Bike not running - Point me in the right direction?
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 308
Likes: 1
From: Nj
Bike not running - Point me in the right direction?
05 Fatboy, only mods are PC'r, pipes, air cleaner. 6K miles.
No engine light, gas is not old(mild north east winter)
I went for a ride last week, and it runs fine for apx 20 miles. I made a 90* right hand turn at low speed ... when I stood up out of the lean, it started bucking hard. I pulled the clutch in, and it revs fine ... under load, it bucks. It almost sounds like I am flipping the switch on/off/on/off/on, etc as I try to go down the road. Not breaking up or popping ... on/off/on/off is the only way to describe it. I coast to the shoulder, shut it off & look it over ... no leaks/cracks/smoke/smells. I fire it up after sitting for apx 15 minutes and it goes down the road fine for a few miles, then it starts bucking again. I had to nurse it home this way. Ride, park, wait, ride.
I'm not a mechanic or a bike fabricator, but I'm not all together stupid either. If this was an issue like a sensor I can get to, I rather not pay somebody fix it. I've done shade tree work on cars & trucks for years, but this is the first time I'm entertaining touching my Harley.
I'd appreciate a fellas advice on where to start. With clear instructions, I can test whatever I need to. Thanks in advance fr your time, guys - Vic
No engine light, gas is not old(mild north east winter)
I went for a ride last week, and it runs fine for apx 20 miles. I made a 90* right hand turn at low speed ... when I stood up out of the lean, it started bucking hard. I pulled the clutch in, and it revs fine ... under load, it bucks. It almost sounds like I am flipping the switch on/off/on/off/on, etc as I try to go down the road. Not breaking up or popping ... on/off/on/off is the only way to describe it. I coast to the shoulder, shut it off & look it over ... no leaks/cracks/smoke/smells. I fire it up after sitting for apx 15 minutes and it goes down the road fine for a few miles, then it starts bucking again. I had to nurse it home this way. Ride, park, wait, ride.
I'm not a mechanic or a bike fabricator, but I'm not all together stupid either. If this was an issue like a sensor I can get to, I rather not pay somebody fix it. I've done shade tree work on cars & trucks for years, but this is the first time I'm entertaining touching my Harley.
I'd appreciate a fellas advice on where to start. With clear instructions, I can test whatever I need to. Thanks in advance fr your time, guys - Vic
start with getting a manual. Most have a decent troubleshooting section. Could be fuel anything from bad gas, filter, clogged orifices in the throttlebody/injectors, vacuum leaks etc could be electric from poor connections, especially at battery or ground to moisture to problems with the ecm to God knowswhat. How long didit sit over winter, how old is the gas have you checked for trouble codes
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 308
Likes: 1
From: Nj
start with getting a manual. Most have a decent troubleshooting section. Could be fuel anything from bad gas, filter, clogged orifices in the throttlebody/injectors, vacuum leaks etc could be electric from poor connections, especially at battery or ground to moisture to problems with the ecm to God knowswhat. How long didit sit over winter, how old is the gas have you checked for trouble codes
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 308
Likes: 1
From: Nj
I know these symptoms are vague(at best) & there's plenty to inspect. I appreciate any input, just looking for things I can do before I throw it on a trailer to get it to the dealer.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,978
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From: Florida
If I hadda take a guess I would say fuel filter or strainer in petcock.
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Beyond Fucital
Throttle by wire?
Just guessing, Don't know much about it. My bike's carbed.
Sounds like loose connection with the EFI.
Just guessing, Don't know much about it. My bike's carbed.
Sounds like loose connection with the EFI.
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I have been waiting for a factory manual to pop up in the classifieds. I thought of the grounds, all the ones I can find are good. I read that carb cleaner is murder on the black wrinkle, so I didn't want to start looking vacuum leaks that way. There's no obvious moisture in the the bulkhead connectors under the seat, batt isn't loose or corroded(has been on a tender too). I really don't think it would be the gas, I've ridden it 20-30 miles once a week all winter. The North East has been gentle this year.