Hello all.
I have a 1999 Varadero (carburettor), and the last half year the engine have been stuttering when i have had gentle acceleration at approx 2500/3000 revs. The bike has about 127.000 km. on the meter
I suspected faulty carburettor. Tried carburettor cleaning fluid in the petrol... A little improvement.
Then i suspected dirty air filter. Changed that... No improvement.
Hmmm... Maybe worn out fuel pump... Changed... No improvement.
Maybe it was the ignition advancement that was faulty... Checked... All OK.
Then, in the first day of my vacation, we had planned a trip to the north of Norway (a trip of approx. 6-7000 km.) Disaster struck!!!
A
huge noise came from the engine and suddenly there was no power left. I had to call a tow truck to tow the bike to the nearest garage where they found out that the cam chain tensioner on the forward cylinder had failed, with bent valves as the result.
Now I have the Varadero back, and after 600 km. return trip I am happy to say that the stuttering has gone away completely
I suspect that this stuttering has been a fore warning about the failure of the cam chain/tensioner!!!I strongly suggest all to change the tensioner at approx. every 100.000 km.
It only cost you about Euro 200 in parts to change, compared with Euro 2500 for repair of tensioner/valves (in Sweden)
Just my two cents
Ride safely...