1996 bandit 250 bogs down.

[GOONR]

A mate of mine has had two Bandit 250s (First one was run over by a cager) and I tried using it, it needed a hell of alot of balls to get off the line in any sort of hurry, or it would be stuck under 3000ish much as yours does.

His first one would puff some white smoke at higher RPM. They seem to run hellishly rich, He couldn't even start it one cold night at about 10-11. Had to wait till morning (and get a tow in the mean time).

I wouldn't go too far without a filter, or at least put stocking material over where the filter was. That might actually be a pretty good short range test, instead of bogging, it should feel reluctant instead, more like engine braking.

If I ride it home normally then take the filter off while it's still hot I'd only need to go about 1k up the road to be able to tell if it makes made any difference.

I'm going to give the carb cleaning a bash over the weekend, just will have to take my time and make sure they go back together again!

[meowmix]

Good onya. You just need a good screwdriver set, pliers etc. and remember to be gentle with everything, float levers bend pretty easily and diaphragms are pretty good at tearing. Then only do one at a time, or have an egg carton handy to store the bits seperately. Good Luck withit.

[nadroj]

"I wouldn't go too far without a filter, or at least put stocking material over where the filter was". - Bad idea - stocking will not let enough air flow thru just the same as a clogged filter!

[GOONR]

"I wouldn't go too far without a filter, or at least put stocking material over where the filter was". - Bad idea - stocking will not let enough air flow thru just the same as a clogged filter!

That surprises me, maybe my filter is poo then, it's not like filthy black but it's not white by any means!

Oh, I finished work late so didn't try taking the filter out and go for a blat, thats a job for tomorrow morning now.

[meowmix]

"I wouldn't go too far without a filter, or at least put stocking material over where the filter was". - Bad idea - stocking will not let enough air flow thru just the same as a clogged filter!

Crap, I didn't actually think a stocking was more restrictive than an old paper element filter! Guess theres nothing left but to wait for a clear pollen free day.

[CookMySock]

Guess theres nothing left but to wait for a clear pollen free day.

Pollen wont hurt it. It's sucking up a pebble flicked up by a tyre and jamming an inlet valve open, only to be collected by a piston.. THAT will hurt it.

Steve

[GOONR]

Ok,

When I looked at the carbs they have obviously been given a really good clean when they where balance, spotless inside. Tried it without the air filter, not much difference really. So I moved the needles down a notch, runs much much better now. The thing is they are now on the last notch, I guess this means that I have just masked the real issue.

Edit: The top was quite loose on one of the carbs and the rubber boots weren't that tight either.

[meowmix]

Good that its running better with the dropped needles, and kind of points to the other end as the problem with the non-filter run showing little gain. Maybe you could take the headers off and see if there is excess carbon in the head or headers? The hunt starts to get vague when the intake is fine.

[GOONR]

Good that its running better with the dropped needles, and kind of points to the other end as the problem with the non-filter run showing little gain. Maybe you could take the headers off and see if there is excess carbon in the head or headers? The hunt starts to get vague when the intake is fine.

I wouldn't be surprised if there is crap in the headers, judging by the tail of the pipe.

How would I clean that out?

Cheers meowmix.

[CookMySock]

I'd give it a good hour-long run now, and see what it did. Don't cane it hard, just a nice open road cruise at the speed limit. See if the exhaust colour clears up a bit.

If, ten minutes down the road it didn't feel right, then come back.

Steve

[GOONR]

You mean I have to go for a ride, Oh well, if I have to.

[Ragingrob]

And you checked all the jets were completely clear?

[GOONR]

And you checked all the jets were completely clear?

Looked Ok to my untrained eye.

[Ragingrob]

Looked Ok to my untrained eye.

I thought I cleaned the carbs out properly on the growler but it was still bogging down like anything. Didn't realise I was actually meant to remove the jet needles and fully clean them out too haha I'd just cleaned the carb bowls. So I blew out the jet needle until could see right through it cleanly and the bike was mint.

[meowmix]

Yep to clean the carbs well you pretty much need to remove anything that you can. Then clean with a very soft brush fresh petrol or carb cleaner, and blow down all the oles you can find with compressed air, taking care to not damage anything.
A good long ride should help clear up a bit of the zorst if its clogged with freshish stuff, but carbon does build up over time and if thats the problem no amount of riding will get rid of it. I haven't removed any myself, most just say you need to physically remove it. That might mean a small stiff plastic brush? Maybe a brush dremel bit? But I'd test it on some scrap alum to make sure it doesn't score it.