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Cause of engine lugging down at speed

4.9K views 11 replies 7 participants last post by  sobimpss  
#1 ·
Hi All -

Normally, I would take my 2011 X-Country into the dealer for maintenance, but I recently moved and the local service shop gave me the run around so I'm going to try getting it fixed myself.

Last year I rode from Washington state to Palmer, Alaska. A wonderful trip, but there were long segments where premium wasn't available. Now I've noticed that when I try to pass, the engine will bog down for as long as 15 seconds or more. Otherwise, she runs great.

My first guess would be the fuel filter, but since changing that out is not exactly simple, I thought I would seek other advice.

I also plan to replace the air filter and spark plugs.

So, do you think this problem is caused by fuel or air starvation?
 
#2 ·
Hard to tell by your description if the bogging down is new or if it was on your trip. Please clarify. Also, how may times have you ridden it since moving to Alaska? What is the elevation difference between the two places? Does it bog down every time?

Reason I'm asking is because you describe the bogging down as temporary. A fuel or air obstruction would more than likely not be the problem and in fact would produce more effects at the upper rpm's when demand is higher. You could try running some injector cleaner through the bike but I doubt that's the problem.

Also I would personally check starting with the easiest:
  • Power. Make sure all power connections are clean and tight. There's no sense troubleshooting electrical problems if the power routes are not trustworthy.
  • Battery voltages would be my first series of checks. Specifically the regulator levels. If part of the bridge is damaged the output will be low until the stator gets to a higher level. Output will be going towards rescuing the battery that's either low or being drained.
  • Throttle Position Sensor reset.
  • Vacuum lines. Make sure everything is attached tightly and there are no cracks.
  • When you change the plugs take a good look at the wires.
  • From Washington to Alaska you went through a lot of elevation changes. If you haven't ridden much the ECU can take a few starts to learn from the TMAP.

Good luck and keep the thread up until it's solved.

I'm no mechanic, just my 2¢.
 
#3 ·
Hard to tell by your description if the bogging down is new or if it was on your trip. Please clarify. Also, how may times have you ridden it since moving to Alaska? What is the elevation difference between the two places? Does it bog down every time?

Reason I'm asking is because you describe the bogging down as temporary. A fuel or air obstruction would more than likely not be the problem and in fact would produce more effects at the upper rpm's when demand is higher. You could try running some injector cleaner through the bike but I doubt that's the problem.

Also I would personally check starting with the easiest:
  • Power. Make sure all power connections are clean and tight. There's no sense troubleshooting electrical problems if the power routes are not trustworthy.
  • Battery voltages would be my first series of checks. Specifically the regulator levels. If part of the bridge is damaged the output will be low until the stator gets to a higher level. Output will be going towards rescuing the battery that's either low or being drained.
  • Throttle Position Sensor reset.
  • Vacuum lines. Make sure everything is attached tightly and there are no cracks.
  • When you change the plugs take a good look at the wires.
  • From Washington to Alaska you went through a lot of elevation changes. If you haven't ridden much the ECU can take a few starts to learn from the TMAP.
Good luck and keep the thread up until it's solved.

I'm no mechanic, just my 2¢.
This started happening on the last 2 days of my Alaska trip - fortunately, my plan was to return by ferry back to WA so it didn't impact on the trip. At that point I contributed it to the quality of the fuel I was getting. Since my return to WA I've run thru 2 tanks of fuel on rides, but the issue is still there. The bogging down only happens when I attempt to pass - so high speed and high RPM.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Nope, there's lots on the shelves at the local auto store. Just pick one. Based on what you listed as possible fuel source problems this is just a quick and easy step to see if it helps. Giving injectors a really good clean involves removing them from the engine. But you're not there yet.

Do go through the tasks above though and also confirm fuel and spark are getting to each cylinder. This is all the preliminary stuff so if you're not familiar with the actions to get that far you're not going to have much success. Going further usually means a higher skill level and test equipment. Take it as far as you can yourself though before you turn it over to the pros.
 
#8 ·
Did you hit the RPM limiter?

Did you ride in the rain or wash your bike?

That would cause bogging down as you describe

Andre using TaPaTaLk
 
#12 ·
Hi, I was reading a thread and noticed that you posted and asked if the bike had been washed recently. Why do you think washing the moto might cause the problem?

I have a 2014 CCT that I had washed and noticed shortly after that around 3500 in 1st gear it would bog down and then pick back up. I've gone around in circles trying to figure it out.

After a lot of diagnosis, I took it to Indian and they thought it was the clutch. Well they ended up changing my clutch and because it didn't fix the issue, they didn't charge me for it. They couldn't figure it out and sent me on my way. Here is a list of what I've tried:
1) checked air filter
2) tried different maps with my power commander.
3) adjusted belt tension

I haven't changed the plugs or plug wires or fuel filter which is next on my list.

Another weird thing is that it only happens in first gear and happens under a heavy or light load.

Thanks, Henry