Curious Idle Change
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
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From: USA
Curious Idle Change
23 Heritage, and it's always had a lopey idle that ranged between 740 and 940 or so. Sometimes on that low swing it could seem like it was almost about to stall. Never a problem with it, just the way it was. I've heard other M8's sound similar.
It's spring, we're getting nice weather, so out for a ride. I do remember the bike did something along the ride that I noted, but darned if I can remember what it was. Whatever it was, it was brief, like the ping of something falling off, or perhaps the engine cut out for a split second. Something non-dramatic. It may or may not have any bearing on the next paragraph.
Anyhow, ever since, the bike no longer lopes at idle. It now has a near rock steady idle right at 920-940. It sits there and purrs. It's been holding that steady, if slightly high, idle speed now for several days. All while starting up perfectly normally, including the high idle at a cold start, and the drop down a few seconds later. Nothing else is acting different, nothing obvious has changed or fallen off the bike that I see on a cursory glance.
Far as I know, Harley doesn't do any over the air updates to the bikes, especially over cell signals or such.
Not complaining, just an odd thing to have had happen, with a reasonably pleasant outcome. I never did like the loping idle.
It's spring, we're getting nice weather, so out for a ride. I do remember the bike did something along the ride that I noted, but darned if I can remember what it was. Whatever it was, it was brief, like the ping of something falling off, or perhaps the engine cut out for a split second. Something non-dramatic. It may or may not have any bearing on the next paragraph.
Anyhow, ever since, the bike no longer lopes at idle. It now has a near rock steady idle right at 920-940. It sits there and purrs. It's been holding that steady, if slightly high, idle speed now for several days. All while starting up perfectly normally, including the high idle at a cold start, and the drop down a few seconds later. Nothing else is acting different, nothing obvious has changed or fallen off the bike that I see on a cursory glance.
Far as I know, Harley doesn't do any over the air updates to the bikes, especially over cell signals or such.
Not complaining, just an odd thing to have had happen, with a reasonably pleasant outcome. I never did like the loping idle.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 140
From: Edinburgh UK
that may be, but clearly something happened or changed
850 is normal out of the box, with that silly little cough they programmed in, fake lope if you like. 900 is often what they lift it to in a stage one tune
850 is normal out of the box, with that silly little cough they programmed in, fake lope if you like. 900 is often what they lift it to in a stage one tune
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,113
Likes: 9,504
From: central NC
I’ve had three M-8s. None varied at idle like you described.
The 2020 107 did idle at 850-900 till I did a stage 1 tune. Fuel Moto’s canned tune was at just under 1000. Like my 2022, and 2024 114’s came stock.
…but none if them varied 200rpms except when idling down from cold start to operating temps.
The 2020 107 did idle at 850-900 till I did a stage 1 tune. Fuel Moto’s canned tune was at just under 1000. Like my 2022, and 2024 114’s came stock.
…but none if them varied 200rpms except when idling down from cold start to operating temps.
Last edited by gonemad; Apr 6, 2025 at 06:04 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,312
Likes: 1,878
From: Conn.
Could it be you turned on or off eitms? Thought I read that that can effect normal temp engine idle a little? I would check for intake leaks.
Last edited by Durham man; Apr 6, 2025 at 09:19 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,113
Likes: 9,504
From: central NC
Only when ambient temps are over 80 degrees, then it turns off the back cylinder and raises the idle. It’s very noticeable at a stop.
Last edited by gonemad; Apr 6, 2025 at 10:33 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,312
Likes: 1,878
From: Conn.
I know how it works I was saying I thought I read that it could slightly change idle at Normal operating temps. Eitms kickes in when engine temp hits 290.
Last edited by Durham man; Apr 6, 2025 at 10:59 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,113
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From: central NC
Never did on my last three bikes with that feature, aside from when it engaged at a stop.
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