Engine occasionally quits at idle. Problem??

[gordon]

I've just accquired a 2000 r1100r. The previous owner mentioned that the engine would sometimes quit while he was stopped and idling at traffic lights. The motor would start right back up. No problems with surging though. Wonder what would cause this? Otherwise, the bike runs fine. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Gordon

[NoRRmad]

What's the idle speed? Should be 1100RPM, more or less. If it's too low, the engine is riding on the edge of having internal drag (from circulating oil, spinning gears, cams, etc.) drop it off the torque curve into a stall.

That is: if the torque generated at the idle speed isn't enough to overcome various frictions, the RPM's keep dropping until the engine stops.

[gordon]

Thanks, NoRRmad. I'll check it out. -.G

[R4R&R]

You recently got the bike, and I take it you don't know any history of it? I would drain/refill the fuel (see if it smells 'normal'), check the sparkplugs and air filter for starters. Something else to look at is the engine oil, but that will not cause the condition you mention.

It could be a 'hall' sensor giving out but I'm not sure of an easy way to check them.

Let us know what it turns out to be if you find it.

[gordon]

Thanks, John. I'll look into the hall sensor. -G.