Engine feels different

[RCinNC]

Pretty vague, I know, but here it is. I have a 2014 S10 (non ES) with 13,000 miles on it. I recently noticed that the engine feels slightly different. There seems to be, for lack of a more accurate description, a different feel to the vibration of the engine, which started in the past two weeks. I feel it more in my hands and feet than I did before. As far as performance, the idle sounds and feels normal, and fuel consumption hasn't changed. I feel the change in vibration when I start to accelerate. With regard to performance, the pickup feels the same (throttle response doesn't lag, and there is plenty of power), except for one place; when I'm at highway speed in 6th gear, and I open up the throttle, the bike doesn't seem to accelerate as smoothly as it did before this started.

The vibration isn't excessive (we aren't talking HD Road King levels of vibration), and someone who wasn't accustomed to the bike might not even notice it. One thing that hasn't been done on the bike yet is a throttle body synch, and the bike has the original plugs. I use 89 to 93 octane fuel (that's midgrade to premium where I live), but this doesn't feel like any sort of pre-ignition that I've ever experienced.

I don't want to walk into a dealership with a vague description like this and say "fix this please"; if I'm going to open myself up for a screwing like that, I at least expect dinner first. I was just thinking that someone else on the forum had experienced this, and could offer some specific areas to check (hopefully stuff I could check myself).

Thanks!

 

[JRE]

Clutch basket? The '14's have the new one but it sounds like the symptoms people have reported with older clutch baskets.

 

[Dogdaze]

Clutch steels and friction plates are wear items, as is, to a point the diaphragm spring, so these could well be a culprit, steels have been known to warp too. But if it is still under warranty then that may go a long way to saving you some money? (we live in hope :question

 

[RCinNC]

I hadn't considered a clutch basket issue, since I thought that had been rectified for the 2014 model. The clutch itself functions normally. If this vibration is being caused by a clutch issue, is it something that, if not repaired, will cause even bigger problems? Or is it just one of those things you can live with?

 

[Dogdaze]

IMO I think that clutch baskets will become 'sloppy' over time/mileage, even though the '14 version is new and improved with the rubber dampers as opposed to springs that rattle around. There has never been, as I stand to be corrected, of a failure of the clutch basket, old version or new. A member here (432) has had a spring break up on him, but that that's it iirc, sure you can live with it. But I know what you mean about something 'felling' different, just don't know what!!!

 

[RCinNC]

LOL Dogdaze, yes, that weird "off" feeling can drive me nuts. Not bad enough to take it to a dealer and throw money at them, and just bad enough that every time I ride it, I find myself concentrating on feeling that vibration. It's like having stitches in your mouth and not being able to stop touching them with your tongue.

 

[greg the pole]

I was going to be a smart ass and tell you that they installed a 2012 basket in error ::015::

 

[caillou]

IMO, it is just due for a sync. Easy, fast and cheap. It is listed on Yamaha recommended service anyway...

 

[Checkswrecks]

::026::


I'd change plugs and do a throttle body sync first. Both are easy, quick, and it doesn't take very much for either to affect these big twin engines. As this isn't an emergency needing to be addressed right away, you can buy plugs online for a lot less than walking into a car parts store. The results are exactly what you describe.

 

[RCinNC]

Simple and cheap solutions are the ones I like to try first, so the throttle body sych and plugs will be my first stop on the diagnosis train, I think. Can any of you recommend a good thread on here that has a "throttle body sych for dummies" tutorial? I have the service manual, but I like to supplement that with the experience of someone who's actually done it.

Checkswrecks, what online source do you favor for stuff like plugs?

And thanks to all for the help!

 

[Checkswrecks]

Simple and cheap solutions are the ones I like to try first, so the throttle body sych and plugs will be my first stop on the diagnosis train, I think. Can any of you recommend a good thread on here that has a "throttle body sych for dummies" tutorial? I have the service manual, but I like to supplement that with the experience of someone who's actually done it.

Checkswrecks, what online source do you favor for stuff like plugs?

And thanks to all for the help!

Throttle Body Sync is a sticky:
Airscrew Adjustment to fix off-idle stumble and Throttle Body Sync - w/ pigtails


I've done the Tenere with both cheap vinyl tubing and with a Carb-Mate. Both work fine and the thread has details.


I hate to waste time shopping and get spark plugs, filters, etc from whoever has the best price on Amazon.

 

[RCinNC]

You da man, Checkswrecks...thank you!

 

[RCinNC]

Just to clear up my confusion...

Is it necessary to do the airscrew adjustment for the fast idle before you synch the throttle bodies? I don't have any issues with the idle on the bike.

 

[regulator]

Just to clear up my confusion...

Is it necessary to do the airscrew adjustment for the fast idle before you synch the throttle bodies? I don't have any issues with the idle on the bike.

No need to do initial airscrew adjustment unless you want to.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I do the TBS with the engine warm, so nothing to do with the fast idle. You normally do need to slightly adjust the regular idle screw.

 

[Sckill]

Were the vibrations sudden or did they develop over time? Did you check all bolts / spokes / fasteners / handlebar controls / wheel play / rim dents?

 

[rotortech71]

Were the vibrations sudden or did they develop over time? Did you check all bolts / spokes / fasteners / handlebar controls / wheel play / rim dents?

+1 I agree with checking the whole bike over, focusing on wheels, handlebar / controls, and steering head. Also, was any maintenance done recently, by either you, or a dealer?

 

[RCinNC]

The only maintenance ever done on the bike has been by me, and I haven't done anything on it since the last oil change in early June. I've checked for all the usual suspects like you've mentioned, including my Altrider bars, and nothing is loose. It doesn't have that sort of buzzy feeling anyway, like you get from a loose part. It's so subtle that I don't think it would be noticeable to anyone who hadn't ridden the bike regularly. I also noticed that it seems fine when the bike is cold, but that weird feeling starts to become more apparent when the bike warms up.

On a related note, I'm getting the stuff together to check the throttle body sync, and I'd like to get a diagnostic tachometer. Can anyone here recommend one that is made with bikes in mind, and isn't crazy-expensive?

 

[caillou]

Another possibility would be the tires, especially front one, which can developp cupping. In some cases, vibration will raise when the tire will become warm (takes a few km). Are you with the original ones? Knobby tires are more prone to cupping/vibration/noise.

 

[RCinNC]

The front tire is a Bridgestone Battlewing, with about 4000 miles on it. It's still in great shape. The rear (also a Battlewing) in worn out, and I'm spooning on a new one tomorrow.