2003 GL1800A - Misfiring after riding 10 - 15 miles

[viejo]

I had a 2003 GL1800A with 130,000+ miles given to me a couple weeks ago. It had been sitting for about a year with ½ tank of gas with Sta-bil in it and started every couple of weeks. I rode it about 50 miles then filled it up with mid-grade gas and parked it in my garage overnight.

The next day after riding about 15 miles the engine started surging, then misfiring. I guessed that I got some bad gas so I siphoned out the tank as much as I could, then pulled the fuel pump and got the rest of the gas out of it so the tank was bone dry. I reinstalled the fuel pump with a new gasket, and put in 5 gallons of fresh gas with a couple ounces of Lucas fuel system cleaner in it. I took it for about a 10 mile ride and everything seemed to be OK.

This morning I took it for a ride and it started the surging and misfiring again after about 10 miles. Any suggestions for what I should check next or what might be causing this?

[Terry D]

Check all hoses for cracks. An 18 year old bike is the answer and rubber doesn't last forever before they crack. Just like tires over 10 years old begin to show cracks on the sidewalls. Even check your plug wires. They are rubber, too and may show a spark leak. My bike is a 2005 and I'm expecting it to do the same eventually. Unless I do some preventive maintenance.

[viejo]

Thanks, Terry. Since the only time I have to work on the bike is Saturdays it will be next weekend before I can try anything, but I'll let you know what happens. I'm always open to other suggestions as well.