Hesitation

[Dad2g5]

My XS11 was stored for about 10 yrs before I got it. Full of 10yr old fuel! I Cleaned the tank and carbs the best i could but under a load I still get a sort of stumble at low rpm.( Under a load, Taking off from a stop light for example) any help would be greatly apreciated. Thanks in advance.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Dad2g5,

First congrats on your new find, you'll love it.....once you get it running right!

Secondly, please edit your profile adding what YEAR and MODEL of XS11 you have, or put it in your signature so that others can provide model specific information cause there ARE differences between models and years!!

Thirdly, several things can cause a hesitation, but most likely is the carbs! You'll find in the tech tips...YOU HAVE READ THEM HAVEN'T YOU ? You'll want to check them by scrolling down from the MAIN FORUM PAGE, not just the tech tips link in the left yellow column...cause many have been added and are not linked from there!!! Anyways, we often talk about triple cleaning the carbs, most novice users find it takes about 3 attempts at cleaning them to get all the storage crud/gum/varnish out from all of the orifices and passages in the carbs.

The Pilot/idle circuit is especially sensitive to obstruction and provides the low rpm throttle response you are having trouble with! Depending on the model you have can determine the cleaning instructions for you. IF you have one of the later models, 80-81 series, the pilot adjusting screws on the front top of the carb bodies are under brass plugs....IF the P.O.=Previous Owner hadn't drilled and removed the plugs. You can't get the pilot circuit as well cleaned without removing them, and you can't readjust them either without removing the plugs!

Also, helpful to know what if any mods are on the bike, like other than stock exhaust pipes, individual filters vs. oem airbox, etc.!

Another thing that could contribute to stuttering could be sticking timing plate. Pull the left crank/timing cover off, and inspect the timing plate, make sure it rotates freely and easily, if not you'll want to clean it and relube it. Also check the vacuum diaphragm mechanism to make sure it holds a vacuum, and that the hose isn't leaking!

Write back IN THIS THREAD with any other info and questions!
T.C.