New owner with questions (Rough Idle)

[Reinyn]

Hello,

I just recently picked up a 2008 SM5. I bought the dealers demo so it is a earlier bike. I have put 400 miles on it and it has 850 total. I had the dealer install the Hindle exhaust and I have maybe 150 miles on that. I know that they did not perform any sort of "reset" after installing the Hindle. The dealer also did not install the ambient temp sensor in the correct spot. Thanks to research on this forum I had them correct that.

So the issue I'm seeing is that the idle jumps around alot when cold. It might fluctuate from 1500-1900. When trying to start smoothly in first gear when the bike is cold it wants to sputter and it seems like it might die (but hasn't yet). It seems like I'm noticing this more with the Hindle, but it just might be my imagination combined with the fact that it is louder. When it is warm it idles better (with a little fluctuation) and I don't notice it wanting to die when starting off.

So my basic question is if this is normal Spyder warming up behavior, or is it something I need to correct. The other thing is that I haven't cracked 30mpg yet. (mixed driving, a few hard accelerations). With the cold weather I never see more then 3 bars on the temp gauge. I have tried 87 and 89 octane and both seem the same to me so far.

Oh I do notice the gas smell in the garage after rides. I read that this might be the "evap canister" is something I need to point out to the dealer? Is there a potential fix?

Thank you,
-Reinyn

 

[ataDude]

welcome

Reinyn... read this thread for my experiences with the same thing... and others:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7831

BRP is apparently replacing the Gear Position Sensor (now) when asked.

.

Hello,

I just recently picked up a 2008 SM5. I bought the dealers demo so it is a earlier bike. I have put 400 miles on it and it has 850 total. I had the dealer install the Hindle exhaust and I have maybe 150 miles on that. I know that they did not perform any sort of "reset" after installing the Hindle. The dealer also did not install the ambient temp sensor in the correct spot. Thanks to research on this forum I had them correct that.

So the issue I'm seeing is that the idle jumps around alot when cold. It might fluctuate from 1500-1900. When trying to start smoothly in first gear when the bike is cold it wants to sputter and it seems like it might die (but hasn't yet). It seems like I'm noticing this more with the Hindle, but it just might be my imagination combined with the fact that it is louder. When it is warm it idles better (with a little fluctuation) and I don't notice it wanting to die when starting off.

So my basic question is if this is normal Spyder warming up behavior, or is it something I need to correct. The other thing is that I haven't cracked 30mpg yet. (mixed driving, a few hard accelerations). With the cold weather I never see more then 3 bars on the temp gauge. I have tried 87 and 89 octane and both seem the same to me so far.

Oh I do notice the gas smell in the garage after rides. I read that this might be the "evap canister" is something I need to point out to the dealer? Is there a potential fix?

Thank you,
-Reinyn

 

[Dudley]

I have an SE5, 2008 with over 6000 miles. The idle is steady, hot or cold. When cold, it will not take off slowly without sputtering and dying. I only tried that once, and since then I will always warm it up to at least 3 bars. I do this while I put on what I need to ride (helmet, gloves, glasses, jacket). It's always better to warm up an engine before riding. I had the gas smell a few times after a ride when it was new, but no longer. I would recommed you consult your dealer. Seems like not every Spyder is alike. Congratulations on the purchase and welcome to the forum. Ryde Safe.

 

[igor]

:agree: and welcome

 

[NancysToy]

We have had the same idle problems for the last year with our PE, and the same gas smell. We seldom break 30 mpg, and have average slightly less than that. The idle problem is now escalating. Dealer is still puzzled, and chasing the fix. If he figures it out, I'll let you know. Meanwhile, three bars is where the thermostat opens, and is quite normal for cool weather.
-Scotty

 

[Lamonster]

It sounds like you need to pull the battery cable and let it set for about 20 min.

Not sure why your milage is so bad but it should get better with time.

welcome

 

[Firefly]

Hello,

I just recently picked up a 2008 SM5. I bought the dealers demo so it is a earlier bike. I have put 400 miles on it and it has 850 total. I had the dealer install the Hindle exhaust and I have maybe 150 miles on that. I know that they did not perform any sort of "reset" after installing the Hindle. The dealer also did not install the ambient temp sensor in the correct spot. Thanks to research on this forum I had them correct that.

