California Heat ...

[Zazu]

I've been commuting with my California 1400, but temperatures in Southern Ontario have been pretty warm and humid lately; the "feels-like" temperatures have been regularly +90F, today was 100F(?!). The bike is new to me and has always kicked a lot'a heat. I get that, it's 1400cc and air-cooled so it doesn't like to sit in traffic. When the air temperature reading climbs +85 degrees, the bike starts to bog down. The issue only presents itself when it's warm and eventually clears, but the bike starts to feel like I'm riding in 4th gear at low speed, it continues struggling for a few minutes then jumps back to normal(?!). It struggles for a longer period of time as the temperatures get warmer.

The simple solution is don't ride in traffic in the heat ...  ... but wondering, I haven't had the bike in for any servicing since the purchase, that was 1800 miles ago; does it sound like the bike is just in need of some adjustment, or is that normal behaviour for a 1400?

Appreciate any guidance.

Cheers,
Dan

[Bud]

     I have about 7300 mi. on my touring and can't remember the bike acting like that. It definitely throws off a lot of heat as the temperature rises and won't run quite as smooth but not terrible. Might want to see if you can simulate the condition for your mechanic. Are you running high octane fuel?

[Zazu]

Always high octane. Normally top up at the local Shell station, their premium gasoline is 91.

[elvisboy77]

I've been commuting with my California 1400, but temperatures in Southern Ontario have been pretty warm and humid lately; the "feels-like" temperatures have been regularly +90F, today was 100F(?!). The bike is new to me and has always kicked a lot'a heat. I get that, it's 1400cc and air-cooled so it doesn't like to sit in traffic. When the air temperature reading climbs +85 degrees, the bike starts to bog down. The issue only presents itself when it's warm and eventually clears, but the bike starts to feel like I'm riding in 4th gear at low speed, it continues struggling for a few minutes then jumps back to normal(?!). It struggles for a longer period of time as the temperatures get warmer.

The simple solution is don't ride in traffic in the heat ...  ... but wondering, I haven't had the bike in for any servicing since the purchase, that was 1800 miles ago; does it sound like the bike is just in need of some adjustment, or is that normal behaviour for a 1400?




Appreciate any guidance.

Cheers,
Dan

So, if you bought it new, with zero miles, I think the first service is at around 600 miles.  If you missed that then maybe you need to take it in.

[Zazu]

No bought it used. Dealer assured me that they had completed the first service. Second service will be completed in about 1200 miles, but think'n maybe I should have it checked earlier.

[El Pescador]

I can only tell you my experience.  I sometimes commute in Houston in 100 degree temps at higher than 80% humidity.  The "feels like" temperature is somewhere between a Yellowstone geyser and the planet Venus.

My Cali 1400 Touring does not exhibit the same symptoms that you describe.

[Zazu]

Hmmmm ok so the consensus seems to be that this behaviour is not normal. I'll want to have it looked at sooner than later. Closest mechanic is the local Yamaha dealer that started selling and servicing MG only a few years ago and I'm a little concerned about turning the bike over to them without first getting a little smarter about potential causes. Any thoughts on potential causes? Just time for general servicing adjustments?

[elvisboy77]

Sounds like it is running lean so I would think either you don't have the correct fuel map or else your valves are out of adjustment.  The dealer ought to be able to determine which it is.  Let us know!

[Zazu]

Sounds like it is running lean so I would think either you don't have the correct fuel map or else your valves are out of adjustment.  The dealer ought to be able to determine which it is.  Let us know!

Will do! I think I'll make the longer trek to Toronto to visit a more established dealer that I've had good luck with in the past.

Cheers,
Dan

[Lcarlson]

Will do! I think I'll make the longer trek to Toronto to visit a more established dealer that I've had good luck with in the past.

Cheers,
Dan

That sounds like the way to go. Your bike's behavior doesn't sound normal.