I have a 95 FLHTP that has been worked to a 103". The previous owner had the idle speed set to what seems very low. (around 400-500 RPM) I get a pretty nasty tapping sound coming from the front cylinder at long lights or when stopped in traffic. I assume this is due to oil flow issues at that low RPM. I goes away after a few minutes once I get back on the throttle. I know I had to keep the old sporty that I had around 1k for the oil pump to work, are the larger EVO's the same way?

So long version made short: What idle RPM should I be running?

 

You're quite right, I think the number is 950rpm, but who can get it that precise?! 1k will be just right. Another reason for keeping engine speed up at tick-over is that the crankshaft is accelerated by each cylinder as it fires, then slows as the next one comes up to compression, then accelerates again, etc. Running slow accentuates that and is not good for the crank or other components. Shovels would tolerate a slow tickover, but they have a heavier crankshaft, like a barn engine!

 

If memory serves correct...1000 rpm +/- 100...

 

I always run about 1000. Never been a fan of low idles. Plus you can turn off the choke quicker when warming it up. There is just nothing good that can come from a 500 rpm idle.

 

I adjusted mine to idle around 8-10 oil press. No tach so, I can't say for sure where the idle's at, by ear mostly.

 

Thanks all. Good to hear that I wasn't off my rocker for thinking that 500ish RPM was crazy.

 

A slow idle is bad for the motor. I like mine 1000-1100 rpms once warmed up.

 

My 99 Softail service manual says 1000 to 1050 idle. You might want to check your vacuum switch (VOES), as when it is open it will retard the timing and make it idle really slow. It could also be that it is idling so slow that the lack of vacuum is dropping the switch out. Mine will do that when it is cold if I don't lock the throttle open a little after pushing in the enrichner.