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FXR issue

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Old Aug 24, 2009 | 07:44 AM
  #1  
S7GraveDigger's Avatar
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Angry FXR issue

Considering the FXR is a Dyna Model, I assume it can be posted in here. If I'm wrong, please let me know as I'm new to these forums.

I have an ongoing issue with my 2000 FXR4.

I was riding and it started backfiring, and sputtering, and the tachometer was going haywire between 3000 RPM to 6000 RPM.

Now I know the backfiring and sputtering usually means it's sucking air. However, in this case, my front spark plug decided to die. So, I change the spark plugs, and it's going kind of OK again. Gets me home anyway, but the tachometer is still going haywire.

I brought it to the dealer, explained what was happening, they changed the plugs, wires and the coil. This seemed to do the trick for about a week, then the tach is going stupid again which is usually the precurser to the same problem uccurring again.

Anyone have any suggestions? I'm getting rather frustrated with this.

Any and all serious replies are quite welcome as I'm at my wits end here. I've only had the bike for 2 weeks and this is feeling like a rip off.

Thanks
 
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Old Aug 24, 2009 | 09:57 AM
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One of the best bikes harley built... almost a keper at any price. My first thought is the biggie... ECM , electronic control module. The brains of the bike. Check to see what ya got.
 
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Old Aug 24, 2009 | 12:06 PM
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Sounds like a loose or cut in the wire since the tach keeps going crazy. Start tracing wires to find the culprit.

Do you have a Evo or Twin cam?
I thought the FXR4 came with a Evo, if so you may want to post this in the Evo motor section and you might get a better answer.

Good luck man and post up when you find the solution.
 
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Old Aug 24, 2009 | 12:53 PM
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Start looking at the ground cable from the battery to the frame. Had a sporty do the same, found the ground cable to the starter corroded and seperating in the connector lug. Are your lights going away also?
 
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Old Aug 24, 2009 | 01:03 PM
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Yeah, the FXR is not a Dyna. The FXR is superior in every conceivable fashion and was discontinued by Harley as a frame only because it was too expensive to build the frames.

I would suspect the timing and/or the ground as previously mentioned. Your tach gets input from the coil(at least it did on my '88), so the problem is before the coil somewhere. Could also be the ignition module itself, wiring, lots of options.
 
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Old Aug 24, 2009 | 01:16 PM
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Lights are not going away, just the tach going nuts then usually soon after, the blown spark plug, and the backfiring.

I will check the ground definitely as well as the ECM and the Ignition. TY all very much for the feedback. Truely appreciate it.

As soon as I decifer what the issue was, I'll be sure to post it.
 

Last edited by S7GraveDigger; Aug 24, 2009 at 01:17 PM. Reason: forgot some info
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Old Aug 24, 2009 | 03:25 PM
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Great bike...although I liked the looks of the FXR3 over the FXR4, both are great rides.
 
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Old Aug 24, 2009 | 04:20 PM
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I had a similar problem a year ago. Replaced the battery, stator, etc. Seemed fine, then same problem. Re checked the battery connection which was fine.

Turns out I must have gotten some water in the ignition lock and caused some corrosion. I sprayed some WD-40 in and no more problems.
 
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