Engine running rough
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Joined: May 2010
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Engine running rough
I have a 2007 1200c Sportster, my first bike. It is running pretty rough. When I am on the road holding the throttle steady (exp. say at 45mph), the engine sputters causing a really rough ride. When I took it to the dealer, the mech. said it is a Sportster quirk. Is this true, or he just handing me a load?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
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Could be maybe either fuel or spark.
Start by checking the spark plug. Color and gap.
Also chaek for leaking intake seals. Just put a wrench on them and put a little on each. See what you get.
If bought from someone look and see if anything was added on somewhere in either ignition of intake areas. Not so much pretty things but different needles if carbed or some kind of booster thingie for the coil say.
Most trouble I have ever had was from some sort of, "Miracle" product, especially in the ignition area. Cars and Motorcycles.
Start by checking the spark plug. Color and gap.
Also chaek for leaking intake seals. Just put a wrench on them and put a little on each. See what you get.
If bought from someone look and see if anything was added on somewhere in either ignition of intake areas. Not so much pretty things but different needles if carbed or some kind of booster thingie for the coil say.
Most trouble I have ever had was from some sort of, "Miracle" product, especially in the ignition area. Cars and Motorcycles.
Last edited by Old Gunny; Jul 13, 2010 at 09:05 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 748
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From: Ohio
How many miles and what else is on the bike? Is there a tuner or some sort of piggy back device, ie a PC III or Fuelpak?
I call BS on the dealer mechanic, there is no Sportster quirk at 45mph steady throttle...
2007 is EFI, not carb.
Send me your info and I'll be more than happy to work with you on it.
I call BS on the dealer mechanic, there is no Sportster quirk at 45mph steady throttle...
2007 is EFI, not carb.
Send me your info and I'll be more than happy to work with you on it.
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THought I would give an update. The bike is running good now.
Lesson? I will NEVER trust an HD mech again. The bike has not run smoothly since I bought it back in May. When I took it to HD, the Mech replaced the spark plugs and said he checked everything out and the hesitation was normal for the Sportster.
Today,, with the help of a friend here in the forum, I find out it's the dang Air Filter! Something they said they checked! The damn screws have never been taken off since the bike came off the line, they actually "snapped". Anyway, I cleaned the filter, and the bike runs smooth now, no hesitation. Tomorrow I'll replace the filter and everything should be good to go.
Live and learn...
Take care all.
Lesson? I will NEVER trust an HD mech again. The bike has not run smoothly since I bought it back in May. When I took it to HD, the Mech replaced the spark plugs and said he checked everything out and the hesitation was normal for the Sportster.
Today,, with the help of a friend here in the forum, I find out it's the dang Air Filter! Something they said they checked! The damn screws have never been taken off since the bike came off the line, they actually "snapped". Anyway, I cleaned the filter, and the bike runs smooth now, no hesitation. Tomorrow I'll replace the filter and everything should be good to go.
Live and learn...
Take care all.
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Finally!!!
UPDATE!!!!
I fianlly have my Sporty running smooth. Background: I thought the problem was fixed some time ago, but it steadily kept getting worse (again). My local HD shop changed the plugs and said the problem was fixed.But it was not. I did some investigation on my own, thought maybe the airfilter was dirty or the fuel line clogged. Line was OK, changed filter, but still had the problem.
Well, I took the bike in again yesterday, told them again what it was doing and to please go voverit again. Infact, take it for a ride, see what I am talking about. Well, after about 40 minutes, the service rep came back and asked me how long I had these pi[es on the bike? I said the bike fits as it was when I bought it from here back in MAy. He proceeded to tell me that the pipes are making the engine run lean and that I would need to put stock pipes back on, or put on a SE Stage 1 legal on. (400!), I opted for the later. He will also go through the electronics because he knew of some updates that were needed on the 07's. Conclusion, they did not have to put on the SE Stage 1, the remapping (programming) did the trick. The reprogramming was $149!!
I have to admit, that the bike has NEVER run so smooth. Hell, on the way over to the HDD, it stalled no less that 5 times. But on the way home? Smooth as silk, a sweet ride.
I am not happy they did not find the problem before, I am also not happy they did not fix it before they put it up for sale, but then, thats the way things are in the big city i guess. Anyway, I am very happy with the out come.
Stormer
I fianlly have my Sporty running smooth. Background: I thought the problem was fixed some time ago, but it steadily kept getting worse (again). My local HD shop changed the plugs and said the problem was fixed.But it was not. I did some investigation on my own, thought maybe the airfilter was dirty or the fuel line clogged. Line was OK, changed filter, but still had the problem.
Well, I took the bike in again yesterday, told them again what it was doing and to please go voverit again. Infact, take it for a ride, see what I am talking about. Well, after about 40 minutes, the service rep came back and asked me how long I had these pi[es on the bike? I said the bike fits as it was when I bought it from here back in MAy. He proceeded to tell me that the pipes are making the engine run lean and that I would need to put stock pipes back on, or put on a SE Stage 1 legal on. (400!), I opted for the later. He will also go through the electronics because he knew of some updates that were needed on the 07's. Conclusion, they did not have to put on the SE Stage 1, the remapping (programming) did the trick. The reprogramming was $149!!
I have to admit, that the bike has NEVER run so smooth. Hell, on the way over to the HDD, it stalled no less that 5 times. But on the way home? Smooth as silk, a sweet ride.
I am not happy they did not find the problem before, I am also not happy they did not fix it before they put it up for sale, but then, thats the way things are in the big city i guess. Anyway, I am very happy with the out come.
Stormer
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
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Glad to hear that you finally have a great running bike. I know how tough it can be when you just can't get your bike to run right. If you lived where I do, your problem would be fixed shortly before you'd be putting it away for the winter, lucky fella!
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