Hi, I’m Naman – a passionate motorcycle rider who loves heading out on long road trips every couple of weeks. With every ride, I make sure to check all vital components of my motorbike. Still, during my recent experiences, I faced a frustrating issue that many riders can relate to: motorbike losing power, especially while accelerating or pushing the throttle hard.
Let’s talk about what happened, and how I identified the problem.
The Ride That Revealed the Problem
Over the past three months, I completed two rides. Before my first one, I checked the spark plug. It looked great – minimal dust, very little carbon. I gave it a quick clean and reinstalled it. That ride went smooth.
Two weeks later, I had a second ride planned. Unfortunately, I fell ill. A fellow rider used my Royal Enfield Bullet 350 EFI during my recovery. He rode it in the hills for a week, with two pillions on board. That’s right: three people on a bike not built for that kind of load.
Worse, I realized later that I hadn’t checked the tire pressure. It was likely below 20 psi, meaning more strain on the engine and drivetrain. They rode the bike hard in the hills – up and down steep climbs, likely at high RPMs.
Also Read: DIY Motorcycle Chain Maintenance: How to Clean & Lubricate
Noticed the Loss of Power
When the bike was returned, I took it out and immediately felt something was off. The throttle response had dulled, and the bike struggled at high RPM. I noticed my motorcycle losing power when accelerating. I assumed it was due to low fuel. I topped up the tank, but the issue didn’t go away.
What followed was a week of frustration.
I checked the fuel pump, relays, even battery health. Everything was fine. Yet the bike continued showing signs of motorcycle loss of power at full throttle.
Diagnosing the Real Culprit
Finally, I removed the spark plug again. What I saw was a plug caked with carbon and completely dry. It hadn’t been changed in over 15,000 km. In total, this was only the second spark plug in my bike’s 50,000 km life. But it had clearly had enough.
Under load – especially while riding with three people uphill – the engine needed to work harder. The already aged spark plug couldn’t cope, causing poor ignition. That’s when I realized the importance of this small component in preventing a motorcycle losing power at high RPM.
What Happens When a Motorcycle Loses Power
This issue isn’t uncommon. Many riders face motorcycle loss of power at full throttle, particularly if their rides are older or frequently used in extreme conditions. Common causes include:
- Clogged air filters
- Faulty spark plugs
- Dirty fuel injectors
- Worn-out clutch plates
- Low tire pressure increasing load
Each of these can make your motorcycle lose power at high RPM, or cause jerks when accelerating.
Fixing the Issue
I replaced the spark plug, checked the air filter (it was slightly dusty, so I cleaned it), and inflated the tires to the recommended PSI.
The difference was immediate.
Throttle response improved. The engine sounded healthier. That annoying power lag at high speeds was gone.
Final Words
If your motorcycle loses power at full throttle, don’t panic. Instead, go through your checklist:
- Fuel system
- Air intake
- Spark plug
- Tyre pressure
Sometimes, a basic issue like a worn-out spark plug can bring your rides to a frustrating halt. Learn from my experience. Take good care of your machine, especially after someone else has ridden it.
After all, a well-maintained bike is more than just metal – it’s an extension of you on the road.
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