The problem started to appear gradually, increasing over time. The popping became very annoying especially on steep descents when using engine braking in low gears. In general this problem is caused by a lean air/fuel mixture (poor in gasoline). The wrong ratio causes some misfires, the unburned gasoline then explodes in the exhaust due to the high temperature.

I solved it with a thorough cleaning of the carburetors, paying particular attention to the air cut-off valve circuit and the idle jets; see this article: Honda NTV650 Revere - Carburetor.

• Mid RPM sputtering
• Engine stutters while trying to hold a constant speed