I'm in the process (now) of riding my bike from El Paso up through to Vancouver, Canada. However I am having problems with my vstrom.

It started yesterday in Mexico (I have be riding up from Argentina) when the bike cut out three times. No warning. Starting cleanly with the starter each time. After filling the tank, wiggling afew wires i could see (because i didn't know what else to do) i kept going with no other problem. Even went through another tank of fuel.

Filled up again just before crossing the border and the problem started again while trying to get out of El Paso. This time if felt like it was missing at times too. Now it seems to be riding normal again.

Pulled into a bike shop in EL Paso. After a couple hours of me waiting around, them doing nothing and me finally getting a bit fed up they couldn't (didn't) help me so I am back off on my own again. I am trying for the next town.

So, what do you think is the problem? Electrical? Fuel? Dirty Fuel? Clogged fuel filter? Is there anything Vstrom related i need to be aware of??
I'm not the best mechanic by a long shot but where should I start? The bike shop mentioned replacing the fuel filter (in tank) first.

Other problem I am really stuck for time, needing to be in Canada in 4/5 days so waiting for parts could be an issue..

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www.brucethart.blogspot.com

Was the bike low in fuel level when these problems occurred ? Did the problems go away with a full tank of fuel? If yes then definitely replace the fuel filter ... this is common cause of problems on K model bmws.

Replacing the fuel filter is a 'good' first step in eliminating it from being the cause. How long since it was last replaced? While you are there check the connections - electrical and fuel line .. Check the fuel lines for cracks .. 35psi will find any leaks .. if the filter has been replaced recently - check the connections of the fuel lines! If you need another filter in a hurry ... use a car one .. even the normal cheap plastic carby ones will withstand 35psi for a week or two .. get two just incase (and keep the original! to play safe).

If all that checks out .. unplug and clean and replug all the electrical connectors in the EFI system .. the one/s on the black box, all the sensors, coils, injectors.. 90% of problems are the connectors ..


Good luck.

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Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S

As usual, Frank's words of wisdom are worth heeding. I would like to add my bits, albeit coming from a state of ignorance regarding the V-Strom. I have had a similar problem on a different bike. I found the side stand cut-out switch was the cause. Might be worth putting in the mix.

Kind regards

Nigel in NZ

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The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription

Have you had the tank up to clean the air filter or anything else?
The breather pipe can kink when you put the tank back down and cause fuel starvation.
Cheers
Ian

Thanks for the informative replies.
Have to admit the bike has behaving itself since the first message, cutting out only once though today it hinted so something is still up.

Will go through all my connectors just in case and try some of that Chevron 'stuff' for good measure.

Enjoying my rather quick stint through the States..

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www.brucethart.blogspot.com

Hi,
I am owning a V Strom DL 650,purchased August 2006 run 25000km's allready,9500km's made in central Europe soon after purchasing...but since 10 days i have a major problem:confused1:
Start's any time perfect.30 to 50 km (sometimes more) with a continous speed of 110-120km/h and higher NO problems but when i have to slow down or have to stop, the engine starts runing like stupid! it gives me the feeling one of the plugs is not sparking well but its not! engine can not get started by the throttle speed....but if i give some more power it runs normally!
On tuesday it finally has indicated FI...i've been told to clean the Fuel pump but is this the real reason & true solution?
I am counting on your kind replies and recommendations what to do

Regards,
Ozer

I have a DL1000, and no fueling problems. Did have an Africa Twin which had similar problems to the above. Turned out to be in very hot weather, with a very hot engine, and seemed to be fuel vapourising in the pipe that was closest to the engine.

A suggestion from Pete (Kiwi) with a cardboard/tin-foil heat shield sorted it, I seem to remember. Not sure how the fuel pipe is routed on the DL650, or if it's the same thing you are experiencing. just an idea...

cheers,