Motorcycle Repair: Suzuki Bandit stalling, high pitch sound, throttle position sensor

Question
Hi,

I recently bought a 2000 Suzuki Bandit 600S. The bike has 18K on it, and has always been properly maintained. Lately, ever more often, it has begun to stall. First indications are that the exhaust gives out a high frequency rumbling sound (much like an idling muscle car) instead of the typical high pitch sound. It barely accelerates and, especially while down shifting for turns, then simply dies or loses all power. All this after even after it has run fine for several miles. My plugs, fuel and air filter are fine. If you could give me any tips at all on what to check I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks

Philipp Droege

Answer
Philipp,

could be one of many things,
are the plugs normal or do
they look rich (black)colored?
Is the choke adjusted okay?

Have you tried new spark plugs, caps, wires?
Check for a plugged gas tank vent, this can starve the fuel flow.
Make sure fuel petcock valve is okay. Try it on reserve.

Check for loose battery cables
or loose connectors on wiring
harness, check connectors
on ignitor units.

Some of these carbs used carb heaters
due to carb icing, but they
may not be on all models.

Check the side stand switch.
Check for ignition switch wires
rubbing through on cables.
Check frame ground wires.

Check if all cylinders warm up evenly,
could be one or two cylinders cutting out.
Check the exhaust pipe heat, don't
burn yourself though.

Last resort,
Sticky float needles in carbs,
possible bad coil, ignition pulser (signal generator), ignitors,
TPS or throttle position sensor.