2003 Yamaha V Star 1100 Custom Logo
Daniel Girard Posted on Sep 06, 2013

Not getting any power unless choke is on

Problem started in the spring. Bike was driving fine, suddenly lost some power at high speed on the highway as if running out of gas, then was fine for the rest of the ride home. Figured some dirt in the line. Took the bike out a few days later and same thing happened except that the bike lost complete power after a few miles and died. Changed the fuel filter, cleaned the peacock and gas line, still the same. Bi started but would not go anywhere unless choke was on. A few days later bike is running like new. I mean real new, beautiful sound, full power, drove it on the highway way over the speed limit, all was great. Went out a few times, still good as new. Let the tank get low on gas the same proplem happened again. Filled it up with high octane gaz, still can't get it to run properly. First thing dealer said, "We'll take those carbs apart..." That's when I walked out. I got scammed once with an old 2006 Virago. Had to sell the bike because they messed it up so badly. Can anyone help with my VStar problem? I'm not really experienced with mechanical stuff when it comes to bikes. Thanks in advance

1 Answer

Jeff Anderson

Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.

Mayor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.

Problem Solver:

An expert who has answered 5 questions.

  • Contributor 5 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 07, 2013
Jeff Anderson
Contributor
Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.

Mayor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.

Problem Solver:

An expert who has answered 5 questions.

Joined: Sep 07, 2013
Answers
5
Questions
0
Helped
1191
Points
5

Only running good with the choke on is an indicator that the bike is normally running too lean. The fact that it runs good with the choke on at least tells me it is getting fuel to the carb(s). Therefore it seems probable that there is clogging in the carburetor jets or there is a big air leak between the engine and carb(s).

  • Daniel Girard Sep 07, 2013

    Hey Jeff, thanks for taking the time to answer. Don't know if it's related, but I know there is an air leak in a small chrome pipe running horozontally on the side of my left leg. Last year the dealer just taped it up but never gave me an answer. This would not explain whough why the bike ran great in between problems. However I will investigate that first as it is the simplest thing. Will get back to you.

×

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 2559 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 11, 2009

SOURCE: loss of power, stalling, backfiring

Sounds like you are not getting fire to that cylinder,check plug wire,plug,and the cap on the end of the plug wire.

If all is well with those,just let me know and we can go to the next possible cause.

Ad

lapum0nz

  • 18 Answers
  • Posted on May 11, 2009

SOURCE: XV1100 virago ...sputtering, dying...NOT FZR!!

1 maybe there is a diaghfram tear at your carb only 1 is funtioning and 1 block engine is running but under power
2.check your fuel line from tank to fuel filter then pump then carb
probally there is a debrie stuck in the pipe line or in your tank

Anonymous

  • 48 Answers
  • Posted on May 26, 2009

SOURCE: Fouled Fuel System on 2005 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic

put a new filter on it

tombones

  • 3567 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 30, 2009

SOURCE: Won't idle without choke

The pilot jet controls the air/gas fuel mix at idle . If the jet gets plugged up not enough gas gets to the emgine at idle. You will need to remove the carbs and float bowls and clean them, paying special attention to the pilot valve. Count the number of turns to remove the pilot screw and replace the same number of turns then turn counter clockwise 1/2 turn.

A “very helpful” rating for this answer? Thanks!

9b78257.gif

Anonymous

  • 440 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 03, 2009

SOURCE: Yamaha 535 stalling out and losing power after running for a bit

Sounds like a fueling problem either water in the carbs or the fuel flow from the tap is insufficient. If there is a vacuum pipe it may have been dislodged or holed.
Ride Safe
Bike-Doc

Please mark this as useful (if it has been!!)

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

I own a 2004 yamaha roadstar 1700. 15,000 miles. always ran perfectly. i would say i ride 4 days a week and mostly scenic drives low speeds. last week i took it out and drove it pretty hard. high speeds...

remove the carbs and have them professionally overhauled
indicates a problem in the high speed circuit , probably a blockage
might also be an incorrect float level that is not allowing enough fuel into the bowl for hgfh speed operation
1helpful
1answer

Does the choke lever need a spring to keep it open?

sometimes the choke leaver has an indent to catch a part on the carb ! wot bike is it and is the leaver on the carb or the bars ?
0helpful
1answer

Lost power

This sounds like the classic case of a crank/cam sensor going out. Pull the nose cone cover on the right hand side,and see if the sensor has melted.Most times this is exactly what happens.
0helpful
3answers

1988 Suzuki GSX-R750 Slingshot problems(fuel/air)

Sounds like ignition problems; I know you've had it serviced but check condition of spark plugs. Check all electrical contacts for corrosion, more specifically the timing pickup circuit, wires to coils, CDI connector. You're CDI may be the culprit, try swapping it out for a known good one. If it's back firing then enough fuel is getting through the carbs, so would indicate to me that the problem doesn't lie there. Hope you have some luck.
5helpful
1answer

Yamaha 535 stalling out and losing power after running for a bit

Sounds like a fueling problem either water in the carbs or the fuel flow from the tap is insufficient. If there is a vacuum pipe it may have been dislodged or holed.
Ride Safe
Bike-Doc

Please mark this as useful (if it has been!!)
1helpful
1answer

Sputtering at low speeds and takeoff

your low speed jets are stopped up ,the carbs need cleaning, go to walmart a buy some SEAFOAM, poor it in your gas tank ,start it up on choke, and when it start ot clear up take it off of choke, or ride it until it clears up. after it starts running good get it synchronized
1helpful
2answers

Wont accelarate

you didnt say if the bike sat up for a while, if it has you have stopped up carbs the bike will run with the choke on but shut off when the choke is off says no fuel going thru the low speed jets clean them by taking the float bowls off and blowing them out with high pressure air
0helpful
2answers

Engine suddenly lost power on highway, would not start afterwards

check your oil dip stick if the oil is milky its your head gasket
defenetly sounds like that to me
Not finding what you are looking for?

299 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Yamaha Experts

vince

Level 3 Expert

2530 Answers

Steve Sweetleaf
Steve Sweetleaf

Level 3 Expert

1212 Answers

littlewheel

Level 2 Expert

122 Answers

Are you a Yamaha Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...