Wilsons Sandbox

I've been having a problem with My KLR650 having a slight backfire or "popping noise" on deceleration. I've checked all the obvious, like a loose exhaust or carburetor, but they all seem to be OK. I talked to the dealer and they said that this is normal for a bike with the California emissions. Since the bike didn't do this when it was new, I'm not sure that the answer the dealer has given me is correct. So, just curious to know if this is indeed normal or if anybody has found a cause for this problem and fixed it? I'm concerned that this backfiring may eventually damage the exhaust system. Mark A14 San Diego, CA

Mr. T, et al Thanks to all that responded when I asked for help with the carb overflow problem last week. Seems it was indeed the float/needle and seat. I removed the carb from the bike, inverted the carb and removed the float bowl. When the bowl came loose, I heard and felt a loud click. Maybe the floats were hanging up on the side of the bowl? Removed the needle, could find nothing wrong, seemed fine according to the service manual. Reinstalled the floats, assembled carb and checked the mixture screw. Per the manual, gently seated screw, turned it out 2.5 turns. Bike started up fine, ran good, till I tried it on the hiway. No power above 4000 rpm. Will reach 5000 rpm (barely), this is with stock gearing. Plenty of throttle left, but when I turn the throttle, nothing happens, just bogs down and runs worse. Any ideas appreciated. BTW, the mixture screw I adjusted was only out 2.25 turns, now 2.5, could that have any impact on the performance loss? Thanks for any info. Marshall in Slidell, La 95 KLXC3 "Blackhorse" (in honor of those who served)