My 696 has nice smooth power delivery from idle to around 4k (or so) rpms, then it hits a flat spot roughly from 4-5k rpms. Past 5ks it kicks in nicely right up to 7.5k.
Whats the deal with this? Is this common for the 696? Do I have a slight fuel delivery problem? or should I look into staying in a lower gear until I am past 5,000 rpms (am usually in 3rd by then).
I have Termi air cleaner, ECU and CF mufflers. No other performance mods. Bike also has a tendency to backfire upon decelleration from that rpm range.
I'm not familiar with the 696 but many stock bikes have a dip in their mid range to get around emissions laws / tests etc although with yours having the performance kit its unlikely to be this.
Is your bike an early '09? Does the bike also run a little hot? If it is the problem might be reversed coil polarity. There was a campaign on this, maybe a recall, I'm not sure. Your dealer should be aware of this issue. Or you can reverse the wires on the coils. If your bike runs better [Dolph] If your bike runs worse, switch them back. As far as I remember the color codes on the diagram are correct even though polarity isn't.
Or, an easier, more scientific way if you have access to an analogue volt meter Hook up the voltmeter with the negative lead to the plug terminal and the positive lead to the block (spark plug connected). Set the meter on the highest volt range. Crank the engine over (no need to start it), and you should see an upward swing of the voltmeter needle (don't be concerned with taking a reading). If the needle swings down off the scale, your coil is hooked up wrong.
As far as I remember the color codes on the diagram are correct even though polarity isn't.
I just looked at the NHTSA sits. It seems a recall was never issued.
My apologies for the delayed response, but thanks. I will check polarity on my coil. I don't remember having that flat spot before I put my bike away for an extended period, while deployed overseas. When I got back, a mouse had chewed away the wiring to my diagnostic box. Luckily my mechanic is an electrician, so he repaired it quite nicely. Am wondering if he might have crossed or shorted out anything. It otherwise runs fine; a little hard starting in the cold, but I think other forums have answered that quite nicely. It runs a little hot, but I haven't done any long runs on it yet.
It backfires upon decelleration, especially in that 4,000-4,5000 rpm range, i.e. I have it rev up to 6,000, nice and smooth and not without a little pep, then hits the 4-4.5 rpm snag, but after 4.5 right up to 7k it runs strong, if a bit long. After running it for 6k and winding it down it'll hit the same flat spot on the way down, and pop somewhere around 3-4k rpms.
Its time for oil change/oil filter change, and I got a fresh set of plugs, since the old ones have 4,000 miles on them and the bike sat for awhile. I might run a little injector cleaner through the injectors and throttle bodies at next fill up. Probably clean and re-oil the Termi air cleaner as well. Not sure if that will help, but it does need a little tuneup.