Backfire. How bad is it for the engine?
Backfire. How bad is it for the engine?
So i was wondering how bad are backfires for the engine? Are the pulses produced from the explosion outside the combustion chamber powerful enough to disturb the exhaust gases and burn an exhaust valve? Im asking this because i was making my bike backfire the other day by playing with the kill switch so i'd like to have your opinion on it. Thanks
Re: Backfire. How bad is it for the engine?
as far as ive read elsewhere on here, yes if done very regularly it can cause damage to the exhaust valve, however if done occasionally there are no problems caused by it, i do it occasionally when riding past unsuspecting people i dont like, killswitch down for a few seconds, back off, nice fat flame outa the zorst, offending person made to jump lol. Also useful for deterring tailgaters!
Re: Backfire. How bad is it for the engine?
As above, +1, occasional use is fine, but don't overdo it.
The other thing that can happen is that if you induce airbox coughs too often you could unseat the carbs in the intake rubbers.
The other thing that can happen is that if you induce airbox coughs too often you could unseat the carbs in the intake rubbers.
It's not falling off, it's an upgrade opportunity.
Re: Backfire. How bad is it for the engine?
Name dropping time.....
when I used to go out riding with Jim Moodie he taught me a wee backfire now and again was a good thing. It was like a free de-coke for your engine and exhaust. Also funny when you frighten folk as well.
when I used to go out riding with Jim Moodie he taught me a wee backfire now and again was a good thing. It was like a free de-coke for your engine and exhaust. Also funny when you frighten folk as well.
Rich.


Re: Backfire. How bad is it for the engine?
Thanks for the replies. Are there any conditions that would be more likely to cause damage to the engine when backfiring?
Re: Backfire. How bad is it for the engine?
Obviously the bigger the bang the more damage can be potentially caused, so maybe try and not hold the kill switch down for too long, also maybe try and avoid doing it repeatedly in a short space of time, will stop things from getting so hot!
- scott02464
- Posts: 796
- Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 2:04 pm
- Location: Tadcaster- Near York
Re: Backfire. How bad is it for the engine?
Im going to do this tomorrow! Still a little boy at heart.... love making people jump ha
The wife hates me jumping out on her lol!!

The wife hates me jumping out on her lol!!
Re: Backfire. How bad is it for the engine?
Come on then...a step by step guide how to do a kill switch back fire?!?
Never done them before so dunno how to do it properly
Never done them before so dunno how to do it properly

A head full of fears has no room for dreams
- lloydie
- Posts: 20928
- Joined: Mon Jan 17, 2011 11:16 pm
- Location: In the garage somewhere in Coventry
Backfire. How bad is it for the engine?
When riding .
Ride it up to 4500 rpm close throttle and turn off the kill switch .
Open the throttle and then close it .
When the revs drop to 3000 rpm turn back on the kill switch BANG :-) job done with a big ass flame out the exhausts
Ride it up to 4500 rpm close throttle and turn off the kill switch .
Open the throttle and then close it .
When the revs drop to 3000 rpm turn back on the kill switch BANG :-) job done with a big ass flame out the exhausts
Re: Backfire. How bad is it for the engine?
boys 'o' boys 'o' boys.......cant bleieve a lad from Lincoln doesn't know how to be a hooligan




Re: Backfire. How bad is it for the engine?
I can't believe somebody from sCUNThorpe is bad mouthing a Lincoln lad lol
I leave all the hooning about for the yocals...honest
Cheers for the tips
I leave all the hooning about for the yocals...honest

Cheers for the tips

A head full of fears has no room for dreams