Say an 01 fxdl, what is the best idle rpm? Right now it's set at 1000rpm, but there's not really a proper lob in the motor. It almost smooth.

 

Probably about 900, need to be sure you have at least 10psi oil pressure. I'm sure someone else will chime in.

 

I have found that 950-1000 is the best adjustment range on my SG. It may not have the certain "sound" you want, but a twin cam will never sound like a pan or shovel

 

950 to 1000 also helps avoid carb coughs and some decel popping. As stated twinkies don't "lobe" like older models.

 

I was at the local dealer last week looking at the M8.....I hope it is a tough and reliable engine with lots of performance potential because it sure don't sound like any Harley...sounded a little Honda to me!

 

It's supposed to be smooth! Having owned a new shovel, they had that Harley sound because they had a poor carb, which didn't fuel both cylinders very well. Mine would 4-stroke at idle on the front cylinder and 8-stroke on the rear. You ain't going to get that on a modern EFI vehicle, or even a late carb bike!

With our twins the idle has to be set at an engine speed that ensures a smooth crankshaft rotation. If speed is dropped, to get that sound, it is likely to damage the engine internals. When revs are too low the crankshaft slows down on compression, then speeds up when that cylinder fires, to slow down at the next compression, etc. Doesn't do the pistons and crank bearings any good at all!

Keep yours at around 950rpm, as per the book. Take pride in it's smooooth runnin', all is well in the World.....

 

It's set at 975'ish,... Thank y'all...

It's just not the Harley lope at idle.. But it works..

 

You need a shovel - but as a second bike!

 

I agree. Nothing sounds like a Shovel.