Vstrom 1000: not stable RPM.
 

Hi.
I've been owning my Vstrom since 2003 and been very happy with it.
Recently i got into a problem: my engine can't keep constant speed.
This problem can be seen at 2500 RPM and higher while in neutral: the RMP 'plays' up and down +- 500 RPM while you keep the throttle in a constant possition.
While riding it affects you especially in low gear: you get shaked.

Have you seen such a problem? any idea what can cause it?
I have been to the dealer, got my carburators balanced and tuned but still have this problem.

Thanks.

Hi,
Your bike does not have carbs it is fuel injected.There are a few things to check--Fuel pump,fuel pressure regulator,throttle cable adjustment to both throttle bodies and the seating of the throttle bodies can come loose and suck air in. I would have thought your dealer would have this information.
Since you put your bike into the dealer I assume you don't do your own repairs so you need to find someone you can trust.
Have a look on V-Strom International rapid forum for more info and photos.
Cheers
Ian :thumbup1:

Unstable engine...
 

Thanks Ian.
I have been using wrong terminology, thanks for fixing me.
The possible causes you have detailed were all checked by the dealer: fuel supply in correct pressure, the know problem of throttle body which went off possition and air is being sucked in and also the throttle cable (and pole) adjustments.
That's the point when i start to believe that something happaned inside one of the throttle bodies.
Would it be a reasonable move to disassembly them for cleaning and checking?
That's the only move i have in mind at the moment.
If you have other suggestions - they are very welcomed.

Thanks again!

bhrcrdni,
A good site for information is V-Strom International Rapid Forum where you can put in a search for your problem.
My bike is the 650 V-Strom and have not had any problems yet so limited with the advice I can give you except to try the above forum.
I am surprised your dealer can't find the fault.
Good luck with your seach.
Ian :thumbup1:

old trick. worth repeating
 

if a carb isnt seating properly and is sucking in air, sometimes it is hard to find.... even dealers miss stuff too. Here is something that has worked for me in the past, on cars and bikes.

Take a can of WD40 and with the spray around the carb stubs between engine and carb, do this with engine idling. listen very carefully.... usually if there is a leak, the revs will increase by a couple of hundred RPM, or the engine will flutter and gag.

try not to spray WD40 on your plugs n leads while the engine is running as it is flammable and if they are shorting out (another thing that can cause those symptoms you describe) you can soon find you have a WD40 flamethrower! Just use a little caution and commonsense and you will be fine.

Hope this helps!

Martyn

There were some ECM's that went bad at one point and Suzuki fixed them under warranty/ recall or something. That might be the problem. Not sure what year, I want to say it was later than 2003, but worth checking out.

Forgot to mention, also have your throttle position senser checkd. AKA TPS. Thay are known for coming out of the factory off a bit.

I would get the Lambda sensor checked. This adjusts the fuelling to the injectors depending on the emissions in the exhaust. I had a similar problem on my Triumph Tiger and would surge between 3000-4500 rpm.
Sensor changed, bike OK.