Help please, My bike dies in traffic

I own a 2003 VFR 800. It's been running great for a long time. Just once couple years ago, it started loosing power on the freeway at around 50 mph. The rpm drops and it feels like it's having trouble getting fuel. The temperature was normal (less than 190F). But as soon as I pull over and let go of the gas, it shuts off right away (doesn't idle).

Then the problem never showed up. Then again it happend on a expressway at around 50mph (with a full tank of fuel - just refueled to the brink) after 5 -10 mins of refueling. I stopped at a stop light and the bike shuts off. I had to pull over and then wait for minute or two and it started back again right away. I took it for service and explained to them. They suspected that I probably filled up too much gas and it was blocking the fuel vent. But I've been always filling up too much away for years and never had a problem. They did a regular 12K service and all was well for while (just been a month).

Then recently again, just few days ago, I was on the freeway at around 80mph. After 20 mins or so around that speed, suddenly I felt like I was loosing power. if I let go of the gas a bit, the bike felt as if I was braking, like almost loosing fuel. I had a full fuel tank (not so full, but below the neck). Temperature was less than 175f. No oil issues or such. So I pulled over in the next 1/2 mile on the freeway. As soon as I let go of the gas, it shutdown immediately without even idling. Then I waited for a minute and started it up and it was fine. Everytime I have this issue, it starts up right away. And then I reduce the speed and keep it around or less than 50mph on the streets and it was fine.
I asked the service person about it and have an appt this wednesday. They're not sure. They said they'll do a fuel pressure test.
Any suggestions or help would be great. In a week or two, I'm planning on a long ride. I don't want to be in any trouble.

Thanks

 

Blocked tank vent?

That sounds like the fuel tank isn't venting. If you have a spare key put it in the fuel filler cap and the next time this happens, pop the cap open. If it the problem clears up, you'll know the tank isn't venting. Either a blocked vent in the cap or a pinched vent hose. Have you had the tank off lately?
Good luck troubleshooting!
Craig

 

Sounds like your Tech is headed in the right direction. But, if your fuel pump is working the way it's supposed to when they test, the test will probably come back OK. I've seen fuel pumps with intermittant problems test great, until they fail. Are you turning the ignition off then back on when you restart? That would reset the EFI system and may be way it restarts right away.

Brad

 

I agree with the above. After reading your description and assuming it is accuratly described I would have looked to the fuel pump. The vent hose also being a possibility, you have been given a cheap test to perform to check for that. If that test passes, you probably have a clogged or pinched vent tube. Otherwise, you may have a fuel pump issue. I think that is like a $270 repair and you can do the swap yourself. Remember to purchase a new gasket while you are under there.

 

Thanks everyone

I'll make all these suggestion to the service folks and hope all will be well.
thanks.