1997 Yamaha Waveraider 700 -- very slow acceleration; only reaches half speed

Andre900

Cadet
Joined
Jun 29, 2011
Messages
24
Just bought a '97 Yamaha Waveraider 700. On the test ride, it went like a rocket. The seller suggested new spark plugs. The next weekend I took it out for my first ride as the new owner, and it accelerated nicely, but the engine sputtered a bit at near top speed. I installed new factory recommended NGK plugs and took it back out. Now it accelerated very slowly, only reaching about half of top speed, but ran smoothly at that reduced speed. The intake is clear. The machine starts right up every time. The owner's manual says RPMs will be limited if the engine is overheating, but a loud alert will sound. I hear no alert and the machine shoots a strong stream of water out the back end. (Does that mean water is flowing through & cooling the engine?) Any thoughts?
 
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