New 2014, Not sure if I have a problem

[mturmelle_imp]

Hi Folks,

Relatively new to the forum, been around —- lurking —-for a couple of months before purchasing a new 2014 standard. I, like others, got a great deal...was heading in to buy a new Kawasaki Z900RS, but after reading the forum, looking at the CB1100, test-riding, and comparing the CB’s $6,400 price tag to the Kawa, it was a no-brainer for me. I’m 53 and have owned/ridden a motorcycle since I was 17. The CB1100 is my fourth Honda. I’ve also owned Ducati and Suzuki, but always seem to come back to Honda.

I’ve noticed that at speeds above 40 or so and around 2500-3200 RPM, I’m feeling some roughness while riding. Here is my dilemma...I can’t tell if I maybe have:

1. a flat spot on a tire from sitting in a crate for 4 years;
2. a problem with the fork/suspension; or
3. what I’m feeling is the engine.
4. I even considered that I might be feeling wind buffeting at higher speeds.

I’m only experiencing the reputed smoothness of the big in-line 4 in certain circumstances. At other times, I feel a less smooth, almost rough ride. I’m perturbed that I can’t put my finger on the problem or more aptly describe the sensation.

I am aware that the Honda engineers intentionally gave the engine a special “character” (I hate that term) by changing the cylinder firing order, right? Could this be what I’m sensing?

I had a similar sensation from my 2001 Ducati, which was sorted out after a minor valve adjustment. It doesn’t seem possible that a new but crated 2014 could have valves that are out of spec.

Any thoughts?


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[the Ferret]

Have you personally checked tire pressure, checked chain tension and/ or lubed the chain? Run some Seafoam through it? Wear a jacket where the collar doesn't flap? Does the roughness go away when you pull in the clutch? Accelerate? Downshift?

My advice would be see how it feels after 2000 miles at which point these engines are broken in and everything is seated properly. You should see an increase in gas mileage at that point as well.

If you get the opportuniy, try meeting up with a fellow forum member and see if you can switch bikes for a short ride so you can feel theirs and just importantly they can feel yours. It may be normal and just something you are not used to.

Diagnosing something like this over the internet can just make you go crazy as people suggest it could be one thing or another, and then all of a sudden you are worrying about all kinds of stuff, when there may not be anything wrong at all.

You are covered by a warranty for a year from purchase. I would suggest at this point, that you just ride it, and try not to obsess over every little thing.

[dave]

I’ve noticed that at speeds above 40 or so and around 2500-3200 RPM, I’m feeling some roughness while riding.

My 2014 suffered from a similar roughness when new. Had it back to the dealer twice, and they couldn't find anything wrong with it. "If" it's the engine running slightly rough (like mine was), then try the throttle position sensor reset - it cured my problem immediately: With the engine off, and the key on, slowly rotate the throttle to wide open, then slowly back to full closed. Repeat two more times. Turn off key, turn key on, restart, and test ride. Please post your results. Good luck.

[mturmelle_imp]

Ferret - I have done all but the Seafoam. Tire pressure set to spec, chain lubed and at right tension. I will try the throttle reset and Seafoam.....and then just ride! Just wanted to make sure that I didn’t miss something that all of you guys with a ton of experience might have discovered. I have read thousands of posts on the forum before posing my question. I appreciate all of your help...before today by sharing your experiences and today as well.


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Dave, thanks for the throttle reset suggestion. I will try that and let you know how it goes!


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[Lord Popgun]

And, just so you know, the firing order doesn’t change. It done by the cam timing (lobe position on the cams) on, IIRC 2 cyls. Sportsterdoc or Powerdubs will most likely be along to explain it better than I.

[mjturmelle_imp]

And, just so you know, the firing order doesn’t change. It done by the cam timing (lobe position on the cams) on, IIRC 2 cyls. Sportsterdoc or Powerdubs will most likely be along to explain it better than I.

Thanks Popgun.

I’ve noticed that at speeds above 40 or so and around 2500-3200 RPM, I’m feeling some roughness while riding.

My 2014 suffered from a similar roughness when new. Had it back to the dealer twice, and they couldn't find anything wrong with it. "If" it's the engine running slightly rough (like mine was), then try the throttle position sensor reset - it cured my problem immediately: With the engine off, and the key on, slowly rotate the throttle to wide open, then slowly back to full closed. Repeat two more times. Turn off key, turn key on, restart, and test ride. Please post your results. Good luck.

Thanks, Dave. I will try the throttle reset tomorrow and Ill let you know if there is an improvement.