So the issue I'm seeing is that the idle jumps around alot when cold. It might fluctuate from 1500-1900. When trying to start smoothly in first gear when the bike is cold it wants to sputter and it seems like it might die (but hasn't yet). It seems like I'm noticing this more with the Hindle, but it just might be my imagination combined with the fact that it is louder. When it is warm it idles better (with a little fluctuation) and I don't notice it wanting to die when starting off.

So my basic question is if this is normal Spyder warming up behavior, or is it something I need to correct. The other thing is that I haven't cracked 30mpg yet. (mixed driving, a few hard accelerations). With the cold weather I never see more then 3 bars on the temp gauge. I have tried 87 and 89 octane and both seem the same to me so far.

Oh I do notice the gas smell in the garage after rides. I read that this might be the "evap canister" is something I need to point out to the dealer? Is there a potential fix?

Thank you,
-Reinyn

As some have stated - pull the main battery cable (not the one you can see under the seat, but the actual battery cable - have to remove the side panel to get to it) and let her sit for 1/2 hour or so.

It can take up to 200 miles for the Spyder to re-learn how to mix the air with the Hindle on.

As far as running cold - Per Spyder techs - don't ride until you have 1-2 bars on the temp guage - so yes - let her warm up for 3-5 minutes before taking off. You wanna make sure that oil is a-flowing!

The ambient Temp guage doesn't affect engine performance at all - it's just a temp guage for the display.

You can also add the 02 mod and other items from Evoluzione that will take care of any sputter issues.

 

[Lamonster]

The ambient Temp guage doesn't affect engine performance at all - it's just a temp guage for the display.

The gauge has no effect but the sensor does.

 

[Firefly]

The gauge has no effect but the sensor does.

Okay wrong term - sorry.

Are you sure that sensor has an affect on the engine? I was told otherwise and that it was not used for anything other than letting the rider know what the temp is.

I never checked the schematics myself, just trusted those who told me. Got mine mounted in the correct place either way - don't find it to be too far off the real temp most of the time.

 

[Lamonster]

Okay wrong term - sorry.

Are you sure that sensor has an affect on the engine? I was told otherwise and that it was not used for anything other than letting the rider know what the temp is.

I never checked the schematics myself, just trusted those who told me. Got mine mounted in the correct place either way - don't find it to be too far off the real temp most of the time.

Yea I'm sure. 266 and 267 in your shop manual.

 

[NancysToy]

The AAPTS (Ambient Air Pressure Temperature Sensor) is wired directly to the ECM, so it will affect the engine. There is no reference to the engine programming in the manual, so we are not sure exactly how.
-Scotty

 

[Firefly]

Yea I'm sure. 266 and 267 in your shop manual.

So your the one that took my shop manual!

 

[John in PA]

Solution: Go to Evoluzione.net and purchase Ken's O2 modifier. My Spyder was the first one my dealer ever saw with one on it and he wanted to get them for all his Spyder owners!! Really cleans up cold running problems and low throttle performance. Easy install.

After install, disconnect battery for suggested time to reset learning curve on computer, and you're there.:2thumbs:

 

[Reinyn]

Thank you for the great suggestions.

I just wanted to say thanks for the info.

I had meant to get the Spyder over to the dealer to have them compare the idle with a 2009 model, but the weather didn't permit that this week.

I'm also not sure how to approach the dealer with my concerns, particularly the issue with getting a new gear position sensor. There have been so many reports of problems related to the GPS that I feel like I should get it replaced even though I'm not necessarily having any problems with it now.

I think for now I'm going to wait and see what develops. Maybe I will try disconnecting the battery myself. I have parts on order (adjustable shock collars need to be replaced(backorderd)) so when those arrive I'll definitely be seeing the dealer.

It is frustrating to have just a few minor issues hanging over the Spyder experience.

Thanks for the support,
-Reinyn

 

[NancysToy]

I hope you get your problems worked out soon. Riding season is upon us. Hard to say whether the GPS would cure your ills or not. At very least I would discuss this with the dealer, and see if there is a service bulletin which includes your serial number. As to replacing it anyway, some dealers will go along with that approach and some will not. Who knows about yours until you talk it over? I wouldn't be too worried about it if they can fix your problems in some other way. Problems are magnified here on the forums, and many of us have ridden thousands of miles with no difficulties whatsoever.
-Scotty