Q: I own a Honda VTR SP1 and it has an annoying hesitation problem. It happens at low rpm when I open the throttle and also while cruising. I’ve checked out and done the following tasks but I still can’t seem to find the problem:
1: I inspected the iridium plugs for a strong spark and correct gap.
2: I checked the fuel filter, which was very dirty. I first cleaned it out and then decided to fit a new one as the bike has 43,000km on the clock.
3: Due to the dirty filter I was concerned about blocked injectors so I removed them and did a flow check using a separate power supply, they all seemed to be OK.
4: I later found that the vacuum pipe on the engine was off. I thought that might be the problem but when pushed back on, the bike’s hesitation was still there.
5: I’ve removed and cleaned all the electrical connectors I can find but, and yes you’ve guessed; the bike is still giving me trouble.
So I would really appreciate it if you could give me any advice to send me in the right direction, and thanks?
Kobus Scheepers
A: Unfortunately Kobus this particular question is nigh on impossible to answer by words alone. The SP1 is a very complicated motorcycle, too much so in most areas, and is therefore pretty horrible to work on. The amount of kilometers your bike has covered lifts my left eyebrow as sometimes a bike of this age just tends to ‘go off’.
For example, on the right hand side of the rear sub-frame is the fuel injection control unit, which might be the problem, but there’re no test procedures for this unit. See what I mean now?
But, you could just opt to fit a Power Commander or similar which should cure the problem if set up correctly. That’s about the best advice I can give you without having the bike with me, which sadly I’d prefer not to, as it could take forever to find the problem and the labour cost would therefore be way too high.
