Hey all. 81 FLT been running ok, but end of the last ride had a few backfires out the exhaust and now can't keep it running. Brand new plugs, fired it up and ran for a minute then quit. Now it won't start and backfires when trying. Electronic ignition. Ideas?

Thanks

 

I had the same problem on a 80 FLT -- my fix was ground connections , After 36yrs of corrosion between alum , paper , and oil it takes it's toll , it could also be a bad Elect Ign. My fix was to clean connections and add more ground wires to the frame , starter housing and even added two 14ga wires to the Elect Ign unit mounting screws , $20 If it's the Elect Ign you can find them on line for $100 . These old bikes are great they just need TLC after so many years

 

Good advice...
My electronic ignition failed on my '82 such that first it had no rev limiter, then It acted like Carburetion, then..Thankfully, it completely died...

 

81rat you are correct sir! Ground for the ignition was BAD. Fired right up after the repair.

Thank you!

 

About 70% of all electrical problems on a shovel can traced back to a bad ground somewhere. Change your battery cables next chance you get also.

 

GREAT now you know that your bike is loosing it's ground and it happens to cars , trucks , everything that has a ground
I suggest running 4ga wire to the frame , engine , and 1 to the starter bolt right from the neg of the bat.

 

That is all good for piece of mind, or if you have Powder Coated the Chassis and or Engine..
But, as Stock a good ground is sent to all the correct places...A single 3/8 bolt is a pretty good ground itself...and there is plenty of 'em.

 

OK, now next problem. Running well up to about middle of fourth gear and then starts bogging down, fifth gear, forget it

 

Cleaned the in tank screen on the petcock lately?

 

Have not cleaned either. Tips for completing those tasks?