Hornet 900 or similar bikes - problems with smelly exhausts?

[The End]

With the high mounted stock pipes on my Hornet 900, I am finding that my pack rack bag is beginning to STINK of petrol/fumes. So much so that when the bag was in my room the other night, I was getting a bad headache from the residual fumes. I ride with the pack rack bag on 80% of the time, so it is really starting to get quite bad.

Just wondering if any one else has experienced this issue before and has advice? I've read online people suggest getting new pipes, however I don't quite have the money for that...:(

[Drew]

Couple things. You're bike is running too rich if the bags stink of fuel that was coming out of the pipes. Also, I can't see how the bags would be rearward of the exhaust exits.

Anyhoo, fix it like this...

[The End]

Couple things. You're bike is running too rich if the bags stink of fuel that was coming out of the pipes. Also, I can't see how the bags would be rearward of the exhaust exits.

Anyhoo, fix it like this...


I don't have money for new exhausts...

From Googling it appears that when riding, a negative pressure is created behind the rider and to the exhausts, where the fumes are being circulated frontwards by magic of physics. I have my Ventura bag sitting on the seat and slotted into the rear facing frame, so you're right - the bag doesn't hang over the exhaust but is somehow still smelling like it.

As for running too rich - I have only had the bike a week and haven't tampered with it - Is there another way to tell if it is too rich? (don't want to go changing things on small suspicion)

[Drew]

Fuel consumption would be the easiest way to checm if it's super rich.

That pipe on my old one was free, but I have a welder.

Are your pipes standard?

[nzspokes]

Welcome to Hornets. You get stinky. Its what they do.

Only real fix is going to low mount. Like I did.

[nzspokes]

Fuel consumption would be the easiest way to checm if it's super rich.

That pipe on my old one was free, but I have a welder.

Are your pipes standard?

Even with dyno tuned PC2s they still do it.

[Drew]

Even with dyno tuned PC2s they still do it.

Mine spent it's time with me, WFO. So it was black as all over the back.

[The End]

Fuel consumption would be the easiest way to checm if it's super rich.

That pipe on my old one was free, but I have a welder.

Are your pipes standard?

Yep - standard pipes.

Filled up twice today (nice weather riding) and calculated 7.14L/100km.

[nzspokes]

Yep - standard pipes.

Filled up twice today (nice weather riding) and calculated 7.14L/100km.

Slow down Rossi.

I got mid 5l/100 on mine. Probably time for anew aircleaner.

[The End]

Slow down Rossi.

I got mid 5l/100 on mine. Probably time for anew aircleaner.

Well that was doing some 'spirited' riding today... :cool:

I only have 3 fuel ups documented. The average is 6.82L/100km. Best I've had so far was 6.54L/100kms. If you're getting 5L/100km I am very jealous - even Wikipedia's bike description says 6.4-6.11L/100km

Here's a pic of the end of the pipes which I've read can be indicative of mixture settings.

[nzspokes]

Bafflectomy is required.

Hornets always have sooty pipes. Check your air cleaner. And drain the airbox at the same time.

[Gremlin]

I would say your bike is running rich. They do have a choke on the left side of the bike, which you never need to use.

Since I'm not mechnically minded, I'd say take it for a service and check over. That all said, yes, the twin pipes in close proximity do cause a circulation of dirty air around the arse end (things like the licence plate get dirty quickly). I use a top box that always sits on the bike, so can't comment on that.

[The End]

I would say your bike is running rich. They do have a choke on the left side of the bike, which you never need to use.

Since I'm not mechnically minded, I'd say take it for a service and check over. That all said, yes, the twin pipes in close proximity do cause a circulation of dirty air around the arse end (things like the licence plate get dirty quickly). I use a top box that always sits on the bike, so can't comment on that.

Yea I've had no issues starting it up in the cold weather in the mornings. Turns over right away and idles perfectly. Is changing the air/fuel mixture a case of finding a screw or is it more complicated with these FI computerised bikes?

[nzspokes]

Yea I've had no issues starting it up in the cold weather in the mornings. Turns over right away and idles perfectly. Is changing the air/fuel mixture a case of finding a screw or is it more complicated with these FI computerised bikes?

Only way is a power commander. Its early and basic FI on Hornets. Basics,air cleaner plugs etc.

I never used choke on mine.

[The End]

Only way is a power commander. Its early and basic FI on Hornets. Basics,air cleaner plugs etc.

I never used choke on mine.

Bugger me more money I don't have! Well first thing I will try is to give the air cleaner and things mentioned earlier a look and clean. Then we'll have to see about the power commander.

[nzspokes]

Bugger me more money I don't have! Well first thing I will try is to give the air cleaner and things mentioned earlier a look and clean. Then we'll have to see about the power commander.

Dont worry about a power commander. And worry more about the fuel economy once your more used to riding it. But yes check the filter. I suspect that could be the cause. Also if your open road a lot and economy is an issue go +1 on the front sprocket. It fixes the speedo error on the Hornet as well.

[Banditbandit]

As for running too rich - I have only had the bike a week and haven't tampered with it - Is there another way to tell if it is too rich? (don't want to go changing things on small suspicion)

Pull a spark plug - if it's shining and clean it's running fine - if it's black and oily it's running rich ..

[Drew]

Pull a spark plug - if it's shining and clean it's running fine - if it's black and oily it's running rich ..

Not the case these days. With all the adiditves to get the octane in fuel, ya nearly need a magnifying glass to read the very base of the electrode only. The general colour of the plug is of little consequence.

[Banditbandit]

Not the case these days. With all the adiditves to get the octane in fuel, ya nearly need a magnifying glass to read the very base of the electrode only. The general colour of the plug is of little consequence.

Ya learn something new every day ....

I spent most of the 70s and a fair portion of the 80s keeping bikes on the road .. Nowadays I enjoy riding my bike into the shop and saying "fix it - I'll pick it up after work!" So all my knowledge is OLD .. (I'm pretty good with Meridian Triumphs and BSAs tho' ...)