Fxd
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5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Fxd
I bought my first street bike the other day, '99 harley fxd and i love the thing!
Its a really nice day out and since it already needed to be cleaned i figured i'd take her out. But i couldn't get her started cold, the choke confused me. I feel like an idiot right now, but how do you operate the choke on this thing? Im used to dirtbikes, again this is my first street bike. Thanks
Its a really nice day out and since it already needed to be cleaned i figured i'd take her out. But i couldn't get her started cold, the choke confused me. I feel like an idiot right now, but how do you operate the choke on this thing? Im used to dirtbikes, again this is my first street bike. Thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 23
From: East of Tulsa
You just need to learn what starting technique your Harley likes. Which may vary on the engine temperature.
I will use my carbed Shovel as example.
Cold Start: turn on fuel at petcock: wait a few seconds to be sure bowl is full: twist throttle grip 3 times: pull choke and push starter button with no throttle twist.
Warm Start: one throttle twist then choke and hit starter button with no twist.
Hot Start: one throttle twist and push button with no twist.
If it's really cold the Shovel requires preheating.
To keep the battery up I use a generic battery tender.
I will use my carbed Shovel as example.
Cold Start: turn on fuel at petcock: wait a few seconds to be sure bowl is full: twist throttle grip 3 times: pull choke and push starter button with no throttle twist.
Warm Start: one throttle twist then choke and hit starter button with no twist.
Hot Start: one throttle twist and push button with no twist.
If it's really cold the Shovel requires preheating.
To keep the battery up I use a generic battery tender.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
From:
I use it just like a choke. Just pull out on the ****, start the bike and let it run for about 15 seconds or so and then push it back in. Keep it running with the throttle and then use the throttle friction **** to set the rpms up a bit off idle and let it warm up and off I go. Note that the motor will idle at around 2000 rpms with the enricher (choke) all the way out.
Dont worry if you dont have a manual yet I can help you out. They're kinda expensive @ $65 but you can get them on Ebay too and save a few $.
Congratulations on buying one of Harleys finest bikes!
Dont worry if you dont have a manual yet I can help you out. They're kinda expensive @ $65 but you can get them on Ebay too and save a few $.
Congratulations on buying one of Harleys finest bikes!
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Reno, NV
Jeeez... The guy is excited about getting his first Harley and asks a simple question. Do you really have to hit him with the "buy a manual" BS? If it bothers you that much, just don't respond to him. You don't have to be a f'n Richard Cranium.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,303
Likes: 2
From: Texas City, TX
Dude, shut up. There is only one way to use a choke. If the guy doesn't know how to work it, he needs to learn. The manual is the best way to learn. If my post bothers you so much, just don't respond, right? Don't be so ****ing sensitive.
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 50
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Flanders
I just got a 2001 FXD-1650 miles, I figured it's so low mileage, sittin' around so long- it would not run an idle- check out your carb.- The enricher(choke) is a no-brainer for warm-up- but if you're having trouble keeping a low idle- might be a clog... low/idle jet $6 replacement-worked for me!!... Just don't know the history of your bike...