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Little "jerks" at low rpm on new Vstrom 650 XT

4905 Views 32 Replies 18 Participants Last post by  hugo.atx
Hello friends.

The truth is that I don't know if the bike did it before, and I didn't realize it, or if it does it now and I feel a little strange.

My beloved Vstrom has only 5600 miles on it, and when I go in first gear, for example, at 20 km/h, I notice some slight jerks. They are small, but very noticeable.

When I go up to 3000 RPM everything is smooth. I have no idea if it comes from before or is new, I do not know if it is common to this bike or I have to check something.

The chain is very well, in its correct margins, although the air filter has never been changed.

What do you think? Thanks in advance.
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The rpm is too low. Give it some gas and it runs smooth above 4,000.
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The rpm is too low. Give it some gas and it runs smooth above 4,000.
Then.. this happens to you?? is normal??
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Then.. this happens to you?? is normal??
mine seems smooth at low rpm
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Yes, check the cables but as stated, 20 kph (12 mph) is pretty low and in the "fanning the clutch" area. I ride through our company parking lot everyday. 5 mph speed limit. I can't do that. So, I fan, or go a bit faster. These bikes are super happy at 3500/4500 rpm.
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agree with the others, too low in the rpms for an L2. the Vee owners manual actually has a warning to pull in the clutch beneath 19kph would imagine the Wee has a similar warning.
Sound like 'lugging' to me as well.

Every bike has a speed below which it can't ride without some clutch; on supersports it's higher, on trials bikes it's extremely low.

Larry
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My 05 DL650 does best between 3,000 and 4,000 rpms between 1st to 3rd gears. I even have a 16 tooth front sprocket. Between 4th to 6th is does better between 4,000 to 5000 rpms or higher. Anything below 3000 rpms stays in first
So far it's not something to worry about, but I will check the throttle wiring. However, I see it happens to some people and not to others... hard to know if it's common.
My '22 650 does the same thing under 2.5-3k RPMs. Between the 1st and 2nd cylinders firing there is a 270 crank degree seperation, and then from the 2nd to 1st cylinder there is a 450 degree seperation. This equates to a rough and noticeable vibration below ~3k RPMs.

Here's a good audiovisual demonstration of a 90 degree V-twin firing order
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My '22 650 does the same thing under 2.5-3k RPMs. Between the 1st and 2nd cylinders firing there is a 270 crank degree seperation, and then from the 2nd to 1st cylinder there is a 450 degree seperation. This equates to a rough and noticeable vibration below ~3k RPMs.

Here's a good audiovisual demonstration of a 90 degree V-twin firing order
This video is very interesting. Thanks for sharing it!
Yes, check the cables but as stated, 20 kph (12 mph) is pretty low and in the "fanning the clutch" area. I ride through our company parking lot everyday. 5 mph speed limit. I can't do that. So, I fan, or go a bit faster. These bikes are super happy at 3500/4500 rpm. (edit 7/26/22. RPM and happy bike really depends on gear)
Quoting myself...
Got to work this AM and did the "parking lot crawl". I intentionally tried to keep it at 20 kph (12 mph) in first gear, not feathering of the clutch.

I was able to drive 19-20 kph (10-12 mph) in first gear, no clutching, and it was smooth.. not 4500 rpm butter smooth but not jerky, I guess I was around 2250 rpm at the time. Felt slow.
The throttle was all but closed. Opened maybe 2mm (.080") and I have a well adjusted cable. Hope this helps.
This has also been documented on the SVRider site, (basicslly same engine and fuel/ignition system). Often the TPS is adjusted a bit high from the factory, presumably for emission reasons. The procedure for adjustment is very simple, but in my opinion not really necessary as it smooths out with just a bit of throttle. Check SVRider.com and search for TPS adjustment, there are very good write-ups on it.
Quoting myself...
Got to work this AM and did the "parking lot crawl". I intentionally tried to keep it at 20 kph (12 mph) in first gear, not feathering of the clutch.

I was able to drive 19-20 kph (10-12 mph) in first gear, no clutching, and it was smooth.. not 4500 rpm butter smooth but not jerky, I guess I was around 2250 rpm at the time. Felt slow.
The throttle was all but closed. Opened maybe 2mm (.080") and I have a well adjusted cable. Hope this helps.
From what you say, maybe it is the TPS configuration. If it works fine for you, I understand that it's a matter of making some adjustments. Anyway, it seems that it is nothing serious, I will wait for my next visit to the dealer.
Use some Iridium sparks if available I changed mines on a 2004 Vee and it changed lows so much.
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(sorry for my English, i try to not use the Google translator)

For what i can read, the problem can be the sparks, maybe the TPS, ignition system (poor mix) or chain.

I am in a travel on Europe. All seems to be ok (except for the little jerks) . I try to not worry about that, but sometimes is impossible to not "think" a bit.
Hello friends.

The truth is that I don't know if the bike did it before, and I didn't realize it, or if it does it now and I feel a little strange.

My beloved Vstrom has only 5600 miles on it, and when I go in first gear, for example, at 20 km/h, I notice some slight jerks. They are small, but very noticeable.

When I go up to 3000 RPM everything is smooth. I have no idea if it comes from before or is new, I do not know if it is common to this bike or I have to check something.

The chain is very well, in its correct margins, although the air filter has never been changed.

What do you think? Thanks in advance.
I have noticed the same w/ my '15.
They are calibrated Very lean at low speeds in order to pass emissions tests.
#1 I'd check is the chain slack. I recomend between 3/4" to 1" slack, however DO NOT less than 3/4" slack or it will be Way too tight when the suspension compresses.
It could get Really expensive if you get it too tight.(countershaft bearing failure as a result on my 1978 GS 1000e w/ the full Yosh motor upgrades) You might be splitting the cases for the repair. You do not want to do that!
By habit I have compensated by (in a 'mellow' mode) keeping it slightly over 3,000 rpm, shifting at 5k or so mostly when commuting in traffic.
More than that when on the Innerstate roads.
A non paper eliment air filter will agravate it as will a freer flowing exaust untill you get it (the ECU) re calibrated.
You are new to the bike so some "setteling in" time is in order I think.
Ultimately you have purched one of a VERY few select bikes that can take you anywear, on any surface and hold up with only minimal maintence And will run well on regular fuel.
I hope this reply helps you!
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I have noticed the same w/ my '15.
They are calibrated Very lean at low speeds in order to pass emissions tests.
#1 I'd check is the chain slack. I recomend between 3/4" to 1" slack, however DO NOT less than 3/4" slack or it will be Way too tight when the suspension compresses.
It could get Really expensive if you get it too tight.(countershaft bearing failure as a result on my 1978 GS 1000e w/ the full Yosh motor upgrades) You might be splitting the cases for the repair. You do not want to do that!
By habit I have compensated by (in a 'mellow' mode) keeping it slightly over 3,000 rpm, shifting at 5k or so mostly when commuting in traffic.
More than that when on the Innerstate roads.
A non paper eliment air filter will agravate it as will a freer flowing exaust untill you get it (the ECU) re calibrated.
You are new to the bike so some "setteling in" time is in order I think.
Ultimately you have purched one of a VERY few select bikes that can take you anywear, on any surface and hold up with only minimal maintence And will run well on regular fuel.
I hope this reply helps you!

Of course it is helpful. All this information helps me to dig a little bit into the root of the problem.

In my case, I would swear the bike was smooth when I bought it.. but I have my doubts, as I only use it for fun and hardly ride it in town, and rarely use it at low rpm.

I'll wait to give it a good checkup when I get back from the trip. Thanks!
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