2011 RSS stock exhaust popping, but not...

[FaranH]

...what I call really backfiring. SE5. When I'm in 4th and have let off the throttle almost completely and the RPMs are rapidly dropping. It's fine from the 5000s to the mid-4000 RPM range. But somewhere from 4300 down to 3800 the exhaust will stutter or pop. It doesn't feel like it's dying or losing power and I would not call it a backfire (at least not what I think of "Oh my gosh, someone shot me" noise). Does the same thing at the same RPMs when I'm in 3rd. Have not yet noticed it in 5th or 2nd.

I can downshift at that point and it goes away of course, but a lot of times it's occurring during a time when I normally would not do so. Like just slowing down before a curve that I know I'm going to accelerate out of. (I tend to not wait for the SE5 to do it's auto-downshift because I think it waits too late.) And it will go away once the RPMs drop a lot lower into the 3000s if I don't downshift or throttle first.

I replaced the Y-gaskets just a few months ago. I've searched the forums but all I find are issues with other after-market pipes. I'm straight stock.

Any thoughts on what to check? :dontknow:

 

[boborgera]

Shot in the dark here, Spark plug wires, Have you changed the plugs or messed with the wires lately...??

 

[FaranH]

I couldn't even tell you where my spark plugs are without getting out the Owner's Manual. nojokeSo no, not that I'm aware of.

 

[mcaccamise]

Hi FaranH
Just a thought maybe your o2 sensor is causing a little bit of a lean condition which would cause the popping while down shifting u could have it checked with Budds and see if there is a problem.

 

[FaranH]

Hmmm. Wonder if the O2 sensor got loosened when we changed the Y-gaskets? Can't say that I think it's been going on that long. I'm guessing that falls in the category of "eventually needs to get fixed, but not urgent"?

I've got a trip this weekend & am hoping the answer is YES!

 

[NancysToy]

As long as it is just a mild popping on deceleration, and not actual loud backfiring, you have categorized it correctly. It may not be anything you can avoid. I agree that it is probably just running a bit lean...possibly due to sensor drift, or just the ambient temperatures. Has it been real hot there? If it is any consolation, my Spyder was doing the same while running the Rattler last weekend. I'm not concerned in the least.

 

[FaranH]

Thanks, Scotty. I definitely have been noticing it more in the last few weeks and it's finally gotten into the high 80s and low 90s here during that time.

From the feedback, I'll get it checked out soon but am not too worried. Thanks, guys!

 

[Chupaca]

Little checking..!!

if and when you have it checked out see if possibly the new gaskets got damaged in the reassembly and if they used the new version or the honda ones...:dontknow:

 

[Bob Denman]

A little "growling" makes them seem tougher; doesn't it?
higher temperatures shouldn't make the bike run leaner; it's getting a less-dense charge of air, so it should be givining itself less fuel...
(Doubtful that it would over-correct for the condition...)
A slight leak around the new O-rings perhaps? :dontknow:

 

[bullant12]

Sometimes fuel can be a source of popping... especially if you have swapped from octanes or if you fueled in a gas station you have never been to and seemed they haven't refilled their tanks in a while (old gas).

I like to follow what Scotty says... but I would also try some octane booster since I know your :spyder2: has some miles and could use a little boost

 

[FaranH]

We use the Honda gaskets and since it was my dad and me making the change, I'm guessing the odds of error are higher than usual:yikes:. I don't think they were damaged honestly - we got them on without much issue. Guess I've gotta get it checked out though.

 

[Bob Denman]

Well; Good Luck, and Happy Hunting! :thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

A little "growling" makes them seem tougher; doesn't it?
higher temperatures shouldn't make the bike run leaner; it's getting a less-dense charge of air, so it should be givining itself less fuel...
(Doubtful that it would over-correct for the condition...)
A slight leak around the new O-rings perhaps? :dontknow:

That is true as far as the air density and the fuel charge goes, but there is more to the story. The ECM tries to compensate for the differences in ambient temperatures and the air pressure. Sometimes it's mapping is insufficient to do the job and it overcompensates. Sometimes the humidity and air pressure can cause the system to calculate the fuel need incorrectly, and it can run lean then, too. The bottom line is that it does happen. If you have the "problem" and it seems to be temperature related, it could be running a bit lean due to the weather.

BTW, Faran, have the exhaust manifold connections at the heads checked to see that they are tight. Slight leaks there can cause some popping.

 

[abowser4u]

Had a similar problem around Maggie Valley last week. I have 2010 RS 5m5 and talked to Spyder tech at owners event. High ambient temp. backing off throttle on down hill long grades, exhaust popping, missing and popping in heavy traffic and very erratic idling. Tech told me to put on Budds when I got back to LA and have them look at O2 sensor and the sink of throttle bodies for rich to lean adj. He said that it was OK to ride and if I had the same trouble on my way home to just stop and let it cool off for a few min. Rode back to LA Sat from Tenn. 93 deg. ambient temp for 773 miles and had no popping until backing off the throttle on the off ramp in Lafayette, LA I-10 Ran all day between 70 and 75 mph.

 

[myronmathis]

Same

my spyder does the same thing even after the bigg maintenance which included changing the gaskets. my ride is also a 2011 RS-SE5

That is true as far as the air density and the fuel charge goes, but there is more to the story. The ECM tries to compensate for the differences in ambient temperatures and the air pressure. Sometimes it's mapping is insufficient to do the job and it overcompensates. Sometimes the humidity and air pressure can cause the system to calculate the fuel need incorrectly, and it can run lean then, too. The bottom line is that it does happen. If you have the "problem" and it seems to be temperature related, it could be running a bit lean due to the weather.

BTW, Faran, have the exhaust manifold connections at the heads checked to see that they are tight. Slight leaks there can cause some popping.

 

[DrewNJ]

Minor decel popping especially on a hot day sounds pretty normal to me.....also, running a "bit" lean is NOT such a bad thing either.....

 

[FaranH]

It might be normal except this will be my 3rd hot summer and it's the first time I've noticed it. Thinking O2 sensor might be the culprit, but I'll be taking notes on some of the other suggestions as well. Might be making a Pitbull run soon! :doorag:

 

[BajaRon]

Which muffler do you have?

As already stated, it can be several things or even a combination of things. The first thing I check is the exhaust gaskets. You can start the bike when it's cold and have a few moments to run your hand CLOSE to the flange connections at the gasket areas before it gets too hot. You can easily feel an exhaust leak big enough to cause the problem you're having.

The next most common reason is spark plug wires and spark plugs. If you've got over 15K on original stuff that may well be your problem (Ask Yazz! :yikes

It can also be that the stuffing has blown out of your muffler (depending on which one you have).

Then you get into fuel issues (too lean) and cylinder balance (one cylinder running lean) which may involve the O2 sensor or even injectors.

Isn't technology fun!

Used to be you could adjust a needle, change a jet or set the float a little higher or lower and cure a lot of things. Not any more!

Good luck! If you do find the problem let us know.

 

[3 wheeler]

My 2011 RS is doing the same thing. Only 2000 miles on it, stock exhaust. Only pops slightly in 3rd or 4th gear, decelerating around 4000 rpms. The inside of the muffler rattles too.

 

[Ridingon3]

My 2011 RS-S (with Hindle exhaust) does the same thing. Just over 4000 miles on it and it's done it from the start (purchased with 200 miles on it)