09 VFR800 stalling issue

Hello VFR World,


I am at wit’s end and considering selling my 09 800 due to the following issue. Here is the story and I am hoping that someone can point me in the right direction.


About a month ago, I was out for a quick ride and my bike stalled. Since then, the issue has become progressively worse. Originally, we were out riding, I rounded a corner and downshifted into a lower gear. When I let out the clutch, the bike started to sputter, the FI light started flashing quickly and then the bike died. I pulled to the side of the road, turned off the bike, let the bike sit for a few minutes and the bike started as expected. That night, I ran the bike for several more hours without incident. I took my bike to work the following day, and it stalled halfway there. Again, I was riding without an issue, came up to an intersection, downshifted into second gear, let out the clutch and it stalled. This time, the bike didn’t want to start again. I turned it completely off for about 10 minutes, and then the bike again started without incident, and I was able to make it to work. I rode home about 30 miles that night without an issue. The following weekend, I added some fuel system cleaner and a full tank of fuel and went out for a (hopefully) long ride. We spent about 8 hours on the bike. During the ride, the bike seems perfectly fine while riding until I slowed and downshifted into a lower gear and then it stalled. This happened 3 times during that ride. I am thinking that the issue isn’t related to downshifting but is more likely just the dropping of RPMs that causes this. I find that the bike is no longer wanting to just restart as it initially would when this issue happens. The interesting thing is…. If I let the bike sit for 10-15 minutes, it will start up as if nothing happened. Now – the newest symptom is I can start the bike and let it warm up and sometimes it will stall. Also, the stalling seems to be happening much more often.


I have heard everything from bad electrical, bad fuel, dirty fuel system, Vacuum issues, throttle body issues, etc. Has anyone experienced anything similar?

TIA - Jay

 

The fact you had a flickering FI light would suggest to me that this is not a fuel issue, and is more likely electrical. Have you done a diagnostic check to see if the FI system has any stored faults?

Maybe check the battery connections are tight and clean, and have a look at the sidestand wires/switch as if these are damaged you would get occasional engine cut-outs. Put a voltmeter across the battery terminals and check the running voltage, should be 13.5-14.5V.

 

Thanks for the reply. We tried checking for trouble codes but nothing was stored. The running voltage was 13.9v when we checked last weekend. I'll check again tonight. Will also check out the side stand wires.

Thanks again!

 

If I can add to Terry's good suggestions. Have a very close look at Main Fuse B 30amp and its wiring, located near your Starter Relay. This fuse and its wiring can suffer badly from overheating, bad high resistance joints and burnt wiring, the inline splice in the fuse line is also a weak link. Main Fuse B is the power source for all your EFI stuff, and can be a cause of your symptoms.
Good Luck.

 

Following the advise given, I pulled the fairings and checked every connector on the bike. Cleaned those that needed cleaning and added dielectric grease to each of them. Also added a ground strap to the R/R. Put the bike back together and took it out for an hour and it seems like we are on to something. The bike ran flawlessly.

I would like to replace the R/R and stator with an aftermarket one and I am curious as to what others are using?

Thanks to those who chimed in to help as this issue was pretty frustrating.

 

I had a similar issue and did all you’ve suggested, turned out to be a loose battery connection. The only thing I didn’t check before throwing in the towel and taking it to a bike shop. Kicked myself afterwards as it was such a simple issue!

I had no fault codes no nothing. Just go clean your terminals re grease with dielectric grease and make sure they’re tight.


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I have had good luck with electrical items from ElectroSport and Rick's.

 

My reg rec is still the original 2002 OE one and still going strong, however, the back box on the exhaust finally gave in last week after 173,000miles which was disappointing but you can’t have it all can you

Saying that, the new system and end cans came to an eye watering £730.00………eek!


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