Jerky Tenere - suggestions needed
 

Hi guys!

Having a bit of an issue with my '10 8000k mile Tenere and I need your expert opinions and suggestions. I've done a few searches "Tenere Snatchy" "Tenere Jerky" "Tenere Throttle" and unfortunately "Ten" can't be used for searches, though it's used a lot in the forum. Nothing's come up really, just stuff for the "X" with the surging and the dash CO adjustment (which can't be done on the "Z")

I've got a 3 week solo European trip starting on the 29th May, which I'll be mainly avoiding motorways. So time is short and I've spent a lot this month with reducing turbulence and bits still to get. So ideally, want to keep the cost low.

Anyways, riding into work tonight the bike seemed really jerky, it's been a little jerky for some time but seems worse tonight. On and off the throttle seemed to be snappy, and jerky when maintaining rpm. The chain and sprockets seem fine (I had a quick check today, tension and teeth wear seem ok). But will do a better inspection when I wake up tomorrow.

I've noticed the bike seems to hunt a bit but I've been intending to adjust idle rpm once warm as it sits about 1200rpm at the min. It cut out on me sleeping down and downshifting on a slip way last weeks when it was really hot in the UK, I came across the idle thread. The engine light didn't illuminate when it happen but still had electrical power.
I've also done the de cat mod on the standard exhaust but not blocked the AIS (I like the popping haha). That's the only mods I've done so far (engine wise) to the bike.
I'm at work now and I really want to try the throttle mod but I've hard wired the heat grips in so I can't take it into the workshop to cut away and lower the cam profile, maybe tomorrow at home.

Is there anything else I can do? I would like the fuel mod or power commander but it's too close and under seat space is limited as I have a Datatool alarm and aux fuse housing, plus I need to reign in my spending.

Being stuck between gears and no usable throttle below 2.8k rpm I can deal with but the jerkiness is really tipping me over the edge. I want to love the bike, but so much has to put into it to make it usable and comfortable. It's a bit deflating if I'm honest.

Any help or opinions very much appreciated. Free or inexpensive would be ideal (as it always is haha).

Thank you

The three main culprits I would suggest looking into are:

1) Cush drive rubbers in the rear hub. Any play here will result in considerable scratchiness when taking up or releasing drive and when trying to hold a constant throttle too. See how far you can rotate the rear sprocket by holding it either side with your hands. If there's more than 5mm of play then take the rear wheel out and have a look behind the sprocket carrier plate. If a load of broken bits of rubber fall out you've found your problem! If the rubbers are still serviceable (just compressed) you can pack them out with cut up inner tube. If they've disintegrated, then you'll have to get some new ones.

2) Idle speed. It needs to be north of 1400 rpm (ideally 1450) or the bike will cut out occasionally on a closed throttle and cause hesitation when opening the throttle.

3) Are the throttle cable(s) adjusted correctly? Too much play in either (or both) and response will be laggy and/or jerky.

A dirty air filter and old spark plugs always cause rough running problems on singles, so get them checked out too.

Get Kev's O2 controller, it'll make the world of difference. Smooths out throttle response and allows the motor to pull cleanly from 2000rpm. No problem fitting it as it goes under the tank just behind the radiator. Five minute job to fit too.

Hi Pleiades

Thank you for your swift reply.

I had a little wiggle of the sprocket but seemed ok, I'll have a proper look tomorrow.
I'll have a look at the throttle cable too, does the manual show how much play/lever movement before it engages?

I must say, I've not emptied the oil breather pipe yet and there's some oil in it, i'll at the filter and plug. Just emailed Kev, hopefully I'll get the controller before I head off to the continent.

Cheers :080: