'96 XV1100 seems to be starving for fuel.

[beavis]

I just bought a '96 XV1100. My mechanic just cleaned the carbs and replaced the needles because of hesitation, poor idle and bad performance. Bike ran well in his mind after the work. I took it out and got down on it (0-60 runs) and was left unimpressed (no fear of wheelies this day). I hit the freeway and nailed it at 65 mph and watched it gradually climb to 70. Instead of "WHOA!" I got "any day now". What's weird is the bike's idle. On first starting it is fine. After it heats up (I'm in 100+ degree temps right now) the idle jumps to 1500-1800 rpm. After the freeway runs it stumbled a lot and idled at 700-800 rpm. Do I look to the fuel pump, controller, ignition or what? One other thing, the bike came with an after market air filter which is probably causing it to run a bit lean (foam instead of the stock paper).

[yamaguzzi]

start with the simple and move toward the complex..replace fuel filter,,check for vacuum leaks around the boots, manifolds,hoses. recheck all your cables thrott and choke,,look at them,,actuate them make sure they are functioning and returning to closed position....pull your plugs and read them,,,you might check the condition of the spark while youre at it.. keep in touch,,yg

[beavis]

yg,

I changed the fuel filter before I handed it to the mechanic, we both went over it for vacuum leaks, the plugs were heavy with carbon but we attributed that to the poor work done by the previous owner to the carbs. I'll try lubing the control cables (throttle and choke). I'm suspecting the fuel pump and I'm thinking of by-passing it as it is simple to do and not that detrimental (I have a fairly good track record of getting along with gravity). Thanks for the feedback and I'll update when I know something conclusive. . . or when I'm more confused.

[yamaguzzi]

also keep in mind that our electrical systems are weak..and a failing battery would appear as a random carb  fuel delivery problem...run a new ground wire from the battery to a point somewhere on the frame or support that is made of steel,,,instead of the aluminum grounding point on the engine..reg/rec  removal and cleaning,,even the mounting point use steel wool to clean...carry on  good luck yg

[beavis]

YG

thanks again for the pointers. My mechanic is not a Yamaha specialist, just a metric generalist. He is getting the bike in an hour and I'll mention the battery/electrical issue. He is a good guy that doesn't let his ego get in the way so this information is very helpful.

[535rider]

Check the diaphragms in the carbs. I am not sure what the 1100 carbs are like, but if they resemble the 535 carbs then it sounds like what happened to my bike. the diapharm should be all one peice and air tight, but mine had fallen apart.

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