As I've stated before in other posts. We've had a number of 1330 machines come through with clogged injectors. There are a few reasons our bikes have more problems with this than our cars. The biggest reason is that we don't ride enough (I know I don't!) But this is another issue altogether.
First, most use Ethanol fuel in their Spyder/Ryker.
"But Ron, But Ron! We use the same ethanol fuel in our cars too! And they don't give us any trouble!", you exclaim. True. But do you let your car sit idle over the winter or for weeks at a time during the riding season? Or, worse yet. Do you occasionally go out and let it idle to 'Warm it up' over the winter months without driving it?
Ethanol fuel LOVES water! It collects it like a miner collects gold. This tends to make internal parts rust. Some of the rust will simply clog your fuel filter. But some will be fine enough to slip past and clog your fuel injectors. If possible, run straight gas in your Spyder/Ryker. That's the best. But, if you can't do that, at least fill it with straight gas when in storage. Don't let your Spyder/Ryker sit low on fuel for long periods. The area above the fuel line are more prone to rusting. The larger the open space, the more rust can potentially be created.
Use a fuel stabilizer when storing your ride.
The 2nd issue is 'Bake Off'. This is when you shut down hot. There will be a little bit of fuel at the tip of the fuel injector which gets baked, leaving a tiny bit of carbon. Over time, if this is allowed to build up, you get injector issues.
This one seems to be controversial. (But what isn't these days?) Letting your engine idle for 10 seconds before shutting down in hot conditions can reduce this Bake Off effect. True, a water cooled system handles upper cylinder heat better than an air cooled. But a few seconds of idle (again, after a hot ride) allows the upper cylinder to cool quite a bit. This is not really necessary in cool weather unless you were just riding hard.
Name brand premium fuels have more additives to keep your injectors clean than the lower grades. You may be able to get away with using cheap, off brand fuels in your car. But it probably won't go as well with your Spyder/Ryker long term.
Riding long distances is better than short hops. But this is usually not something you can adjust. Just be aware of it.
For a bike with problems, I like to pour in a full container of Berryman's B-12 or Techron at the gas station. Then fill the tank all the way to the top. This is especially effective if you can use up the full tank of fuel in a single run. If not, try to run close to empty with short trips before refilling. If you use a Techron product. Be sure it isn't one of their concentrate products. If that is what you have, just do the same thing using twice the recommended dosage.
Berryman's makes a product they call 'Fuel System Rejuvenator' that also works well. Part number 7516.
Of course, these measures will not always cure an injector problem. It may be a bad injector or coil giving you issues. We've found those as well. But it is an inexpensive try and may well work for you. If nothing else. It may get you out there to ride more as you try to use up the treated fuel.
If you are not having any fuel system issues. I recommend using 1/2 container of the Berryman's, Techron or Sea Foam every 1,000 miles or so. Less often if you ride a lot. Again, pour in the additive at the gas station and then fill up.
Just a few good habits can really make a big difference in how your ride runs.
