Abrupt throttle response on '05

[under2x]

Howdy,

I've put over 9k miles on my '05 sprint st, and enjoy the bike quite a lot. After my dealer changed out the front break caliper, the only major complaint I have left is the throttle response... I've looked through some of the posts but couldn't find anything.

When throttling on (especially noticeable in first gear) I have to use the clutch otherwise the engine engages with such force that it scares me coming out of a tight turn... Has anyone else had this problem? Some background here, my previous bikes were a '01 R1, and a '02 ZX9R, so I have some experience.

On a side note, GIVI hard bags or the triumph ones?

[under2x]

my beauty:

[Beach]

First the luggage question - GIVI with SW Motech metal work. The factory Triumph luggage is crap.

Second, the throttle response you describe I think is a characteristic of the 05 ST fuel injection system. I experience something similar on my 05 ST. I thought it was me, but I dont experience anything like it on any other bike.

You're riding along, shut the throttle, the revs are dying, then you need power again. As you roll on from the fully closed throttle position, nothing happens, then suddenly the power hits as if you had just snapped the throttle open. In a straight line, its annoying, exiting a corner its a bit scary.

My solution is to slip the clutch or in the case of cornering, make sure the throttle is open before you enter the corner. This is the correct technique anyway (source Keith Code - Twist of the Wrist) so its a good reminder that I got my cornering technique wrong when it happens.

I have asked my dealer about it and apparently theres nothing that can be done short of getting an ignition mapping guru to reprogramme the mapping.

Brett.

[whoosh]

Welcome from across the pond.

Have you considered the possibility that first gear for those "tight turns" you refer to may not be the most appropriate gear to be using? The clue is that you are getting more accelleration than you want. Try them in second... or don't turn the throttle quite so much.

or

It may also be related to the fact that your previous sports bikes, though high in BHP were not so good in torque - so you are used to working an engine at high rpm to keep in "the power band". Use the triple's torque, it's much better and you don't need to be so enthusiastic with the old revometer

Bags - note the Triumph ones, though really good, will not take a full face helmet, don't know about the GIVI's and of course with appropriate fittings you could keep the GIVIs for your next bike :-)

PS I like the "arty" wheel trim in the tree !

[Simmo]

I have an 06 and previously an 01. Both bikes exhibited the abrupt on off particularly at low speeds. The best you can do is pay particular attention to chain slack and to throttle freeplay. Chain slack is the biggest contributor here. Be careful to adjust it to minumum freeplay by the book at its tightest point during rotation. Check when off the stand at minimum slack to see that you still have some freeplay. Avoid no freeplay or this will play buggery with everything. This should bring about a major improvement. The next thing is your riding technique. At the risk or wearing out rear brake pads try to develop a habit of applying the rear brake when slowing (natural for most of us) but to then keep rear brake pressure on whilst applying throttle or commencing acceleration. Apply a bit of throttle whilst you are still slowing, just a bit, to take up driveline slack. In a u turn or a roundabout or a slow corner keep dragging the rear brake to keep the driveline 'tight' (this is not natural) and the jerkiness will nearly be done with. The driveline is then always 'working' and under tension either under deceleration or accelaration and the transition between the two is undertaken whilst still slowing. Sounds a bit wierd but it works, at least for me. Try this and report back as to your experience.
Cheers, Simmo

[Beach]

I cant speak for under2x, but in my case its happens regardless of gear selection. Its just more noticeable and a bit more savage, in first gear.

Its not about turning the throttle to much, as it only happens at the initial throttle opening.

I'm talking about the first few millimetres, after the throttle has been closed and I'm rolling on very gently to start feeding the power back on.

These symptoms are very similar, although not as bad, to those described by owners of the early Yamaha GTS 1000. Apparently the fuel injection system could be a bit ropey at times and suffered from a "lag". This "lag" was described as similar to that experienced by early turbo systems. In a car, its annoying, on a bike it can be dangerous especially in the wet.

Brett.

[gavinb]

Had exactly the same problem with my 05/06 1050 Beautiful blue Sprint, but had forgotten all the scary moments (especially on roundabouts and slow corners) until you reminded me!
So either after 30,000km I am used to feathering the clutch, or the sport exhaust and 18 tooth sprocket has sort of fixed the issue.
Probably a combination of all of the above.
Cheers Gavin

[iceman]

.. when I first got my bike it had too much freeplay in the throttle and it was a pig to ride at low speed - very snatchy on the throttle.

After getting the slack adjusted out at the 1st service it was much better and is a real delight to ride now.

Grant

[DaveM]

Hi under2x to Triumphrat.net and the Sprint forum.

You have been given good advice by iceman about the throttle slack adjustment and also by beach about gear selection and throttle control.

Enjoy the forum....................

DaveM

[flinders_72]

+ another one for having as little throttle slack as safely possible.