Weird jerking feeling while riding
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,195
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
I wasn't real clear about your original description. I didn't get that the motor was increasing speed and the bike speed wasn't increasing, which would be a driveline disconnect (most likely clutch). A lean condition can give a jerking feeling while riding as the motor doesn't run smooth. On a HD, it will also frequently backfire through the carb, but too lean in a motor can jerk.
If you take the bike out and put it in say 4th gear and really pour on the power, will the revs jump up and the bike not really gain speed with the revs? ->Clutch.
If you take the bike out and put it in say 4th gear and really pour on the power, will the revs jump up and the bike not really gain speed with the revs? ->Clutch.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 3
From: Victoria, Australia
If you haven't checked the primary chain tension I suggest you do so.
It won't cost you more than a gasket-- and that only if you screw it up and can't reuse it again...
Do let us know what the fix is please.
It won't cost you more than a gasket-- and that only if you screw it up and can't reuse it again...
Do let us know what the fix is please.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,195
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
Lean condition can be caused by junked up, worn out or improperly jetted carb or an intake leak.
Doode, I think you need to take that to an indy and get some professional diagnostic assistance. You say:
>somewhere between the 2000-3500 rpm range in any gear I would get this weird jerking feeling. The rpms didnt move up or down and it didnt seem like i was loseing speed or gaining speed.
That's not a clutch issue. Then you say:
>I took it for a ride just now and when i was in 3rd gear I really got on it and go it up to about 3500 rpm and between that and 4500 the bike didnt increase speed at all.. Is this a clutch problem ?
That's a clutch issue. So, which is it? Or both? Either way, rather than just start throwing parts at it, I think a little professional help would go a long way for you, and the twenty or forty bucks spent on a diagnosis will be well worth it. Did you ever check the primary chain? That's like a 5 minute job, counting getting the beer out and cleaning up afterwards. If that's too much trouble, really, doing a clutch is going to be outside your skill set. I'm not trying to dis' you here, I just don't want to see you get in over your head on this or waste money on stuff that isn't broken.
Doode, I think you need to take that to an indy and get some professional diagnostic assistance. You say:
>somewhere between the 2000-3500 rpm range in any gear I would get this weird jerking feeling. The rpms didnt move up or down and it didnt seem like i was loseing speed or gaining speed.
That's not a clutch issue. Then you say:
>I took it for a ride just now and when i was in 3rd gear I really got on it and go it up to about 3500 rpm and between that and 4500 the bike didnt increase speed at all.. Is this a clutch problem ?
That's a clutch issue. So, which is it? Or both? Either way, rather than just start throwing parts at it, I think a little professional help would go a long way for you, and the twenty or forty bucks spent on a diagnosis will be well worth it. Did you ever check the primary chain? That's like a 5 minute job, counting getting the beer out and cleaning up afterwards. If that's too much trouble, really, doing a clutch is going to be outside your skill set. I'm not trying to dis' you here, I just don't want to see you get in over your head on this or waste money on stuff that isn't broken.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 3
From: Victoria, Australia
Well said Dr. Hess.
I know this is 'out there' a bit, but FXRS said he changed the air filter. Could it be possible that if the removed filter was quite clogged, and if the motor was in a lean condition to start with, that the new filter (becasue it was sucking more air) contributed to the jerky condition due to the volumetric efficiency of the new filter?
Well-- I did say it was out there a bit...
I know this is 'out there' a bit, but FXRS said he changed the air filter. Could it be possible that if the removed filter was quite clogged, and if the motor was in a lean condition to start with, that the new filter (becasue it was sucking more air) contributed to the jerky condition due to the volumetric efficiency of the new filter?
Well-- I did say it was out there a bit...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,008
Likes: 463
I'm thinking my sudden "jerks" are coming from a loosened up front pulley nut. I thought it might be wheel bearings but they checked good. I have the tranny seal drip, and now am wondering if the nut has backed off to the point that it sometimes hits the primary case. Mine is a 85 FXWG, evo/4speed/kickstart.
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Youngstown
Ok heres what I found out so far.
Intake gaskets were leaking bad. Replaced.
Spark plugs, changed back to HD instead of the aftermarket.
Oil change and compression test. Everything is good there.
Iginition module seems to not be working correctly. Will find out later if a new module solves the problem.
As for the clutch the shop that I took it to said that its not slipping.
Will let you all know more later!!
Tks!!
Intake gaskets were leaking bad. Replaced.
Spark plugs, changed back to HD instead of the aftermarket.
Oil change and compression test. Everything is good there.
Iginition module seems to not be working correctly. Will find out later if a new module solves the problem.
As for the clutch the shop that I took it to said that its not slipping.
Will let you all know more later!!
Tks!!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo