Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Ok, Just got a 2002 vulcan V-twin 800, runs great. Just spent 4 hours in the canyons outside Malibu. LOVE IT!

But, I noticed on my way home down the PCH, in shifting to second gear, the motorcycle sputters. It feels like a timming issue, but it only does it in second gear. The harder I get on the throttle, the worse it gets.

Any thoughts?

Does it sputter shifting up to second, or down from third?

Timing is pretty bulletproof on today's bikes....I'm thinking old crud in the carb or some other fuel delivery issue. Are you sure you had plenty of gasoline (if you can hear it sloshing it may still be too low.) You might check in the tank for rust, and maybe check the little screen over the petcock inside the tank for rust.

Last thing....if the bike spent is previous days at a different altitude, maybe you need to rejet the carbs for your location?