Stalling while downshifting?

[moenko]

Well, we are getting a few miles on the Nomad now. Riding mighty fine, got about 42 mpg on the first two tanks. Yet something disturbing happened at least twice: While downshifting (3rd to 2nd and the other time 2nd to 1st) the bike would just stall. Of course that left me with an uncozy feeling. Wondering if this has happened to others and what might be the problem.

Also notice idle is VERY, very low - can that be adjusted at all? (I do not contribute the stalling to that condition, though).

Thanks,
Carsten

[macmac]

Well I do... and yes turn up the idle speed by all means to apx 1,000 rpm, give or take 50.

You may need to hold the grip to open the throttle plates a smidgen, and then turn the black knob clockwise which is in a holder just below the right side seated air cleaner cover, which is stock isn't any sort of air cleaner at all, but is what everyone thinks it is at first.

Sometimes the knob is very difficult to get turned for the first time, and if yours is tight use pliers padded very well.

[moenko]

Mac, thank you for the post. So you think that stalling would mostlikely be a result of too low of an idle speed?

[radco]

I have heard of that problem before.. The throttle adjustment is on the right side.a nob.. un hook and twist slowly..HOW does the bike idle now???

[moenko]

Hi Rich, just came back from a small ride to warm up the engine and adjusted the idle, much better now. I truly hope that will take care of the stalling issue. I am also running half a can of Seafoam through the tank to free it up from any carbon buildup etc. I will report back if the problem is thus taken care of - scary, though, if an engine dies without apparent reason !!

[redjay]

Hi, My bike was doing the same thing (an 05) and it was a plug lead that was not fully seated on the plug.

[billmac]

Good idea. Seafoam and turn up the idle, that is what I would do first. Bike probably needs some riding and fresh gas.

If it continues to stall, I would spray some seafoam in throttle bore intake. Checking the spark plugs is a good idea if it continues. Low battery voltage and dirty air filter can also cause that.

Best wishes with your new ride.

[hollywood]

Mine has been doing this for a year. The last time this post came up - it was suggested that I install a Power Commander. I haven't had the money - so it is still stalling. It is quite unsettling for it to suddenly quit. Will have someone look at the spark plug.

[Idaho]

Mac and Rich are correct. Your problem is too low an idle speed. Crank it up and your troubles will go away.

[Top Cat]

What Idaho said. My bike did same thing. Turned idle up to 1000 and no more stalling.

[VulcanE]

The only time mine has stalled while down shifting is when I was running a strong mixture of seafoam in the tank. After I ran out that tank of gas, all was fine. BTW, mine is idling at 900 RPMs. Book says 850 +/- 50.

[ianicky]

I also have had this problem when i first got my Nomad and as you say it was a bit unsettling, but it only happened 2 or 3 times when i first got the bike and since then its never happened again.

[moenko]

Folks, appreciate all your feedback (at least I know it's not uncommon). I will also check the sparkies and caps. Which brings me to yet another question - does anyone have a preference for a specific spark plug brand/make ??
Again, thank you all, truly appreciate all the good info and suggestions --- I'm getting there ;)

[radco]

Originally Posted by moenko

Folks, appreciate all your feedback (at least I know it's not uncommon). I will also check the sparkies and caps. Which brings me to yet another question - does anyone have a preference for a specific spark plug brand/make ??
Again, thank you all, truly appreciate all the good info and suggestions --- I'm getting there ;)

CARSTEN
IVE used NGK on my HONDA and will use them on my NOMAD,,Rich,

[moenko]

Rich, as usual, appreciate your guiding hands ;) NGK's ordered - can't hurt to change them after 10k miles; that's one cheap service!!!