Starting Rituals
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,278
Likes: 2
From: Mission,BC.Canada
RE: Starting Rituals
Remove callaper lock and unlock steering.Pull out the enrichener,2 shots on the throttle.Ignition on,start,let it run about 45 sec.,enrichener off.Use the throttle lock to warm the bike up.Make sure the lights are all working,check tires and brakes.100 miles of commuting week days.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 4
From: fegfsg
RE: Starting Rituals
I gather all my stuff I'll need for the day inside the house and then go outside.
i check the cold oil level, and underneath the bike for big leaks that happened overnight
then i pull the choke out, twist the throttle, and tap the starter button. (this works like priming it on a kick start) if i dont tap it first and just hold it, it will crank for 30 seconds without firing.. bikes weird, and yes this is with choke out.
so then i press it again and it fires and runs fast idle, at 20 seconds i push in the choke slowly as i twist the throttle to keep the high idle up, now the choke is just slightly out and the throttle is held in place by the throttle lock.
then while its warming i check it out for any loose parts or bolts, anything that looks wrong, and test the lights. i usually have to close the front fork bag beucase i leave it open every night before, and if flies up and covers the headlight
then i stick my hand on the engine fins, if i dont scream and pull away, its not ready yet!
then strap on the goggles and helmet, and 2 layers of gloves, sit on the bike, raise it thru the RPMs slowly a little, to check if it hiccups off idle, that tells me if its really ready to ride or not.
then i ride slow for 2 blocks, after that i stop and check the hot oil level and the engine is usually warm enough to hurt my hands at that point
i wish i had a kick start. is there a way to modify a 1988 to have one? an aftermarket kit? i want it to go along with my retro look, and to back up the battery.
i check the cold oil level, and underneath the bike for big leaks that happened overnight
then i pull the choke out, twist the throttle, and tap the starter button. (this works like priming it on a kick start) if i dont tap it first and just hold it, it will crank for 30 seconds without firing.. bikes weird, and yes this is with choke out.
so then i press it again and it fires and runs fast idle, at 20 seconds i push in the choke slowly as i twist the throttle to keep the high idle up, now the choke is just slightly out and the throttle is held in place by the throttle lock.
then while its warming i check it out for any loose parts or bolts, anything that looks wrong, and test the lights. i usually have to close the front fork bag beucase i leave it open every night before, and if flies up and covers the headlight
then i stick my hand on the engine fins, if i dont scream and pull away, its not ready yet!
then strap on the goggles and helmet, and 2 layers of gloves, sit on the bike, raise it thru the RPMs slowly a little, to check if it hiccups off idle, that tells me if its really ready to ride or not.
then i ride slow for 2 blocks, after that i stop and check the hot oil level and the engine is usually warm enough to hurt my hands at that point
i wish i had a kick start. is there a way to modify a 1988 to have one? an aftermarket kit? i want it to go along with my retro look, and to back up the battery.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
RE: Starting Rituals
Make sure fuel is on,pull enrichener,hit 4 compression releases.when cold it may take a couple of times.When warm it starts fast and loud startling a lot of onlookers.The rest is undescribable.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,763
Likes: 371
From: North of Hell, South of Heaven
RE: Starting Rituals
ORIGINAL: badwhine
I put my fingerless gloves on and then activate my remote starter. Then I send the ole lady out to sit on the seat to warm it as I finish my starbucks rub drink.[sm=biker2.gif][sm=biker.gif]
I put my fingerless gloves on and then activate my remote starter. Then I send the ole lady out to sit on the seat to warm it as I finish my starbucks rub drink.[sm=biker2.gif][sm=biker.gif]
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