[peterbaron]

Would start with tire's flat spot (one or both?...most likely front, cuz touches ground) after sitting for 4 years = may never recover to proper roundness. May pump up to MAX tire pressure (it will say on its sidewall) and test by spinning and riding...MAX TIRE pressure....psi
>
Do not dig too deep for no reason in other areas...
Good luck

[tinboatcapt_imp]

I bought my 2014 last year and had the same issue. I assumed it was flat spotted tires. I decided to just live with the problem for the first year before I replaced the tires. I put about 2000 miles on the bike in the half season of riding. The issue slowly went away and I no longer feel it. I have about 4000 miles on the bike now and will replace the tires next spring.

jim

[jtopiso_imp]

Hi Folks,

Relatively new to the forum, been around —- lurking —-for a couple of months before purchasing a new 2014 standard. I, like others, got a great deal...was heading in to buy a new Kawasaki Z900RS, but after reading the forum, looking at the CB1100, test-riding, and comparing the CB’s $6,400 price tag to the Kawa, it was a no-brainer for me. I’m 53 and have owned/ridden a motorcycle since I was 17. The CB1100 is my fourth Honda. I’ve also owned Ducati and Suzuki, but always seem to come back to Honda.

I’ve noticed that at speeds above 40 or so and around 2500-3200 RPM, I’m feeling some roughness while riding. Here is my dilemma...I can’t tell if I maybe have:

1. a flat spot on a tire from sitting in a crate for 4 years;
2. a problem with the fork/suspension; or
3. what I’m feeling is the engine.
4. I even considered that I might be feeling wind buffeting at higher speeds.

I’m only experiencing the reputed smoothness of the big in-line 4 in certain circumstances. At other times, I feel a less smooth, almost rough ride. I’m perturbed that I can’t put my finger on the problem or more aptly describe the sensation.

I am aware that the Honda engineers intentionally gave the engine a special “character” (I hate that term) by changing the cylinder firing order, right? Could this be what I’m sensing?

I had a similar sensation from my 2001 Ducati, which was sorted out after a minor valve adjustment. It doesn’t seem possible that a new but crated 2014 could have valves that are out of spec.

Any thoughts?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I had a similar issue with my bike when new. And it worsened during the first 1000km. Back two the dealer, and they found both (both!) tyres to be slightly out of round (new from factory!).

New set, and problem solved (although I was paranoid about it for some time, and any slight vibration made me think the worse for a while... )

[mturmelle_imp]

Hi Folks,

Relatively new to the forum, been around —- lurking —-for a couple of months before purchasing a new 2014 standard. I, like others, got a great deal...was heading in to buy a new Kawasaki Z900RS, but after reading the forum, looking at the CB1100, test-riding, and comparing the CB’s $6,400 price tag to the Kawa, it was a no-brainer for me. I’m 53 and have owned/ridden a motorcycle since I was 17. The CB1100 is my fourth Honda. I’ve also owned Ducati and Suzuki, but always seem to come back to Honda.

I’ve noticed that at speeds above 40 or so and around 2500-3200 RPM, I’m feeling some roughness while riding. Here is my dilemma...I can’t tell if I maybe have:

1. a flat spot on a tire from sitting in a crate for 4 years;
2. a problem with the fork/suspension; or
3. what I’m feeling is the engine.
4. I even considered that I might be feeling wind buffeting at higher speeds.

I’m only experiencing the reputed smoothness of the big in-line 4 in certain circumstances. At other times, I feel a less smooth, almost rough ride. I’m perturbed that I can’t put my finger on the problem or more aptly describe the sensation.

I am aware that the Honda engineers intentionally gave the engine a special “character” (I hate that term) by changing the cylinder firing order, right? Could this be what I’m sensing?

I had a similar sensation from my 2001 Ducati, which was sorted out after a minor valve adjustment. It doesn’t seem possible that a new but crated 2014 could have valves that are out of spec.

Any thoughts?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I had a similar issue with my bike when new. And it worsened during the first 1000km. Back two the dealer, and they found both (both!) tyres to be slightly out of round (new from factory!).

New set, and problem solved (although I was paranoid about it for some time, and any slight vibration made me think the worse for a while... )

I had a similar issue with my bike when new. And it worsened during the first 1000km. Back two the dealer, and they found both (both!) tyres to be slightly out of round (new from factory!).

New set, and problem solved (although I was paranoid about it for some time, and any slight vibration made me think the worse for a while... )
I had a similar issue with my bike when new. And it worsened during the first 1000km. Back two the dealer, and they found both (both!) tyres to be slightly out of round (new from factory!).

New set, and problem solved (although I was paranoid about it for some time, and any slight vibration made me think the worse for a while... )
Thanks, guys. I will have dealer look at tires as I'm coming up on my first services.