Lose of Power in 5th and 6th Gear

[Andretti]

For some reason, when I'm in 5th and 6th gear I can't get any more power out of my 96' zx600 R. I've changed the oil, gas filter, haven't did the carb work yet but on my to do list 1st. Didn't change the spark plugs yet, But I think that's the problem. I keep putting carb cleaners and gas treatments thinking the gas line is clogged, but it hasn't changed anything. It seems my top speed is 100-110 mph in 4th gear, in 5th gear the bike seems to struggle putting out my power for speed, same thing in 6th gear. What should I do guy's???????

[steve snow]

Has your bike been restricted in any way ?? have you had the cylinder compressions checked ?? what mileage on your bike?

[Andretti]

Nope , the bike has not been restricted, it used to run great but during the winter spell I have'nt been riding till the past few weeks, the bile has not ha any cyclinder work, and the milelage is 16k miles on it, great miles for the year. i dont know what has happend , but it used to run great, i used to go 130+ with no problems til now.

[DJSZX10R]

Sounds like your are having a card problem. Did u let it sit over the winter with gas in it? i use to have a zx6 and i made the mistake of leaving gas in it over the winter and i had to have the carbs all cleaned the next spring cause they were all gummed up. Do it run fine in 1-4 gears?

[Andretti]

Yeah it runs fine in 1-4, however, I put water wetter in it and I started it every now and again, but never let it sit too long w/o running it for a while. My friend said I need to change the spark plugs and get the carbs done. what do you think?

[oldgreenmachinetwo]

answer: clean carbs...

Originally Posted by DJSZX10R

Sounds like your are having a card problem. Did u let it sit over the winter with gas in it? i use to have a zx6 and i made the mistake of leaving gas in it over the winter and i had to have the carbs all cleaned the next spring cause they were all gummed up. Do it run fine in 1-4 gears?

[DJSZX10R]

ya i would prolly take your friends advise and go ahead and do a good tune up to it. drain the gas tank, new plugs and wires, and take the carbs off and let them soak in mineral spirts or carb cleaner over night then give them and good cleaning. makes sure you clean all the jets!!!!!!

[Andretti]

Ok, will do, thanks for the advice guys....

[Saint_Matthew]

Dirty carbs wouldn't affect only particular gears, only particular rpms. If your bike is dying at high rpms then it's the main jets. But since it's only 5th and 6th gears, (which sounds like a speed limiter), the problem probably stems from the gearbox. Definitely get a tune-up, and check the valve clearances, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's either electrical or something in the transmission isn't hooking up right.

[dirtboy]

what all do you have done exhaust , air fiter ect? it sounds jetting related , examine throttle position when you feel powerloss , the weather conditions , what kind of load is on the motor. things like that all contribute to jetting . it may just need to be put on the dyno.