[ryoungs2kayak]

Hi Guys:

I know this problem has been covered in other threads, but I hope maybe some of you have a new solution.

My brand new 2011 vstrom has 600 miles on it. I am by no means new to motorcycling, but I have never had a bike so jumpy. I plan to take it to Alaska next summer, but I am starting to think I made a big mistake buying this thing. In all gears, but most noticibly in first gear for obvious reasons, the slightest (a sixteenth of an inch) movement of the throttle causes an extreme up/down response in power. It is like riding with a new driver just learning on a stick shift car. And, to be honest, if any automobile drove this way, that car would be banned from the road.

I just came back from a practice ride on gravel roads. Not being able to gently let off or add power was scary. Sure, I can slip the clutch to tame it out, but I sure don't think I should have to do that constantly. And, it would be very hard to do if I were standing up negotiating a more technical road.

Have any of you had any luck with a divice called the throttle tamer? Does it help? Comments?

By the way: going fast, slow, or sitting still at idle, my wee grinds gears when shifting into first gear. I've tried letting the clutch out (double clutching) in neutral before going into first. I've also tried going directly from second to first. I have not yet tried to adjust the clutch. Any hints?

 

[joe camarda]

Sounds like there is something wrong with your clutch.

I have a 2007 DL650A and it shifts fine, no grinding whatsoever. So my advice would be to have the clutch and clutch cable checked.

I also have a (G2) throttle tamer, marked improvement.

 

[BruceP]

I am not sure I can answer all of your quetions/concerns. I can give you my impressions.

YES - the throttle-response is almost like an ON/OFF switch (especially in lower gears) If one is standing on the pegs it feels like it is possible to nearly launch the bike out from under you. Kinda scary the 1st time it happens.

As you say, there are other threads which give some tips/tricks to help get this under control.

This nearly instant throttle-response is mostly due to the precise-ness of fuel-injection. I am not sure if you chose a different bike that it would be any different.

Personally, I despise the ON/OFF of the throttle and wish it was a lot tamer. My last bike had a larger engine-displacement with carburetors and it was nowhere near as sensitive as my Wee.

---------------
As for going into 1st gear - My wee complains LOUDLY (gear clash) if I try to go from neutral into any gear while moving. I have learned to simply not get into neutral while moving and if I do... come to a stop before trying to go into gear.

While sitting still, my Wee may not go into gear if I pull the clutch and hesitate before trying to go into 1st. I believe the gears come to a complete stop and this muddles up the shifting process.

Instead, while sitting still, I pull the clutch and snick into 1st quickly. This always works.

If you are having trouble getting into 1st, (due to gear-clash) consider checking BOTH clutch adjustments. (Discussed in other threads) Also consider using a different engine-oil.

Do not forget that the engine-oil not only bathes the gears... it also bathes the clutch-plates. A too-thick oil may cause gear-clash as you go into 1st especially with a cold engine.

Since you have a brand-new engine... I strongly suggest you spend more time getting accustomed to it. Over time, your Wee will break-in and some of these things you describe may subside. Also, you may learn how to deal with them.

Good luck with your new Wee

 

[ryoungs2kayak]

Thanks for the info about the G2 throttle tamer Joe. I have looked at several web reviews about it since I read your post, and I think I will order one tomorrow morning. Question, though. I assume they make one for the wee - although they don't list one- but I understand they don't send along much in the way of directions. Did you run into any poroblems putting yours on?

 

[joe camarda]

If you contact G2 they will recommend the correct one, which I recall also fits a number of other bikes.

Re the installation, it was pretty straightforward, but be sure to remember how the OEM throttle tube mated to the cables and housing. I had to fiddle with the housing and throttle tube for awhile to get it all back together properly.

 

[AceRider]

Only down side of G2 Tamer is that they tend to make part throttle feel sluggish until things catch up, but it's a good addition if u do a lot slow technical stuff on dirt.

Doing a Secondary Throttle Plates adjustment helps a lot with the smoothing out the off-on issue. Suggest you do this first.

