Backfiring and Diesel Pop on Motorcycles – Effects Explained

While the names motorcycle backfiring and decel pop may be unfamiliar to the general public, they are very well-known to those who are accustomed to riding bikes daily. However, despite being familiar, it is noteworthy that most bike riders are unaware of the causes and effects of motorcycle backfiring and decel pop. Therefore, in today's blog, we will discuss the effects of motorcycle backfiring and decel pop. Many bike riders in Bangladesh may have experienced motorcycle backfiring and decel pop while riding their bikes daily, yet in most cases, they fail to understand what it is. So, let's first find out what motorcycle backfiring and decel pop are, what they do, and what their effects are.

What is Motorcycle Backfiring?

In many cases, when riding a bike, a portion of the engine's fuel remains unutilized. When this unused excess fuel combines with oxygen present in the motorcycle's exhaust, it creates a loud noise. Not just a loud noise, but in some cases, firing can also occur. This type of phenomenon is primarily known as motorcycle backfiring. Motorcycle backfiring not only creates a loud noise but can also lead to serious accidents. Therefore, we should all be aware of motorcycle backfiring.

Why Does Motorcycle Backfiring Happen?

A backfire does not affect your bike's mileage; backfiring means the bike is not converting fuel correctly. This gas enters the exhaust pipe and creates a popping sound, which causes damage to gas mileage. So, even if there's no direct damage, there's certainly an impact.

Generally, motorcycle backfiring occurs due to four reasons. We will learn about them below.

Due to Fuel-Related Issues

The correct amount of fuel in your bike is very important. If the fuel-to-gas ratio in the bike's engine is not correct, backfiring problems can occur. If there is less fuel, extra gas flows directly into the bike's exhaust and comes into contact with oxygen, creating a loud noise. Conversely, if there is too much fuel, a similar problem can arise. In that case, excess fuel enters the exhaust and mixes with oxygen, causing such an event. Therefore, when refueling your bike, you must keep in mind that the fuel and gas ratio should be correct.

Due to Exhaust-Related Issues

The size of the exhaust pipe is an important factor in backfiring. The pipe being too small or too large compared to what is needed is one of the main causes of backfiring. Many countries have enacted laws regarding the size of exhaust pipes. Backfiring typically occurs due to exhaust pipes measuring 12 inches or less. This is because pipes of 12 inches or less do not have a built-in baffle. It acts somewhat like a fuel extractor. Therefore, if your bike's exhaust pipe is less than 12 inches, it needs to be replaced.

If the Airbox Leaks

A leak in the airbox is one of the primary causes of backfiring. If there is a leak in the airbox, the amount of airflow increases. Conversely, if there is high airflow but low fuel, backfiring occurs with a loud noise. Pay attention to whether the rubber in your bike's airbox is in good condition, and check if the screws attached to the airbox are securely fastened.

Due to Internal Reasons

In addition to the three reasons mentioned above, motorcycle backfiring can also occur due to some other internal reasons. For example-

• If the bike's exhaust pipe is loose.
• If an outdated exhaust is used.
• Due to intermittent sparks or if the spark plug is not replaced on time.
• If a faulty fuel pump and filter are used.
• If cheap and poor-quality fuel is used.

Hopefully, you have understood the reasons for bike backfiring. Now, let's learn what motorcycle decel pop is.

The Function of Motorcycle Decel Pop

Decel pop refers to a series of burbles, snaps, and explosions that primarily occur when the rider closes the throttle, and backfires sound like gunshots. While decel pop is a normal occurrence in modern bikes, backfires are rare and sometimes dangerous. Both backfires and decel pop are usually signs of tuning problems in the bike, which can be caused by issues such as faulty injectors, clogged carburetor jets, or ignition or cam timing. If your bike experiences either of these phenomena, it is crucial to diagnose the exact problem to avoid further damage. If decel pop becomes as violent as a backfire, checking for exhaust leaks and verifying the air-fuel ratio is essential.

Effects of Motorcycle Backfiring and Decel Pop

Motorcycle backfiring and decel pop are quite similar, so it's natural to get confused between them. For your convenience, let me clarify that both decel pop and backfire are parts of a bike's after-fire. Low-intensity firing, i.e., decel pop, is normal for modern upgraded bikes, but loud backfiring is not. We will discuss the types of damage that can result from backfiring below.

• The bike's mileage might decrease compared to before.
• A loud noise might constantly come from the exhaust.
• Problems might occur when closing the throttle.
• Smooth transmission might be hindered.
• Ignoring this problem for too long can lead to the bike catching fire.

Hopefully, our blog today will be helpful to you. Keep an eye on our page for more blogs about bikes in the future and to get information on motorcycle parts prices and other details.