honda rebel idling problems

[bobo333]

I have a 2006 Honda Rebel 250cc which seems to run relatively fine with one exception. It needs a lot of choke to start, even on a hot day (not that big of a concern I don't think). However, even after riding for 20+ minutes, if I take the choke off more than about halfway it will stall when idling. It had been stored in the garage for a while, but I emptied the carburetor of fuel before storing so I don't think it's corrosion from that. Any ideas, suggestions, solutions people have had to similar problems, etc would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Wrider]

Sounds like your jets may be plugged. Even when you empty the fuel some can get stuck in there and get clogged up.

[Johnj]

Clean the carbs.

[HYPERR]

I have a 2006 Honda Rebel 250cc which seems to run relatively fine with one exception. It needs a lot of choke to start, even on a hot day (not that big of a concern I don't think). However, even after riding for 20+ minutes, if I take the choke off more than about halfway it will stall when idling. It had been stored in the garage for a while, but I emptied the carburetor of fuel before storing so I don't think it's corrosion from that. Any ideas, suggestions, solutions people have had to similar problems, etc would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Like Wrider and JohnJ said, you need to clean the carb. It doesn't sound like it's horribly clogged. If it was, you probably would need the choke on half way all the time even when riding.

[bobo333]

seems to be consensus that it's a carb issue. how involved of a job is cleaning the carbs? I'm mechanically inclined, so I'd prefer to do it myself to save money and learn while doing so, but is it a job that is highly recommended to have a shop do?

[storysunfolding]

Pick up a service manual for your bike. It's not hard and you can buy everything you need for less than a shop will clean them. It's not hard if you're handy with the steel...um... wrench.

Just curious- do you always leave your choke on so long? We run Honda Rebels in the training course and while it's likely carbs, the plugs on the rebel get fouled pretty quickly. Pick up two new plugs and throw them in for grins and jollies. Costs about $5, takes about 2 minutes- see if that makes a difference. Regardless, your choke shouldn't be on longer than it takes for the bike to warm up.

[HYPERR]

seems to be consensus that it's a carb issue. how involved of a job is cleaning the carbs? I'm mechanically inclined, so I'd prefer to do it myself to save money and learn while doing so, but is it a job that is highly recommended to have a shop do?

Yeah like Story said, pick up a shop manual. Get the Honda factory shop manual. Honda makes the best shop manual by far. If you are mechanically inclined it should be no problem especially on your bike as it only has one carb.

http://fiche.ronayers.com/Index.cfm/Mod ... CARBURETOR

[Wrider]

Agreed. New plugs, cleaned carbs, it's fairly easy like they said, and go from there!

[bobo333]

Thanks to all for your helpful responses.

Pick up a service manual for your bike. It's not hard and you can buy everything you need for less than a shop will clean them. It's not hard if you're handy with the steel...um... wrench.

Just curious- do you always leave your choke on so long? We run Honda Rebels in the training course and while it's likely carbs, the plugs on the rebel get fouled pretty quickly. Pick up two new plugs and throw them in for grins and jollies. Costs about $5, takes about 2 minutes- see if that makes a difference. Regardless, your choke shouldn't be on longer than it takes for the bike to warm up.

I have been leaving the choke on the entire time because if I turn it off, the bike will die while idling at a stop light or something. That was my biggest concern because I've heard leaving the choke on can damage the cylinder walls etc, but the bike will stall otherwise.

[jstark47]

Thanks to all for your helpful responses.

Pick up a service manual for your bike. It's not hard and you can buy everything you need for less than a shop will clean them. It's not hard if you're handy with the steel...um... wrench.

Just curious- do you always leave your choke on so long? We run Honda Rebels in the training course and while it's likely carbs, the plugs on the rebel get fouled pretty quickly. Pick up two new plugs and throw them in for grins and jollies. Costs about $5, takes about 2 minutes- see if that makes a difference. Regardless, your choke shouldn't be on longer than it takes for the bike to warm up.

I have been leaving the choke on the entire time because if I turn it off, the bike will die while idling at a stop light or something. That was my biggest concern because I've heard leaving the choke on can damage the cylinder walls etc, but the bike will stall otherwise.

Just a random thought, but do you have your idle speed setting turned way down? (I agree, you probably have a dirty pilot jet on the carb, but it only takes a sec to check the idle speed setting.)