Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi all,

I was riding my bike yesterday, and when I got to a stop sign the bike sputtered and died. After about 5 minutes of trying to get it started, I got it running for a few more seconds. Today I tried to start it, and the best I got was the engine idling at about 1000, but when i tried to open up the throttle a little bit the bike died again and wouldn't start. Also, it sounded like only one of the carbs was working.

Now every time I push the start button it sounds like the pistons (or whatever it is) are having a really hard time spinning. I took the spark plugs out, and they where a little wet with something (dunno if that's normal), so I dried them out and put them back in, but still nothing.

The headlight also started fading in and out at one point.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Check the battery, then the charging voltage off the regulator.

First, I think you mean an XV550?
Sounds like carb problem, picked up some dirty fuel maybe?
If you have to get carbs off DON'T DO IT BY THE BOOK. It takes 3.5 hrs and you have to drop engine. Use an 8mm wrench (or 5mm Allen key if its later model) and remove intake manifolds with carbs.
should only take about 20 mins to get them off but you will need new manifold gaskets when you re-fit them (still a lot cheaper and easier though)
PJ