QuestionHello,
My motorcycle seems to turn my engine oil black very quickly, and it also seems to run low in oil in about a week or two after changing. I haven't noticed any leaks. Do you know what could be the problem?
Also, this is probably unrelated. While riding. If I were open up the throttle a little past half way. The motor stutters and backfires for a bit before moving to higher RPMs.
Any idea what could be the problem and if it's and easy fix?
I'm also still learning to ride. I practice slow circles, I'm not sure about what to do about getting good traction all the time or the best way to stop.
Can you help me? I appreciate it.
AnswerHi James,
A VT600 should not be burnng that much oil. Clean oil does get dirty in a hurry- that's normal. But you should not be losing it so quickly. Most likely it is going out the tailpipes a tiny bit at a time. It sounds like your bike is very out of tune. From the throttle problem you describe, you need to get the carburetors cleaned and synced, and it sounds like the timing is off as well. All in all, it needs a lot of love. You did not say how many miles are on it or if its had any service, but it sounds like it needs a good tune up. Not real cheap in the short term ($250), but cheaper than a broken bike you can't ride at all. And when it's tuned up, it's easier to ride.
Concerning your question on traction and stopping: if possible, please stop riding your bike for the time being. First off, it's barely rideable as it is, and you do not have the skills (yet) to ride it safely in traffic. Doing slow cirlces will not teach you much, no offense. Proper stopping technique is the most important aspect of riding. If you do not know how to safely stop your bike in a panic situation, you are an accident- or death- waiting to happen. This forum is not the proper place to teach you to ride, you need one-on-one help in person.
Please take a beginner riding class as soon as possible. The MSF offers a weekend course that will give you solid riding skills. You can find times and dates at www.msf-usa.org. You will not need to bring your bike, they will have one for you. Bring your riding gear, however.
Sorry to hear you are having trouble with your bike. But in order to ride safely, your bike and you must be in good condition. That means a bike that runs correctly and the proper skills to ride it. It's more complicated than you think, but if you have the desire to learn proper riding technique, the time spent learning will be paid back down the road with more enjoyable rides and more confidence in your skills. Please take the class, and if possible, get your bike to a Honda dealer or mechanic for a check-up and tune.
Good luck, be patient, and I'll see you out on the road.
Bill Roberson
