Intermittent 3 cylinder?

[Rjenks]

I'm having an intermittent problem. Running along, suddenly the bike goes sluggish, sound changes. It feels like it loses one cylinder, engine light goes on. I've been able to get the cylinder back by opening the throttle; at first it bogs and then clears out and runs fine, but engine light stays on, as I expect. Restart the bike and all is well, no light. Today it did it twice, then ran home 40 miles just fine.

I only have 2200 miles on the bike, but it does sit during the week. Spark Plugs possibly? Any ideas? I'll be calling the dealer this week to set up a visit, but would approeciate your collective experience. Thanks!

[viperclaw]

Sounds electronic. Possibly sensor failure. Do any other lights come on or just the engine light? If it is just that light it is running in "limp" mode. May have less power or it may not. I have seen it before but on that bike the ABS and DTC lights came on after a sudden drop in power--more throttle but power keeps decreasing, roll throttle off and back on and power came back gradually in a few seconds. Ended a broken wire somewhere in the wire harness for the front wheel speed sensor. We had previously replaced the sensor but same problem reoccurred. Made a jumper wire from the sensor to the ABS pump (bypassing the wire harness) and the problem did not happen after an extensive test ride. Replaced harness and the customer has not been back--for that problem or any others--and that has been 6-8 months.

The dealer should get it sorted for you.

[Sal_R1]

Start bike & reach operating temp,
Spray WD-40 on headers,
The headers connected to the working cylinders will burn off the WD-40 in an second or 2. (white smoke)

No you've located the wonky cylinder. Check spark plug, wires, connectors etc etc... Swap coil pack with a known working one to determine condition.........

Most prob a wonky connection...............

[Rjenks]

Thanks! Definitely agree electronic, as the indications are I still get fuel, just no spark.

I have only seen the one engine light. Power down when the cylinder was out, but power is normal after the intermittent problem goes away. Light stys on until restart. Had an earlier problem with a loose speed sensor, but that was cured when they tightened the sensor and reflashed ecu.

[Rjenks]

Good idea, will try this tomorrow if the cylinder cuts out long enough.

[Rjenks]

General update...

I've been riding hard for the last 2 days, over 300 miles. Absolutely nothing has happened. I'm now starting to think I got some water in gas, or the bike didn't take too well to the long vacation it had before this problem started. Now the plan is to ride regularly, keep waiting. I may also buy the little connector that will let me know what the fault is. More shortly. Thanks to you for your thoughts.