dilemma !!
dilemma !!
I've searched the forum and found lots of good advice, but my bike STILL isn't running right, or so I think. Here is my setup, 2003 FXDL, twin cam 88, Arlen Ness Big Sucker Air Kit, Vance & Hines Big Shots Staggered, 195 main jet, 48 slow jet, anywhere from 2 1/2 to 4 1/4 turns on the air screw. I also have two shims under the needle. As far as I know, Jet needle is stock, the stock slow jet was a 45 .. I also have tried the 46. My plugs look ok, the electrode is no wet indicating a rich condition.
Here is my dilemma ... I cannot get the bike to run in first gear at idle and just put along. If I come rolling to a stop sign, I have to pull the clutch and coast in because the thing shutters, staggers, surges, etc. Is this normal? My last bike I took my road test on and set the idle just a tad high and didn't even have to use the clutch to do my figure eights, just coasted all over in first gear. This thing won't do that to save it's *** ... which is incredibly annoying. Other than that, the bike is "running" ok, I think that with the 48 slow jet, my acceleration is not as crisp as with the 46 .. idle is fine, I can get the engine to NOT cough, but sometimes it still does.
Any ideas are definitley appreciated !!
Here is my dilemma ... I cannot get the bike to run in first gear at idle and just put along. If I come rolling to a stop sign, I have to pull the clutch and coast in because the thing shutters, staggers, surges, etc. Is this normal? My last bike I took my road test on and set the idle just a tad high and didn't even have to use the clutch to do my figure eights, just coasted all over in first gear. This thing won't do that to save it's *** ... which is incredibly annoying. Other than that, the bike is "running" ok, I think that with the 48 slow jet, my acceleration is not as crisp as with the 46 .. idle is fine, I can get the engine to NOT cough, but sometimes it still does.
Any ideas are definitley appreciated !!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,197
Likes: 708
From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: dilemma !!
After reading your post, I just tried mine, a 01 EFI, and I can't get it to coast at idle. I never noticed it before since anytime I was in a slow speed competition, or just riding slow, I just use the clutch. Maybe someone with a similar bike can offer more insight.
RE: dilemma !!
Isn't that odd ? I know my buddy with an EFI Duece can coast at idle ... I'm starting to think that I need to take the carb off and start searching for leaks ...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 4
From:
RE: dilemma !!
Did you check your primary chain? Over time they get streched out and will make the bike real slugish at low speeds. My Softail got to the point that you couldn't even putts around in first gear, it kinda felt like I was in 2nd or 3rd gear. Good luck, let us know what you found out....
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RE: dilemma !!
is there an adjustment to the primary chain? I've only got 6000 miles on the bike, so I'm guessing it doens't need to be replaced.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 916
Likes: 1
From:
RE: dilemma !!
Pull the primary inspection cover off(not the derby cover ) Small cover on left.There is an adjustmnt bolt there.Fairly easy to do.If you have a manual,info is there otherwise there is a complete walk through here in the diy section..Sounds like the primary chain needs adjusted.