Laid down, now it won't run right

[RazorRaiser]

I decided to be nice and go back on my solomn oath to never let a friend on my bike again. So of course, the first thing that a$shole does is lay it down :/

He went to start, jerked the throttle, and laid the bike down to the left at pretty much a stand still. The shift lever hit the ground and somehow went up to fourth, and the left cylinder (I have a Honda CX500) hit as well. The bike was on it's side maybe five seconds. Now the engine has trouble running at idle speed, and I swear it looks c0ck-eyed, but that might be in my head.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what to look for first, or would it be better to just start taking things apart from the top down?

[MOKE1K]

I would check your air filter just as a precaution. Anytime a bike tips over fuel will leak into the air filter and depending on the configuration of the motor sometimes the soak fest can be worse. I'd empty the bowls, check the oil level and fire it up.

What is the problem at idle. A little explanation would be nice.

[MOKE1K]

And dude like really? That's like the number one rule in the motorcycle hand book, don't let anyone ride it!!! Sheesh;{

[RazorRaiser]

When the engine idles successfully, it runs just barely high enough to keep going. Otherwise it'll die as if the idle speed is too low or it's not getting enough gas.

I'll check that filter, though. I sure hope it's something easy like not enough air.

[acecycleins]

Just throw it away and get another. They're only $600.

[The_AirHawk]

The Wife had this problem when she dumped her EX500 once - just rev it out, - there's air in some of the circuits, might even be one of the slides is sticking a bit. Once everything seats again, it should be OK.

Now, if there are any KNOCKING sounds, something came loose.

NINJA EDIT: And DON'T LET ANYONE ELSE RIDE YOUR BIKE - UNLESS YOU'RE RIDIN' THEIRS AT THE SAME TIME!

[MOKE1K]

Originally Posted by RazorRaiser

When the engine idles successfully, it runs just barely high enough to keep going. Otherwise it'll die as if the idle speed is too low or it's not getting enough gas.

I'll check that filter, though. I sure hope it's something easy like not enough air.

Have you tried turning up the idle manually? See what happens.

[pushrod]

AFA the turning radius, the forks may have twisted in the triple trees.

If you can unload the front end, do so, and then loosen the tree clamp bolts and (probably with your 'friend' holding the front wheel), twist the handlebar back into alignment.

Make sure the two tubes are the same height before you re-tighten the clamp bolts.

And don't overtorque the bolts. They're probably steel in aluminum threads.

[sarnali2]

Originally Posted by MOKE1K

Have you tried turning up the idle manually? See what happens.

If the idle was good before it should be good now. Number 1 rule of troubleshooting, right after never start a land war in Asia, is treat the problem, not the symptom. Poor idle speed after a drop is a symptom. You need to find out and correct the problem, that will erase the symptom not the other way around.

I think you're on the right track about saturating the air filter, also might have knocked 25 years worth of crud loose in one of the float bowls or jarred one of them enough to stick.

[pushrod]

I just re-read the OP.

The issue (obviously) is not right turns, it is the engine not running right.

A 'correct' vs. 'Starboard' thing, if you will.

So... Never mind!


Carry on!