QuestionQUESTION: hi! i just bought this maxim about 2 weeks ago and it was running great until yesterday. now i already know i need a new starter and possibly a battery as well, but the real issue im having atm seems to be getting through first gear. before yesterday she would idle between 1200 and 1500rpm after a quick warm up. now i cant get her to idle for more than 30 seconds before she just chokes out in neutral or otherwise. then it escalated. while riding, whenever i down shift to neutral, or first, before even coming to a complete stop she just chokes out and turns off while the clutch is pulled in. now when i manage to turn her over and get into first gear, half the time when i let off the clutch and add throttle she dose not even respond to the acceleration until im reving at like 3k+. acting as if i wasnt accelerating at all. finally when i do get her moving into higher gears she seems to ride well but sometimes when i accelerate i can fell her wanting to choke out still, any tips as to what ishould replace or fix
ANSWER: Elijah, I think the problem lies within the carbs. Try draining the float bowls first to get rid of any contaminated fuel; if the bike runs better at high speeds than at idle that is usually the result of bad fuel being drawn up from the float bowls or plugged idle jets.
The carbs will probably require dismantling, cleaning and synchronising, which is a procedure best performed by a reputable motorcycle mechanic if you're not familiar with motorcycle engines.
You can also check the air filter to make sure it isn't plugged and dirty and check all the cables and linkages from the handlebar throttle to the carbs to make sure none of them are kinked or pulled out of their sockets.
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QUESTION: im going to get the carbs cleaned or if need be replaced on tuesday, ill be sure to mention cleaning the idle jets and air filter as well. Perhaps i should even have my fuel injectors cleaned up as a precaution. Thanks again for the info but it seems the problem may have progressed, i cant seem to get her to turn over, unless jumped with cables and the lot. and even with a jump its a pain in the ass. wondering if i should just get a new batt at well. i noticed specifically there is a clicking sound coming from a little cylinder shaped thing directly attached to the battery... im not sure if thats like an ignitor or has to do with the spark, but every time i hit the start button and she dosent turn over (though she tries) i hear that thing click quite a bit. Now i cant seem to take her above 15-30 miles while shifting all the way thru without feeling like she is seriously overworking herself. do you think thats just still in the arena of bad carbs?
AnswerElijah, that little cylinder that is clicking is probably the starter relay. It will always click when the start button is pressed, but if the battery is weak it will not have enough power to turn the starter. Which is what I think the problem is in this case - your battery is shot and needs replacing or recharging.
I think it's best that you take it to the bike shop and let them troubleshoot both issues. Please let me know what they find out! By the way, your bike has carburetors so there are no fuel injectors, those are components for a fuel injection system only.
