I just got a 1972 FLH, so last night I was puttin' around the driveway a bit to get a feel for the weight and such, and I stopped and the idle was so low that if I didn't have it have it half choked it would die.. so it did in fact die a couple times. Second time, it would not start up again. So I let it sit for about an hour, and it still would not start, choked or not... so I parked it and haven't tried to starting it since last night. I'll try again after work.. any suggestions? Thanks, -Danny

 

By the way, it has an S&S Super carb, not sure which one.. the previous owner said 'B', but I think I saw 'E' on it.

 

I have no idea how much you know about motorcycles so don't think I am being a smart *** as it has happened to me. So I must ask, Is the gas turned on?

 

Haha yes it was. That was a good question though.

 

I would drop the bowl off of the carb and check to see if you are getting fuel and that the jets are not plugged. Good luck.

 

Alright I'll try that when I get home. Thank you.

 

check the kill switch on the handlebar... mine went bad once and bike wouldn't start.
If I wiggled it a little, it would

 

I'll check that too. Weird thing is, it rode and idled fine when I brought it home. So I don't know why the carb would all of a sudden be acting up. But maybe. And that switch is a possibility

 

Ssso I took off the air cleaner cover, found out the filter does not fit correctly, so I ordered a new k&n air filter (thankfully Dennis Kirk is about 4 minutes away). So hopefully I can get it back together tonight. Any other suggestions as to what may be causing the low idle and then no start?

 

Check the simple things first. Pull the plugs to see if they fouled. They could cause low idles and hard or no start. A stock 72 FLH uses Champion J12Y plugs or equivalent. That is a short reach plug. Don't cross thread them when you put them back. Finger tight first, then the wrench.