Newb with a question
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Boston
Newb with a question
Just bought my first harley, 2002 FXDX with 1400 miles. Basically a 10 year old new bike. Everything looks good so far. Only thing is it has been kinda sputtery and stalls if i don't choke it for a min or two when i start her up. Is this normal for Harley's? Also a little sputter at speeds when riding after i start her. The weather here in Boston has been on the cooler side of late so i have been chalking it up to that. The longest ride i have done to date is 30 min and toward the end the bike ran great. Also after i rode the other day there was a slight residue of oil around the clutch case. Normal?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 918
From: coast to coast
They are a bit cold blooded in the mornings. Usually choke full out to start then let it idle about half out for a minute or two too warm up. Sitting for ten years without much use could mean it needs it's carb cleaned among other things. Depends how it was stored. I assume you have all new fluids and had the lines flushed? Fuel filter? Tank? Lots of oportunities for sediment in a bike that was not ridden. Residue could be from gaskets could be dried out too from lack of use. Once you get it sorted you should be in for a nice long life together. These things don't even fully break in until about 7k miles.
More knowledgable people then I will want more details for a more informed answer. Namely, how was it stored and were all the systems properly flushed, cleaned and replaced with fresh fluids. Etc.
More knowledgable people then I will want more details for a more informed answer. Namely, how was it stored and were all the systems properly flushed, cleaned and replaced with fresh fluids. Etc.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
They are a bit cold blooded in the mornings. Usually choke full out to start then let it idle about half out for a minute or two too warm up. Sitting for ten years without much use could mean it needs it's carb cleaned among other things. Depends how it was stored. I assume you have all new fluids and had the lines flushed? Fuel filter? Tank? Lots of oportunities for sediment in a bike that was not ridden. Residue could be from gaskets could be dried out too from lack of use. Once you get it sorted you should be in for a nice long life together. These things don't even fully break in until about 7k miles.
More knowledgable people then I will want more details for a more informed answer. Namely, how was it stored and were all the systems properly flushed, cleaned and replaced with fresh fluids. Etc.
More knowledgable people then I will want more details for a more informed answer. Namely, how was it stored and were all the systems properly flushed, cleaned and replaced with fresh fluids. Etc.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,307
Likes: 2,443
From: Eastern NE
Congrats & great "garage queen" find on your part. I'd say it's lack of use & possibly poor storage on previous owner. Recommend you service the bike thoroughly, or get it in for a complete tire-to-tire check-up. Unless you have good relationship @ local HD - find a decent Indy in your area...best way to locate = word of mouth.
Good luck & enjoy that new scoot.
Good luck & enjoy that new scoot.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Boston
Thanks all for the advice. I have been wanting to get a tire to tire check of the bike since i bought it, just haven't gotten around to it. Any idea how much that usually runs$? As far as i was told the bike was stored in a shed with the 1400 miles going toward service by the previous owner. Amzoil used for fluids, as far as lines flushed and carbs cleaned i don't know, worth looking into. If bike mechanics are anything like car mechanics i fear they are going to recommend a lot more work than the bike really needs.... yeah? No?
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 174
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From: Beaumont
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LOSER
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,719
Likes: 4
From: Williamston, NC
I agree with all. Find a good indy and let him go through it. Word of mouth is the best reference.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
Basically new except for that. And the tires have a shelf life of 7 years--replace them. Flush all fluids. Buy the owners, parts and service manuals.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,623
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Congrats on the great find, it's been said the 2002 engine is the strongest built of the Twin Cam 88's. Have a trusted shop go over it and I also would suggest replacing the tires due to over age. The brake fluid is Dot 4. A good service manual is your best friend. Good luck with your new addition.