to pick it up, it didnt start. Me being a dumbass, bought it anyway. Well, got it back, spent about an hour just to get it running. Kicked it in 1st gear, and it completely shut off (still does it sometimes). Let it sit for about a week and a half, and started it up again. Found out I have to roll it alittle while kicking it in 1st gear. Now, it's still not running right. When I kick it into 2nd gear, about 1/4 of the way through 2nd gear it pops back into neutral. When I first get on it to ride, it doesnt feel like its giving me all of its power, inconsistant acceleration. About 5 minutes or so after riding it, it seems that the power is just slowly detererating away. It completely boggs down after about 5-10 minutes. When starting up the bike, the idling isnt consistant, slightly, but it's still off. So far I've, cleaned out the fuel tank with stabil, new battery, cleaned out the carbs, new fuel filters, new fuel lines. I know jeeps inside and out, but bikes are new to me. Anyone know any solutions, feel free to email me miketankersley@msn.com. Thanks alot. [/b]

[cbxchris]

That could be many things. A bad coil? Spun bearing in the lower end? It may even be starving for fuel. Just not enough info to help ya.

[Anonymous]

My wife has a 89 model.

You have listed a few of the things done to try and cure the problems.

So far I've

1> cleaned out the fuel tank with stabil
2> new battery
3> cleaned out the carbs
4> new fuel filters, new fuel lines.

and you said it :

1> won't idle correctly
2> die's when putting it in first gear
3>When I kick it into 2nd gear, about 1/4 of the way through 2nd gear it pops back into neutral.
4> About 5 minutes or so after riding it, it seems that the power is just slowly detererating away. It completely boggs down after about 5-10 minutes.

When you cleaned the carbs, did you make sure to check EACH and every port in the carb bodies was clear?

The pilots, the mains?
Pilots are idling ports.
Mains are what she runs off idle with through to redline.
ANY clog and she will bog down on you.
Loading up on fuel will cause that too (running to rich- too fat a main jet)
Check for black smoke out pipe or GREY / WHITE smoke, and check PLUGS for tail tale signs of Gas fouling (wet plugs) or OIL fouling (wet BLACK plugs).

When you put the carbs back together, did you make SURE and NOT pinch the diaphrams on the top of the carb bodies?

**If you pinch the diaphrams you will have a RICH condition and the bike will run as described.

Did you by any chance do a Compression Test yet?

another factor on power.. but you would more then likely notice grey/white smoke tail tale signs of Blow by due to ring wear.
Bent valves will cause low power too, over revving the engine and banging it off redline can cause bent valves..

MANY MANY variables just as ANY Motor..

Did you check the spark for intensity or COLOR>?
Low spark could mean the charging system is OUT and the battery is getting weaker.. but not being able to start it after a long ride would tell you that.

As cbxchris stated about SPUN bearings.. If a Rod or Crank bearing has spun it will cause the motor to loose power, as it heats (engine warming up) it BINDS more causing FRICTIOn and loss of power.
I have had once where I could NOT hear anything but had a spun bearing, another time it was a PRONOUNCED KNOCK in the lower end.

Many many things bro sorry..
But simple tests will point you in the right direction.


1> Compression Test
2> Spark Test, read plugs while they are out/
3> leakdown test

and finally..

Sadly sounds like your Transmission is shot, time to pull the motor and open it up and replace the Shifter Forks.

Once they start comming out of GEAR rolling INTO the throttle that is your shifter Dogs and or Gears worn.
but MAKE sure your gettign it IN GEAR firmly, especially the 1->2 shift, furthest shifter throw....

Try this though for sheets and giggles:

Adjust the shifter, closer to your foot, to make SURE your firmly hitting it, making for a POSITIVE shift into 2nd especially.
Most bikes dog'd out will come out of 2nd, tale tale sign of a raced / hammered on machine.

Good Luck,
Ron

[SqDancerLynn1]

IF it dies when you put it into first gear CHECK the saftey switch on the kickstand IT is designed to shut the bike off to prevent riding off with the kickstand down

[Dink]

Check clutch plates, and adjustment, stalling when put in first could also be due to clutch drag, and drag wouldnt help his jumping out of gear problem either.
Dink