 

[ryoungs2kayak]

OK. After doing a lot of further research, I called up the G2 throttle tamer guys today and talked to a real nice guy whose name I didn't catch. They do have the throttle tamer for my bike and say it will make a big difference. So I ordered one and will give it a try. Meanwhile, I will try to find out more about adjusting the secondary throttle plates (whatever those are) like AceRider suggested. I don't know about my clutch issues. If it were a car doing what mine does, I would take it back and let the dealer work on it while it is under warranty. So I guess that is what I will do.

Thanks everyone.

 

[braincellgenocide]

Try adjusting the throttle cable play/slack, when there's more then a bit of slack the on/off of the throttle is extremely abrupt.

Edit: Grammer

 

[aldntn]

"grinds gears when shifting into first gear"

I'd suggest clutch cable adjustment. If you get it just right the gears simply click. Can be tricky to adjust. I'm pretty sure there good threads here for a procedure. A smoother clutch engagement will help with the throttle quickness on/off. This is my first FI bike and I'm still a little bit jerky with it at low rpm. The flip side is great engine braking which I really like.

 

[Dino M]

Try adjusting the throttle cable play/slack, when there's more then a bit of slack the on/off on the throttle is extremely abrupt.

Exactly what I found. My rear tire would chirp every time I backed of or hit the throttle. The bike was like a bucking bronco when you hit bumps in the road. I adjusted the throttle cable back lash (gave it more) and it make a marked improvement. Same goes for the clutch. Shortly after I got my bike, there was a very slight slipping of the clutch when I speed shifted from 5th to 6th. I was also having some trouble finding neutral and a bit of grinding/ clunking when shifting. Adjusted the clutch cable and the problem disappeared. Bike shifts like a dream and I can get neutral any time with ease. This is so prevalent it has become part of my regular maintenance. Change the oil and adjust the cables.

 

[PTRider]

Two adjustments smoothed out the throttle for me.
--set the throttle free play as close to zero as I could get it, and no more than 1 mm of free play. Be careful that you don't adjust the return cable too tight--that will hinder the throttle closing by spring tension if you release it.

--Adjust the throttle position sensor (TPS) to switch over as close above idle speed as you can get it, 1400 or 1500 rpm for a 1300 idle. Don't be surprised if the TPS is set between 3000 & 4000 rpm now.

I have the G2 throttle tamer. It is a help, but no solution if the other adjustments are way out.

 

[Buddugly]

I have a 2011 now with 1,000 miles and at first it seemed pretty "hair trigger" but is better now. Maybe I have improved in my smoothness, not sure but have no problems now. I test rode a 2011 at different dealer and I remember thinking wow, that throttle is touchy. So maybe some are more so than others. At 600 miles you should be smoothing out so I would look further in to solutions.

Hope you solve it.

 

[BrownMichael]

If after adjusting the throttle cables, you find the throttle is still too touchy, you might try keeping one or two straight fingers on top of the brake lever when you are traversing rough terrain. That's what I do.

Mike Brown
Vancouver, WA

 

[ryoungs2kayak]

If after adjusting the throttle cables, you find the throttle is still too touchy, you might try keeping one or two straight fingers on top of the brake lever when you are traversing rough terrain. That's what I do.

Mike Brown
Vancouver, WA

A little tough to do when standing in the stirrups while the hoss gallops over the pasture.:bom_cowboy:, but definitely a good hint when on the road or in town.

I played with the clutch adjustment today, and it is a lot better (although still not perfect). I'll try fooling with the throttle adjustments tomorrow. Thanks everyone
:thumbup:

 

[greywolf]

Most of the the twitchy throttle and missed shift reports common with a new bike seem to go away in a few weeks. Since it doesn't seem to matter if the bike is brand new or only new to the rider, I'd say it's mostly the rider adjusting to the tendencies of the bike unless something mechanical is out of adjustment.

 

[ryoungs2kayak]

My G2 throttle tamer that y'all recommended arrived in today's mail. Took me about an hour to install ('cause I had never done one before). Wow!! What a difference! It's like my bucking bronco has been totally calmed down and is now a nice, dependable, calm steed. Thanks so much for the recommendation guys.:thumbup:

My clutch problems seem to be solved now, too, after some adjustments.

 

[Chazzman]

I have somewhat noticed it on my 2011... It hasn't crossed my mind though.

 

[ryoungs2kayak]

I have somewhat noticed it on my 2011... It hasn't crossed my mind though.

Huh? What? I don't get it.