[Big Sky Girl]

Just got an ’06 Ninja 500 last week. It only has 500 miles so it obviously wasn’t ridden a lot and I know it sat all winter. I think the guy even left the gas in the ‘on’ position the whole time (although someone said this won’t affect anything).

The idle is really low – like maybe 500 rpms when I am stopped. If I don’t keep it slightly revved, or the choke slightly on, it dies. Is this a common problem? I hear there is a screw or something I can twist to adjust the idle.

Also, a mechanic told me if it sat for a while without being ridden with gas in it, something could happen to the carburetor (like clogging it? can’t remember) and he said it might cause it to want to die.

Has anyone had a similar situation or have any idea about this? How do I know if it’s the carb. vs. just needing an adjustment? Any thoughts are appreciated!

Thanks,
Big Sky Girl

[Munch]

try to make small adjustments to the screw you heard about…if that don’t help may want to take it to the mechanic and let him check the carb and see if it needs cleaning/tuning etc. After being laid up for a while theres all kinds of things that could be the culprit. I would say take it to the local mechanic then ask if you can observe and start nailing him with questions.

[Big Sky Girl]

I found a similiar problem on another forum, and they suggested new spark plugs (which it just got) and also some carb cleaner. Would carb cleaner still be a good idea either way? Just wasn’t sure if I should mess with the idle adjuster before looking at the carb or not. Thanks!

I’m trying to find what the normal idle should be. The previous owner couldn’t find the owner’s manual and I’m not having any luck finding it online.

[chaiya]

First off, congrats on your new bike!
I had a similar problem when I first got my rebel. It had been sitting for quite a while. I would have to keep the choke on to keep it from dying at stops. It turned out to be a gummed up carb. Putting some carb cleaner in your tank won’t hurt anything…and may help. In my case, the carb was really bad…and needed to be pulled off and cleaned. You should get a repair manual for your bike. Clymer and Haynes are both supposed to be good. It’s handy to have and it will have the all of the specifications/settings for your bike in it. There will instructions for adjusting your idle in there. I have the clymer’s manual for my bike and I have been very happy with it.

haynes
http://www.haynes.com/products/sfID1/8/sfID2/9

clymer
http://www.clymer.com/

If you google around a bit or ebay…you will probably find one cheaper.

Best of Luck!

[Author]

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