Just bought K3 with only 15000 miles. Love the bike but mates complain about black smoke when I gun it. Bought from an old boy who probably was light on the throttle. My first thoughts are :
1. Fill up with Shell 99.
2. Try to Italian tune up down the motorway for 20 minutes.
3. Take to local tuners and dyno it and install PCV or Yoshi tune.
Any views ?
Cheers.
I'd start by checking the air filter to see how dirty it is. May be as simple as that.
Usually an introduction before questions Mate.Change the oil, if its been overfuelling a while itll be no good, add fuel additive, check air filter, a decent hard ride. If it fixed, all good. If not, then plan B, lots to check.
G'day mate and welcome to the nuthouse 😵�💫
First post probably should be an intro and maybe a pic of your new ride.
You've received some pretty good advice I think. 🧐 Try it and let us know how you get on please 🙏
So first stop is always a full engine sevice with plugs and air filter (use a good 10w40 semi synthetic motorcycle oil only) strip and clean the fuel pump (have a look theough the threads on how to) before you do anything else .
It sounds counter intuitive but check the teabag & possibly replace the high pressure filter.
Poor fuel pressure causes a terrible spray pattern from the injectors so the fuel doesn't burn properly. I was told mine did a little black smoke years ago when nailed, the above fixed it.
Whatever it is is doesn't need a PCV or anything else to bodge it. These bikes don't smoke when running right so it needs fixing properly before you consider any modifications.
Quote from: seth on Sunday, 04 May 2025, 06:56 PMSo first stop is always a full engine sevice with plugs and air filter (use a good 10w40 semi synthetic motorcycle oil only) strip and clean the fuel pump (have a look theough the threads on how to) before you do anything else .
As written by Seth, semi synthetic is best. Always thought full synthetic was better despite Seth's advice but with full synthetic the bike uses oil and with semi synthetic it doesn't. Bike did run smoother on full synthetic. Comment has nothing to do with the black smoke, just wanted to mention it so you don't waist money on the wrong oil.
Thanks guys - I will go through the list before I consider the PC5 or Yoshi.
By way of introduction I am new to Suzuki GSX 1400 ownership but absolutely love the bike. I do quite a bit of touring both in Europe and South Africa and, although I am an old boy of 75, I plan on doing a lot more. Previously I have had KTMs and been very pleased with them but last September I was on a tour in France and the bike just stopped - a 3 month old 1290 Adventure S. Towed to the local KTM dealer who spent 5 days looking it over and couldn't fix it. I flew home leaving the other guys to carry on with the tour and had the bike recovered and sent to my local dealer in Oxford. It was just another electrical gremlin. I know this can happen to any bike but I decided to tour on a bike in future that has minimum electronic wizadry and a reputation for longevity , simplicity but oozes character. That is where the Suzuki came in. Initially I was a bit worried about the weight but so far not had a problem and it is nice not to have all that plastic in front of you. I still find it a bit hard to get on the centre stand but `I guess there is a technique that I have to learn.
My technique for the centre stand is to take it off & sling it in the garage.
Yes there is a technique to putting it on the centre stand, don't try to muscle it onto it. It helps if you weigh more than 50kg soaking wet too . . .
Stand beside the bike, hold on to both handle bar grips, push the main stand to the ground with your right foot, (this is the important bit) put your boot onto the sticking out horn piece of the stand (that you pushed it down with) put all your weight onto your right foot whilst carefully but meaningfully pulling back on the bars. The bike will rock back, up & over onto the stand.
t's a very easy thing to do once you get the hang of it. It's just technique, so practice it. You'll find it takes no effort at all when you do it right.
I stand facing the bike & use the lower frame rail on the left as a handle to lift the bike as it rocks backwards, just needs a little momentum.
Also check for oil in the air box. There is a drain (the one with a plug) hanging down in the vicinity of the main stand.