That IS weird, but maybe this is just a problem with old Suzukis? My problem got worse–it wouldn’t start at all this morning! I left work at noon to take it to a shop (I wish I had video of me trying to run the bike up the ramp of a U-Haul truck). I got it to the shop, and guess what? It started right up! Grr…
BUT, the mechanic said it didn’t sound right. He felt the exhaust pipes, and told me to do the same. Pipes 1, 2, and 3 were hot. Number 4 was totally cold. So, either the carbs need to be cleaned, or synchronized, or both. Also, it was idling REALLY low, and he said that’s not good. The guy I took it to has awesome reviews in Chicago, and the reviews all seem true. He’s really bike-smart, fair, and willing to work with you. He’s going to give my bike a complete tune-up, and if that solves the problem we’ll stop there for now. If it doesn’t solve it, he’ll clean the carbs.
Just like Spool said above, this mechanic told me over the phone it sounds like a fuel problem. It might be that the one cylinder isn’t getting any fuel.
He also said the old Suzukis tend to get oil leaks at the covers near the carbs. He stuck his finger under the one on the top front right side, and sure enough there was oil on it when he took it out. He says it’s an easy fix.
So, I’ll end up spending money I wasn’t planning on right now, but at least I should get my bike back running better than it was before.
Candice–did the shop you take your bike to say any of these things the 3 times you took it in?
