So, my 2007 919 has developed a sudden case of stinkiness.
And yes, yes. I know there are a billion threads, and even a poll, about the pungent musk of the 919 that so many have become familiar with.
But my case of 919 funk seems to have started right about the same time our cold weather hit. This past weekend, people were even noticing on the group ride I participated in. I've never noticed it before, and no one from this group had ever complained about it prior to this weekend. I just shrugged and said the 919s were known for being stinky. (The owner of the Honda dealership looked at me like I was nuts when I gave him that reply.)
Aside from lubing the clutch cable, I haven't done anything to the bike lately.
Anyone have thoughts as to why I'm just now being subjected to Eau de 919?
Or any suggestions on what to sniff/look for as far as troubleshooting goes?
Due to the cold ( below freezing in the am) I have been wearing extra layers. This was causing my dress shirts to wrinkle too much, so I carefully folded it and put it in my back pack. Well, I got to work and pulled out the shirt. Not only did it still get wrinkled but it got the smell big-time. I didn't think that it would get through the bag. Corrosive, wretched stench....I kinda like it though.
I don't know why everyoone complains about the smell...I think it's the next best thing to the fragrance of Hoppe's #9...
But, I have also been single for awhile. perhaps this is why.
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Actually, one of my favorite smells is that of new tires. I used to love going to the mall with my dad, because we'd always go in through the automotive/tools entrance at Sears and I'd get to enjoy the aroma of fresh rubber.
And is it odd that when Parts guy leaves work I'm in no rush for him to shower? He always smells slightly of tires until he changes clothes.
On second thought, there's probably something fundamentally wrong with me.
I keep hearing talk about this "exhaust stink"
I legitimately like the smell of motorcycle exhaust.
Like, I don't go huffing it to get off or anything, I just don't mind it one bit. And I'm not just saying that to sound like some motor-head badass.
Haven't heard any complains from ladies about my smell, which is the mixture of motorcycle exhaust and irish spring soap/deodorant.
I've tried every gas station in my area, gas in Quebec, gas in several states from here down to Delaware in the middle of the summer. Same stink on every tank.
Paul - I don't know if you are addressing that at Lucille or me. If me, I'm not complaining. I've done enough of that in other threads! Mine's been like that since I bought it at 1500 miles. It's part of the 919 experience!
Funny...as the weather has gotten colder, I have noticed absolutely no exhaust stink...oh wait...I have an f4i now. :-P Definitely do not miss smelling like an exhaust can whenever I reach my destination.
Last time I was in Texas I remember some gas stations advertising "no ethanol, 100% gasoline" Maybe more or lest ethanol content might change the odor.
And yes, in the middle to north part of the country they change something(s) in the gasoline before and after winter. Not sure how or wy.
I thought we ruled out fuel a long time ago. If gas were the issue than why do some stink and some don't in the same city, using the same gas? I've met with two other 919 owners here that don't have the issue. Why is it only some 919's that stink when all the other bikes with high exhausts in the same city, using the same fuel don't? It's particular to certain 919's. Also, as I said above, I still had the stink when down in Delaware and Maryland in the heat of the summer. It's not the fuel!
Not saying this is the cause, but all parts of the country use this blend in the fall and winter, it makes sense that it could have an effect since the smell just started on her bike as the weather turned cooler.
Basically, the 919's aerodynamics, high exhaust pipes, and rich fuel mixture all contribute to the renowned stink. Some bikes seem worse than others, and some riders are more sensitive to the smell. Once I installed Satos and a PCIII on my '02 I noticed the smell was better, but it still was there.
Now, interestingly enough my Super Duke runs rich as hell, and has high pipes, but doesn't seem to soak my clothes with exhaust stink like my 919 did.
Not saying this is the cause, but all parts of the country use this blend in the fall and winter, it makes sense that it could have an effect since the smell just started on her bike as the weather turned cooler.
Basically, the 919's aerodynamics, high exhaust pipes, and rich fuel mixture all contribute to the renowned stink. Some bikes seem worse than others, and some riders are more sensitive to the smell. Once I installed Satos and a PCIII on my '02 I noticed the smell was better, but it still was there.
Now, interestingly enough my Super Duke runs rich as hell, and has high pipes, but doesn't seem to soak my clothes with exhaust stink like my 919 did.
No wide inline 4 blocking the wind path through the bike.... therefor no low pressure ... well not as pronounced.
Also another vote for cooler weather causing enrichment of fuel mixture along with a possible change in summer to winter fuel.
Well, none of the theories work much on my case. Everything mentioned on the money threads can be debunked by the simple fact that some stink and sone don't regardless where they are geographically, be it in the same city or across the country.
I have resolved myself to the theory that she is just testing me to see how much I really love her. We've seen people move to other bikes due to the stink. In sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for stinker or non-stinker, til' death does us apart.....lol.