Dealing with motorcycle backfire is a massive problem for many riders. Not giving careful attention of backfire would result in sparks and explosion of your motorcycle.
To fix the problem of motorcycle backfiring. There are different ways to fix motorcycle backfire and the causes behind this annoying issue on the exhaust pipe.
Why do Motorcycles Backfire?
Motorcycle backfire occurs at the exhaust pipes when the motorcycle is running. The running of the motorcycle happens when the engine gets too much fuel or air. A motorcycle backfire makes a loud sound that you can hear either popping or banging.
You probably have asked why does my motorcycle backfire. The reason why motorcycles backfire is that the combustion of the fuel should happen in the combustion chamber. This happens when the combustion occurs at the outside of the combustion chamber which in this case is your bike is burning fuel and exploding where it should not be.
This burning of the fuel is dangerous which results in sparks and even explosion. Another reason behind the backfire is due to the system malfunction that occurs by incomplete combustion where the fuel ignites by the heat of the exhaust.
The two main reason of motorcycle backfire is:
– Running too rich: the engine starves of air and becomes swamped with fuel.
– Running too lean: the engine starves of fuel and swamped with air.
Other reasons behind the occurrence of motorcycle backfire due to:
- Incorrect timing
- Too much fuel
- Loose exhaust pipe
- Too short of exhaust
- Too little fuel
- Intermittent spark
What Causes a Motorcycle to Backfire?
Since backfire is very bad for your motorcycle, it can get worse over time if you do not know the causes of a loud popping or banging sound.
If unaddressed, this would cause severe damage to your bike engine’s exhaust and would worsen your motorcycle engine over time, resulting in engine malfunction.
Motorcycle backfire can happen on the start engine, deaccelaration and acceleration that creates many causes to different components of your bike.
Here I am going to indicate the most common causes of motorcycle backfire happening to your bike. The common causes of backfiring are:
- Exhaust upgrade
- Incorrect jetting
- Poor fuel grade
- Dirty carburetor
Exhaust Upgrade
An exhaust upgrade is the main cause of backfire of your exhaust pipe. If you have bought a second-hand motorcycle that has an aftermarket, exhaust fitted is the main problem of your exhaust backfires. Most aftermarket exhaust designed to extract additional performance but rarely works with standard jetting.
Incorrect Jetting
Incorrect jetting is another issue when riders face with backfiring. If your bike has never jetted properly or not jetted correctly, this is the cause of backfire. Incorrect jetting occurs when humidity or elevation affects the performance of the bike. Besides, the buildup of residues in the jet becomes dirty over time which is the reason for backfiring, preventing the engine to run smoothly.
Most motorcycle manufacturers have EU or US motorcycle model that these bikes will jet differently. If you have a bike that jetted for one level of elevation and humidity, using the correct jetting will solve the issue.
Poor fuel grade
The grade of the fuel must fit correctly to your motorcycle fuel engine and so is the model of your bike. The higher the motorcycle’s performance, the higher-grade fuel it will use. The reason behind is that a higher performance engine is less reliable. Even the smallest internal change will affect the output dramatically. If you have used the wrong grade fuel, this is another issue for backfire on the exhaust.
Dirty carburetor
The carburetor is the main component that flows the fuel smoothly for allowing a smooth and safe ride. The carburetor clogs with dirt and other residues that prevent the fuel to flow smoothly and occurs backfiring. Even a single bit of dirt in the carb would create backfire at the exhaust. To prevent motorcycle backfire is to clean the carburetor.
How to Fix Motorcycle Backfire on your Bike ?
There are different solutions to fix and prevent another motorcycle backfire on your exhaust. To prevent hearing an irritating sound of your bike, there are solutions on how to stop motorcycle exhaust popping. The list of possible solutions mention below:
1. Clean your air filter regularly
This is the simplest solution to prevent backfire and avoid debris clogging onto the air filter. A buildup of air filter causes the engine’s ability to take in new air. This is where the engine functions to keep the air clean. To prevent motorcycle backfire is to check and clean your air filter regularly. If you want to ride in muddy tracks, you will have to check that often as well.
2. Keep your carburetor clean
Having a dirty carburetor is the main problem of backfiring of your exhaust. To clean the carburetor is to use a high-grade carburetor cleaner spray. A lean running engine will add the gas pressure to the exhaust system. It is highly advisable to have regular inspection of the carb to keep the engine functioning properly.
3. Keep your jets clean and fitted correctly
Jets are another main component that tends to clog with dirt over time. This prevents the fuel from flowing through the engine properly where motorcycle backfire on deceleration occurs. To fix backfiring is to keep your jets clean and make sure the jets fitted properly onto your bike.
4. Change your fuel grade
Changing your fuel grade helps to stop the popping or banging noise of your exhaust. Using a low fuel grade causes the fuel lines to buildup of debris. This buildup wipes away by using a high-grade fuel. Using a higher-grade fuel helps to keep your gas tank clean preventing dirt. To change your fuel grade is to check the model of your bike and check the manual’s recommendations to verify the fuel grade of your bike.
5. Use a fuel injector cleaner
If you ride a fuel-injected motorcycle, you must use a high-grade injector cleaner that helps to get rid of debris and any other gunk that builds up on the fuel lines. This solution is something that needs to take precautions and must done frequently. To use the right type of injector cleaner is to refer to the owner’s manual for your motorcycle. Using a good quality fuel injector cleaner will allow a smooth ride.
Conclusion
Here are the useful guides on dealing with motorcycle backfire. You can see there are simple solutions to fix backfiring of your exhaust. To fix the problem behind backfiring is to check the causes and use the solutions by referring to the list above. Once you have fixed backfiring, you will never going to hear another popping or banging sound of your motorcycle again!
So fix your vehicle of motorcycle backfire and enjoy a smooth ride!
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