10.1 - Engine Lacks power
- Examine the Drive Train – Raise the wheel off the ground and spin by hand.
Does the wheel spin freely?
NO - Brake dragging, improperly mounted brake pads
- Worn or damaged wheel bearings
- Bent Axle
YES - Go to STEP 2
- Check the Tire Pressure – use a tire pressure gauge to check the tire pressure of each tire.
Is the tire pressure correct?
NO - Punctured tire and/or inner tube
- Faulty tire valve
YES - Go to STEP 3
- Clutch Inspection – Accelerate rapidly through first and second gears.
Does the engine RPM/speed decrease properly when you shift from first gear to second gear?
NO - Slipping clutch, adjustment needed
- Worn out clutch discs and/or plates
- Weak clutch springs
- Contaminating additive in the engine oil
YES - Go to STEP 4
- Engine Performance Inspection – Accelerate lightly.
Does the engine speed increase?
NO - Clogged air filter
- Restricted or clogged fuel line and/or fuel filter
- Clogged muffler/spark arrester
- Choke valve is closed
- Clogged fuel tank breather hose
YES - Go to STEP 5
- Spark Plug Inspection – Remove the spark plug and inspect
Is the spark plug in good working condition?
NO - Spark plug is not serviced frequently enough
- Incorrect spark plug heat range
- Incorrect spark plug gap
YES - Go to STEP 6
- Engine Oil Inspection – Check the oil level and the condition of the oil.
Is the engine oil level correct and in clean condition?
NO - Oil level too high
- Oil level too low
- Contaminated oil
YES - Go to STEP 7
- Cylinder Compression Inspection – Check the cylinder compression
Is the engine compression normal?
NO - Valve stuck open/seized or improper calve timing (see your local AJ1 dealer)
- Worn cylinder wall and/or piston rings (see your local AJ1 dealer)
- Leaking or damaged head gasket (see your local AJ1 dealer)
YES - Go to STEP 8
- Carburetor Inspection – Disassemble the carburetor and check for clogs
Was the carburetor clogged and/or dirty?
NO - Go to STEP 9
YES - Carburetor is not serviced frequently enough
- Contaminated fuel
- Over Heating Inspection – Check the engine for overheating.
Is the engine overheating?
NO - Go to STEP 10
YES - Excessive carbon buildup in the combustion chamber
- Use of poor quality oil
- Clutch slipping
- Lean fuel mixture or improper octane rating of fuel
- Engine Condition Inspection – Accelerate rapidly through all gears and ride at high speed
Does the engine knock?
NO - Go to STEP 11
YES - Worn piston and cylinder (See your local AJ1 dealer)
- Wrong type of fuel (octane rating)
- Lean fuel mixture
- Excessive carbon buildup on the combustion chamber
- Ignition Timing Inspection – Only attempt these procedures if you are qualified and have the proper tools needed. Otherwise, see your local AJ1 dealer or a motorcycle repair shop to have the ignition timing and engine lubrication system inspected.
Is the ignition timing normal? (Timing is non-adjustable)
NO - Faulty CDI ignition box
- Faulty ignition pulse generator
YES - Go to STEP 12
- Lubrication Inspection – Remove the valve adjustment covers on the cylinder head and inspect the system for lubrication.
Is the valve train being lubricated properly?
NO - Clogged oil passage (see your local AJ1 dealer)
- Dirty and/or contaminated engine oil
YES - See your local AJ1 dealer to have your motorcycle serviced.