Back Fire...
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 63
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From: Palmdale, CA
Back Fire...
...on the coast and shift down. Suggestions?? I know it usually goes away after a trip to HD for service but I'm starting to service my own bike more. Is the popping a detonation in the pipes???
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
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From: Midland, TX
I always thought if the bike was backfiring through the pipes it was running too rich. Can't really tell you much about your situation without a little more information on your bike.
However, you could be tuned perfectly and still get backfire, especially when you are at a high throttle then back off quickly.
However, you could be tuned perfectly and still get backfire, especially when you are at a high throttle then back off quickly.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Palmdale, CA
I have had trouble with the exhaust coming loose at the heads so I will check that. I will also check the plugs. As far as tuning...I lack that experience...but I look in my manual. But I guess it might have to make a trip to the dealer. I hope not...
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Club Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: On a hill among the hills, PA
Agree with others..had this problem and one of the pipes worked loose!
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
I always thought if the bike was backfiring through the pipes it was running too rich. Can't really tell you much about your situation without a little more information on your bike.
However, you could be tuned perfectly and still get backfire, especially when you are at a high throttle then back off quickly.
However, you could be tuned perfectly and still get backfire, especially when you are at a high throttle then back off quickly.
True. My bike is EFI and I had stage1 done with a dyno tune and SERT at my dealer. But would still backfire if I ran up to 5000rpm and decelerated in gear. Luckily, I got a nice balanced dyno map from Latus HD that had been done on the same bike as mine with the same mods. Cost $50. Now it runs perfect and I can still make it backfire but have to really work at it to get one pop. Usually backfiring out the exhaust is unburnt fuel (too rich) igniting in the exhaust pipe. But overlean condition will exhibit the same symptom. (don't ask me why as I am no tuner). But now after screwing with my SERT for about a year I have a nice powerful smooth running bike that gets 43/48mpg so I am a happy camper.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Did you install new exhaust crush gaskets with your new pipes? If not that could be your issue. Also, did you follow the torque procedure specified in the service manual for tightening the exhaust manifold clamps to the cylinder heads?