Sticking throttle

[Kwackanut]

Hi blokes,

Anyone had an issue with a sticking throttle on a v strom 1000, it's getting worse the more I ride it to the point where's it's getting a bit dangerous! Are they known for sticky throttle cables or tubes? Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Thanks ????

[wurzel]

  I'm sure you will get good advice soon, I seem to remember a few posts about linkages on throttle bodies getting a bit stiff, and it being a case of lubricating them, so no big problem to fix.
  Someone will put you right tomorrow I'm sure.

[UK_Vstrom650]

That's what it was on my Glee. It got to the point where I had 'cruise control'. Liberal amounts of WD40 sorted it.

[2112]

It's worth checking where the handgaurd mounts to the handlebars. My Vee had a sticky throttle at times but on inspection some knacker had put the spacer on the wrong way round.... An easy fix but not what you like to find.

[Stonec0ld]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but my throttle was sticking after a 4 month covid lay off. don't laugh, but where does one put the wd40...?

I unscrewed the bar end and there were loads of spacers bolts rubber bits etc. How does it all go back in?

[Mark Shelley]

I had this exact issue on my 2014 650 when I went for a ride on the back roads to North Norfolk on Friday. If I hadn’t been leading the ride I would have not gone. It was ‘interesting’ on the single track roads covered in sand and gravel on some corners!
I sorted it yesterday by removing the tank and spraying linkages with Plus Gas until it went away. The bits that were causing the problem were within the return springs I.e. the shafts that the butterflys are on. Having done it once and knowing exactly where to spray I reckon I could do it just by propping up the rear of the tank, although I took the opportunity to give the air filter a clean. The one for the rear throttle body is easy to see and get at. The front one is a bit awkward and you do really need the long thin tube on the nozzle. To get really good access to it you would need to remove the entire air filter box, but it wasn’t necessary in my case. Went out for a ride with the Mrs on the back to day and all is well.

[Rusty Nuts]

Paul, the bits in the bar end go more or less like this picture, depending on if you have hand guards. Sadly, the sticking is not generally happening here, it's usually in the throttle body linkages under the tank, between the cylinders.

[Stonec0ld]

Perfect, thanks Martyn.

Looks like I'll have to get the tank off again, I'll forewarn TLP so he can come to the rescue again when I break something

[UK_Vstrom650]

This bit circled needs WD40 or silicone grease.

[Stonec0ld]

great, that gives me something to aim for!

[Ratcatcher]

Just remember WD40 will free things off but will not lubricate, lots of things are made worse by its application as it will wash out any remaining lubricant.

[Brockett]

Something I heard the other day regarding classic motorcycle tanks being more prone to rust with modern fuels. May all be toffee that I have misunderstod........ But if it's true, I'd imagine that any lay up for a few months might result in problems around the fuel system due to modern fuels E5/E10 which are 5%  (or soon 10%).  Ethanol contains water and as the petrol and ethanol evaporate it leaves a watery residue and this can cause corrision leading to components sticking. During the lockdown I refilled the tanks and added petrol preserver and ran the engines for ten minutes.

[Mr Nick]

Just remember to give the bike a shake to mix it all up again before you re-awaken her as it seems some stabilisers can settle and create an oily layer that gets taken into the fuel system first & cause issues, as I found on the TS last week. Everything was fine once mixed up again though.

[Rusty Nuts]

I didn't know that. Thanks.

[Mr Nick]

What looks to confirm it for me was the fuel I drained from the carb bowl that was the first lot from the tank before I shook it has left a stain on the slabs, just like it had 2 stroke in it. What came out later on after shaking it up evaporated completely. I know the carb was empty as I'd drained it before parking her up so it wasn't old petrol lying in the bowl. I use Motul Stabiliser (but with a z that the forum abhors), which, ironically, states 'easier start after wintering' in the marketeering blurb...

[Stonec0ld]

Bought some useful magnetic trays and a magnetic light/retrieval tool and mirror from Aldi today. Looks I'll really be giving this a go! Might watch a few more videos on how to take the airbox out to psych myself up first.


 
What lube would you recommend once I'm in there?

[Ianmc]

Just use plain engine oil, switch on ignition but do not start, work throttle from min to max and watch the secondary throttle motor actuate back and forwards.Use just a touch of oil on all of the links to keep them free.

[Stonec0ld]

Quick update, I didn't remove the tank as once lifted I could see the linkages nicely highlighted in the picture above. Liberal spraying of WD40 was undertaken and then I left it a few days. When I came back all was well!

Thanks everyone for the help, and now I know a little bit more about how the bike works!