Scrambler Rough Running or Normal for a Torquey Twin?

Discussion in 'Thruxton, Scrambler & Trident' started by Scrambler Si, May 14, 2016.

  1. Scrambler Si

    Scrambler Si Member

    Mar 20, 2016
    31
    18
    Cheshire
    I'm just wondering if I am experiencing normal behaviour, or a bit rough running. It's taken me a while to tune in to the subtleties of the sound and feel of the torquey twin, and of course wind noise and rough lanes mask things a bit.

    The bike is absolutely fine when I'm going for it, but in traffic and slowing for junctions, it feels as though it is hunting in the 2-3000 rev range. I feel it as a lack of smoothness, rather than overtly rough, or seeing it on the tacho, but I'm sure the needle is twitching within 100 revs or so.
    I'm also getting a "back-phut" (rather than a backfire) on the overrun, when slowing for a junction with the throttle rolled off. The pick up when opening the throttle again is slow when I'm trying to be subtle - open wide is great, but trying to ease it on for slow bends is more of an on/off response.

    The bike is approaching 1,000 miles, and it may be worth noting that the top exhaust (standard) was swapped at the 500 mile service due to an unrelated issue.

    Still, open wide through the lanes is a blast, but I haven't come across any other reference to this type of behaviour on the Scrambler, so I'm wondering if it's me.
     
  2. Tigcraft

    Tigcraft Unheard of Member

    Mar 29, 2014
    2,622
    800
    Holmfirth West Yorkshire
    Had this in the past on one of my bikes and found it was a plug breaking down under normal use and ok when thrashed.
     
  3. Abcght100

    Abcght100 Active Member

    Nov 21, 2015
    51
    28
    Norfolk
     
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  4. thebiglad

    thebiglad Old fart, still riding !

    Sep 25, 2013
    5,067
    1,000
    Central France
    Hello Si, the following comments are based on your bike being an 865cc Scrambler Efi in std. condition:

    These bikes have anti-pollution systems which change their parameters dependant on throttle position. In very simple terms 0-6% is set 1 and 7-100% is set 2. The cross-over point between the two points of parameters is not always as smooth as we would like and gives a less-than-smooth throttle response. This can be completely cured and the bike's overall performance improved by:

    1. Removal of the 'Air injection' system - this system injects fresh air into the stream of of exhaust gases to reduce pollution but also cause popping on overun;

    2. Removal of the O²sensors in the exhaust downpipes allied to a new ECU map. The most popular supplier of this kind of aftermarket support being Triumph Twin Power.

    With a change in airflow into the engine and more ope exhaust pipes plus a new map your bike will fly much more smoothly.
     
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  5. crispey

    crispey crispey creme de la creme

    Nov 6, 2014
    7,245
    1,000
    Uk
    What he says ☝
     
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  6. Scrambler Si

    Scrambler Si Member

    Mar 20, 2016
    31
    18
    Cheshire
    Thanks guys - perhaps it is "operating as intended", and I will ask the dealer about it - I didn't want to be Mr Grumpy Ignoramous if it's normal with these engines (which I assume would be their standard response - it was with BMW when I said the R1150RS was vibey in mid-range, to the extend it had to go!).

    I like the sound of more / smoother power... so if the Air Injection and O2 sensors are removed, and the ECU is remapped, (and come to that, put off-road pipes on) where does that leave me when the MOT comes round?

    Has anyone found similar issues on a new Scrambler?

    Now it's time to go for a ride!

    On a completely separate note, I saw my first "other Scrambler" on the road this morning, in a pack of three HD's! It had short pipes and made a great sound (which I'd tolerate for about 10 seconds...)
     
  7. thebiglad

    thebiglad Old fart, still riding !

    Sep 25, 2013
    5,067
    1,000
    Central France
    Hi Si,the first thing to say is that it's best to do all envisageable engine mods at the same time,so you just need to buy 1 ECU map.

    The classic package of popular mods would be:

    1. Inlet side of engine - allow the engine to breath better by removing anything that slows the airflow such as rubber trumpet, filter retaining cap; airbox baffle plate. Then install a 'Breath' cover plate and a DNA airfilter;

    2. Remove the AI system completely. Remove the O² sensors completely;

    3. Exhaust side of the motor - install your preferred set of open aftermarket pipes;

    4. Purchase and install new map appropriate to your bike and modifications. At the same time delete the AI system in the tickbox of the ECU reader program "TuneECU".

    Now go out and ride your heart out - don't go home for at least two days !!!!

    Re the UK MOT, motorbike exhaust pollution levels are not checked, the only aspect the MOT guy will be interested in is the level of exhaust noise. So keep your std. pipes for MOT day.
     
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  8. James ellerby

    James ellerby Active Member

    Feb 6, 2016
    47
    28
    Manchester
    i was advised to avoid supermarket fuels and this can cause rougher running

    this was a very specific from my dealer on collection

    I have taken his advice and mine seems okay 700 miles in
     
  9. Abcght100

    Abcght100 Active Member

    Nov 21, 2015
    51
    28
    Norfolk
    Yeah I've heard a few story's about bad supermarket fuel especially Tesco.
     
  10. Tigcraft

    Tigcraft Unheard of Member

    Mar 29, 2014
    2,622
    800
    Holmfirth West Yorkshire
    Budget fuel is exactly budget!! I always where possible go for super unleaded at proper fuel stations as the bike rides quicker, has more umpf and the range is better so it actually isn't dearer at all!!
     
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  11. PETER CLARKE

    PETER CLARKE Senior Member

    Nov 11, 2015
    301
    120
    Essex
    I also find that my bike loves:) more expensive fuel:( If you go the route of modifying ask dealer how warranty will stand, if you have one.
     
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