Varadero XL 125V engine popping

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Just had an urgent text from my lad.
He tried starting his Varadero (he push starts it, knackered starter motor). There was a pop from the exhaust, engine started then died.

Tried again, same pop but appears to have it running.

He's trying to get up to York to work atm so that's all the info I have.
I realise it could be a multitude of stuff.

BTW this is the same bike that maybe had an oil issue (cloudy sight glass). Not sure if related but thinking gasket/seal issue? Just don't want to go off in totally wrong direction. Like to eliminate the simple/stupid stuff first.

Any pointers appreciated. Thanks
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[Efes123]

popping sounds like too much fuel getting to the plugs. Carb issue would be my first guess, but stand to be corrected
____________________
Honda Goldwing GL 1000 Current love
Honda VT500 ED - SOLD
Projects Suzuki GS125 Done, then stolen - Kawasaki GPX750R SOLD - Honda VF750S SOLD

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[Efes123]

[Teflon-Mike]

I don't like doing diagnosis by voodoo.... BUT.... exhaust.
Holed header, rotted balence pipe or collector.
Lack of back-pressure, causes the motor to run lean, cos charge escapes down the exhaust on the valve over-lap.
That's when you get coughing and spitting from the pipe.
On start up, short fill in the pot makes starting hard; and when motor does catch.... there's a chunk of unburned charge in the pipe, to get set on fire by hot exhaust when it its it.
And that Vera, I seem to recall is just the right age, for the collector to have rotted. And that that pipe on that bike is a bit of a rot-trap waiting to happen.
Wont lay money on it, and wont say dont do propper logical diagnostics; BUT I would say start by inspecting the exhaust carefully, especially collector.
Awful lot of presumed carburation faults aren't, but are caused in the exhaust.
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My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[Efes123]

I did say I stand to be corrected, and it looks as though I just have been

How you doing Mike, long time no speak
____________________
Honda Goldwing GL 1000 Current love
Honda VT500 ED - SOLD
Projects Suzuki GS125 Done, then stolen - Kawasaki GPX750R SOLD - Honda VF750S SOLD

[Teflon-Mike]

[Teflon-Mike]

[Efes123]

Deffo doing a lot better than you

Sold the Kwaka & the Sabre & bought this : https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=287489&highlight=


____________________
Honda Goldwing GL 1000 Current love
Honda VT500 ED - SOLD
Projects Suzuki GS125 Done, then stolen - Kawasaki GPX750R SOLD - Honda VF750S SOLD

[Teflon-Mike]

[Efes123]

it's the GL 1000, a 1979 I think can't stop smiling, and won't tell you how much it cost as it'll make you sick

Sorry Map, kinda hijacked your thread
____________________
Honda Goldwing GL 1000 Current love
Honda VT500 ED - SOLD
Projects Suzuki GS125 Done, then stolen - Kawasaki GPX750R SOLD - Honda VF750S SOLD

[Teflon-Mike]

Already sick.
Think my lunch just made a bid for freedom as I strained that effing engine out!
GOOD GOD! It 'rolls' out over the right hand frame rail, onto its side
But its OUT!
We can go back to talking Tiddler Twins now.
____________________
My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

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