So the new Ninja 636 has been out for a little while and I was wondering if any owners here have been able to get around or potentially solve the slightly choppy throttle you get at low speeds whilst in 1st gear? If you're not careful it can almost be a bit like an on/off switch. Most times I just deal with it, others I just try to baby the clutch some more to mask the effect.
Now don't get me wrong, my previous bike was no saint either so this was just something I got used to over time... and personally I've found it forces you to improve your wrist action by being just that more granular with the throttle.
But I'm curious to hear if this is something that can be solved, or perhaps lessened to a degree. Be it with some tweaks, aftermarket parts (PCV?) or otherwise. Would be great to hear what you guys think
I have noticed this too on my 2013. Adjusting the throttle play helps a bit but not nearly enough. It's really annoying! Reprograming the ecu might be the only option. I'm not sure but maybe the 2014's have a new map.
I have a similar problem with on/off switch throttle at around the 0-5% throttle position and under around 7k RPM in 1st through 3rd. Over 7k and it's pretty smooth. It's annoying in every day riding and does not inspire confidence in the twisties. I took it to the dealer and they took it for a test drive and said this is normal. No way is this normal.
This happens with stock or aftermarket slip-ons, so doesn't seem to be back pressure related.
I've since installed a PCV and will be getting it tuned on Friday which I hope will help. If not, I'll have to try ecu flash. I spoke with the tuner and he said ECU flash wouldn't require a new tune. Not sure if that's accurate.
I'll report back if it solves anything. Good luck with your problem.
Some interesting responses guys, I kinda figured it may be one of those things which you'd have to live with. No biggie
Just for reference if it helps with other owners, my throttle play was slightly reduced but I can't say there was much difference between before and after. My idle's a little higher too, but again - can't really say there's much difference to it.
I've since installed a PCV and will be getting it tuned on Friday which I hope will help. If not, I'll have to try ecu flash. I spoke with the tuner and he said ECU flash wouldn't require a new tune. Not sure if that's accurate.
I'll report back if it solves anything. Good luck with your problem.
Yea the throttle is actually pretty smooth on the 2013 636 to me just a tiny bit choppy but I ride all kinds of bikes on a daily basis and its a lot smoother then some of the other fuel injected bikes!
Also a thing to consider is Kawi put larger injectors on the motor and got rid of the secondary injectors so larger fuel injectors = choppy low throttle response!
Id say raise the idle check the throttle play and make sure the chain is adjusted correctly! Mine is def worse during warm up but once up to temp its pretty smooth I would not change it!
You could be running lean or rich down there. These bike ship from Kawasaki a little lean to try and make the EPA happy. A fuel management system could possibly help iron that out. But, it's obviously going to cost ya :headbang:
Every single one of my sport bikes had that issue. On my 10R, I added block off plates and a reflash and it took most of it away (as mentioned above). Still jerky and touchy though.
Both fuel injected bikes I've owned have been touchy like that. If it ever bothered me (not often) I would just feather the clutch a bit more than usual to smooth it out
I heard Ducati is the worst in terms of choppy throttle and harsh engine braking, hence why they're not the best street bikes.
As far as power commander goes, I had my bike tuned, and it didn't take the choppy throttle away, but everywhere else it got a lot smoother. It has to do with ignition and fuel maps below 2k rpm, It migh be possible to offset 0% throttle value in power commander, but I haven't messed with that yet and don't think I'm going to, I already got used to it.
Just get it into 2nd as quick as possible. First gear will be choppy no matter what. All the play in the driveline is magnified in 1st gear. Treat it like granny gear.
Mine is very choppy, i have a PCV and i got a Dyno. I also went through the recall program to get my new ECU, same issue and it is getting super annoying
I only have about 120 miles on my 636 but in first gear it sometimes kind of cuts out accelerating around 4K rpm or so. I noticed it in TC2 and 3, but not in TC 1 or with TC off. Not sure if its the TC though as I don't notice a light on the dash indicating slipping. The roads have been cold here in RI so maybe it is a bit of slipping. Anyone else have a similar feel in their 636?
Ha. I was just about to post about this. I get what almost feels like a temporary complete loss of power at a very low RPM in first gear. Its very quick abut does make the bike stutter a bit.
I figured it was maybe the TC.
Definitely doesn't feel like something that's supposed to happen.
I was having problems with stalling but increased my idle up a bit and I let the bike warm up before I take off with it. No stalling ever since.
Yeah it might be so quick that no TC light comes on?? My idle is set at 1300-1350. The only time it stalled was out of the crate when it was set at 1100 and set up guy (friend since elementary school) blipped it. Though I only have low miles so hopefully it stays that way.
Like someone else said, a lot of the choppiness is probably due to the drivetrain. I bet checking the chain slack would help. The transmission and chain are all super light so it's always going to be harsh when you go from off throttle to on or vice versa (because the drivetrain can speed up/slow down very quickly), and in low gears it's amplified. It's the same driving a lightweight stick shift car in 1st gear. I could make my Miata buck like a mad bronco in first gear if I went on and off the throttle in 1st; it would also be worse when it was cold. If you rev your bike at idle and there's no delay or choppiness in throttle response then I would imagine the jerkiness you're experiencing is the motor transitioning from power to engine braking very quickly. Try adjusting the slack in the throttle cable and the chain to compensate.
It's simply rider error with throttle control. I don't have the issue. A lot of people say first gear is choppy on any bike. It's throttle control. If you guys feel it's really an issue. Warranty it.
Agreed. I have been trying to be as gentle as possible in 1st gear. It helps when you practice rolling on the throttle (in any gear) as opposed to just grabbing a bunch of throttle to accelerate.
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