Hi guys,
I've got an 89 xt600 that I've had for 2 years and haven't been able to get the carb dialed right yet. It's been good enough to ride but at wide open throttle (and close to it) it sputters and hesitates, especially when I have the weight of a passenger. I've tried some slight variations in the main jet, increasing the float level a little, have new boots and can't detect any air leaks. The bike is stock except for the baffles are removed from the factory exhaust.
Should I continue to experiment with the main jet and float level or should I play with needle height? If so would it be the needle on the left or right side? Other adjustments I should consider?
Thanks in advance!
PK
Bike is hesitating at wide open throttle
- xtrider
- Financial

- Posts: 550
- Joined: Mon Jun 17, 2013 11:21 pm
- What Bike or Bikes Do You Own?: 88 XT600 Yamaha , , 525XC KTM, '96 Kawasaki KLX650 , '05 Suzuki DRZ400, Suzuki LTR450
- Previously Owned Bikes: 91 DR 650 Suzuki, 81 DS250 Suzuki, 73 ?250 Yamaha ,05 KLR650 , '02 DR650 Suzuki, Honda XL600R
- Location: Wisconsin, USA
Re: Bike is hesitating at wide open throttle
Make sure the secondary carb's butterfly is fully open at wot , or that it isn't going past flat and actually closing too much to restrict airflow . 120 mains in both carbs are what I'm running IIRC , if 125 or 118 in the right carb(secondary) doesn't clean it up then it may be another issue like the pick-up coil or cdi that's giving issue . Could even be the compression is getting low so it can't run efficient up top . I'd do a compression test or leakdown test to see just what the health of the motor is at least .
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'08 Husqvarna TE510 .. //..'05 Suzuki DRZ470 stroker bbore..//..'95 & '96 Kawasaki KLX650 ..//..'88 XT600 ..//.. '86XT600(body)3TB hi comp motor ..//.. '06 Suzuki LTR450 ..//
'09 525XC KTM .. //.. '85 XT600/660 (660 Raptor bottom)
'09 525XC KTM .. //.. '85 XT600/660 (660 Raptor bottom)
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motorang
- Halfway there

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- What Bike or Bikes Do You Own?: XT600Z 1VJ
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Re: Bike is hesitating at wide open throttle
Sounds like there is not enough air or fuel at highest load.
Is the air filter an original one or some aftermarket 2-layer thing?
Have you checked with fuel tank lid off?
Extra inline fuel filters?
Fuel pump already bypassed?
Fuel line without any sharp bends?
Did you check the tank (fuel filters inside) and fuel taps for good flow?
Is this the same no matter if the tank is full or near empty?
You have checked the scondary carbs membrane for any wear?
Connector tubes between carbs are fine? Same for tube to inlet boot?
Andy
Is the air filter an original one or some aftermarket 2-layer thing?
Have you checked with fuel tank lid off?
Extra inline fuel filters?
Fuel pump already bypassed?
Fuel line without any sharp bends?
Did you check the tank (fuel filters inside) and fuel taps for good flow?
Is this the same no matter if the tank is full or near empty?
You have checked the scondary carbs membrane for any wear?
Connector tubes between carbs are fine? Same for tube to inlet boot?
Andy
Chop your own wood and it will warm you twice (Henry Ford)
- Chucky55
- On the ladder

- Posts: 130
- Joined: Thu Nov 10, 2011 11:14 pm
- What Bike or Bikes Do You Own?: XT600 49L 1985
XT600e 1991 ex Aus. ARMY
Just got 1977 YZ 125 smoker - Previously Owned Bikes: BSA bantam 1954
- Location: Melbourne, Australia
Re: Bike is hesitating at wide open throttle
It may be silly, but have you done the side stand switch, vibration may cause cutout.
I'm not getting older; I'm progressing through "LIFE"
Not every thing you read on the internet can be trusted----- Abraham Lincon
Not every thing you read on the internet can be trusted----- Abraham Lincon
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earthlin
- No Gold Stars Yet

- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Jun 20, 2017 12:16 am
- What Bike or Bikes Do You Own?: 1989 XT600
1980 XT500 - Previously Owned Bikes: 1978 XT500
1989 BMW R100GS
1979 BMW R100S
1977 Kawasaki KZ400 - Location: Connecticut
Re: Bike is hesitating at wide open throttle
Thanks for the tips guys, I'll be back with the bike this weekend and will try your suggestions. I realized that the manual I have is for 1990-95 models. Is there a PDF online of a manual for 1989?
Thanks again,
Peter
Thanks again,
Peter
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Jens Eskildsen
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- Location: Denmark
Re: Bike is hesitating at wide open throttle
It sure sounds like its a rich condition.
Any news?
Any news?
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Kedishen
- No Gold Stars Yet

- Posts: 9
- Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2017 10:34 pm
- What Bike or Bikes Do You Own?: ´99 XT 600 E
- Location: Albufeira, Portugal
Re: Bike is hesitating at wide open throttle
New air filter cured these symptoms on my bike. I need a new one every 3-4 months cus of the vast amounts of dust in portugal.