Fueling issue

Yesterday I was out riding my '97 on an unusually warm October day in Michigan. The bike started just fine after a brief stop, but started to bog and then died less than a mile down the road. Cranked fine but would not restart. Gas tank was about half full. Ignition/fuel pump fuse was fine. Fortunately I was riding with a friend who was able to ride home and get his trailer.

My guess is fuel pump or fuel cut-off relay. Anything else I should consider/check out?

Thanks!

 

Either is possible of course. It's usually the relay before the pump. But you never know if it is the original pump. Bypass the relay and test, everything will work as normal except it will prime and build pressure when the key is switched on, not just when the bike is being cranked or running. Jump Black and Black/Blue (pretty sure) on the harness side.

I install parallel toggle switches on my bikes so I can prime the system after winter storage or get me home WHEN the relay fails. Twice now. You can also just install a toggle in place of the relay so it can't pump if you are working on the bike and turn the key on. My Hawk currently has just a toggle.

 

Thanks, Captain! I replaced the original pump last year, so most likely the relay. Will try jumping and see what happens. Almost sounds like carrying an extra relay might not be a bad idea if I don't replace it with a toggle...

 

Or just carry a custom jumper wire. I have one in every single tank bag... for my friends... so I don't have to sit around and wait with them or go get my trailer.

 

Good idea. Thanks, again.

 

And don't assume fuel...

 

It's super easy to verify and then move on if not. If I had those symptoms (like running out of fuel), it's the first thing I would check. Especially if when I opened the cap I didn't hear a big rush of air.

 

I agree. Just sayin' there will be more things to chase before going all crazy on the rest of the fuel system.

 

Well, jumped the relay over the weekend and....nothin'. Replaced the eBay pump that I put on last year and the bike is running great again. I put in a Mitsubishi pump--hope it works out better.

 

I've used brand and Chinese pumps with luck on my R6 track bikes for quite a few years. May it run forever!

 

Good decision. It is now less about hope and luck.