South West Bikers | Motorcycle Forum

my 1999 suzuki GSX600F Just started up after not been used for about a month
That’s when i replaced air and oil filter and plugs and after i done that got the bike back together and it was fine so I started it today to make sure battery was good and
its not running on all 4 cylinders Sounds rough and won’t idle I not sure what to do as I can’t ride it as next week I’m having a hip replacement surgery I’m in Blandford Dorset DT117NE

Lift the Tank and see if it Storage then. May have linked a pipe.

As Simon said, lift the tank and check for any kinked pipes. My 2nd course of action would be to give the carbs a thorough check and clean. Today's petrol, especially E10, does nasty things to everything it's in contact with when left for a while.

So should I be running it on E5 high octane fuel

So should I be running it on E5 high Octane fuel

Older bikes prefer it I believe.


But if it was running and then not when put together then something has either come loose or come off.

Check your plugs caps, airbox connections, fuel supply,

When it's stone cold, wet with water all 4 downpipes, start it and look at the downpipes, that will show you if it's just generally running rough or if it's a single cylinder not running. Just helps you narrow down what to check.

MarkB1968 wrote: ↑Jul 12th, '24, 17:37 So should I be running it on E5 high octane fuel

Suzuki went fully E10 compliant in 2002 before that it's a bit of a lottery but the info will be in a user manual that you can download for free if you haven't got one.

Carb bikes that that have modern fuel sat around them become a problem. If it's not E10 compliant and it's been used regularly it'll eat away at all the o rings pipes and anything else made of rubber. Your carbs may need an ultrasonic clean, or it may need a rebuild using an E10 compliant kit.

E10 fuel has a 6 month shelf life before it starts breaking down in the fuel system. So if you're not using your bike regularly E5 is the way to go.

My problem is I am going in hospital next week for hip replacement surgery so I’m going to be out off action for 6 weeks and my goal was to be going for a ride as soon as I can and now it needs the running issues sorted and mot which I think it will pass no problem as all new tyres and brakes I can’t think off anything it will fail on

Check HT leads firm on the plugs

I think I should look for a mobile motorcycle mechanic
So if anyone knows of any that cover Blandford Dorset please let me know

Kata wrote: ↑Jul 13th, '24, 11:23 Check HT leads firm on the plugs

That’s a very good idea thanks

MikeZ wrote: ↑Jul 13th, '24, 08:05 When it's stone cold, wet with water all 4 downpipes, start it and look at the downpipes, that will show you if it's just generally running rough or if it's a single cylinder not running. Just helps you narrow down what to check.

Thanks that is a good idea

Empty out the E10 and use it in your lawnmower if you need to. Fill the tank with fresh E5, and add a large dose of Comma Petrol Magic. Shake the bike to mix it in with the petrol, then start the bike and run sufficiently to allow the fresh mix into the float bowls. Then let the bike stand at least overnight - preferably longer - before you start it up. Then give it a good old Italian Tune Up.

Bob wrote: ↑Jul 13th, '24, 19:14 Empty out the E10 and use it in your lawnmower if you need to. Fill the tank with fresh E5, and add a large dose of Comma Petrol Magic. Shake the bike to mix it in with the petrol, then start the bike and run sufficiently to allow the fresh mix into the float bowls. Then let the bike stand at least overnight - preferably longer - before you start it up. Then give it a good old Italian Tune Up.

It says for injectors but mine is a older bike so will it still be ok