. Runs rough

[Brian Fisk <brainfish@xxxxxxxx>]

 John Dancoe  I had the same type of problems you mention. After some
soul searching I decided that I would change the O2 sensor. (at 131,000
miles).  I believe this was the problem, The bike runs fine right now.
  It was a bigger job than I thought. I had to cut apart the exhaust
system. I was also changing the muffler/cat as my pipe rotted out. Yes
Stainless dose indeed rot. At least right at the end of the pipe. I did
not put a BMW part in ( BMW O2 sensor $216   Bosch at $67). I had to
splice wires, but, like I said it runs great now. Can you say lift the
front end of a RT in 3rd gear roll on?
Here are the symptoms:
 
1. Doesn't want to idle. Bypass screws were pretty cruddy, so I cleaned
them and shot cleaner into their orifices, but it didn't seem to help.
I've
backed them out ALL THE WAY and it barely makes a difference in idle
speed.
 
2. Lots of backfiring, belching, missing and surge.
 
3. Down on power
 
4. Runs rough
 
5. Even harder to start than usual (it's ALWAYs been the worst-starting
bike I've ever had).
 
Conscience is what hurts when everything else feels so good.

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