New to the Harley experience
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines, Iowa
New to the Harley experience
Hey everybody, I just go my Sportster XL1200C last week and I've got a couple of questions I hope someone can answer. First, I read the book that came with it about how to start the engine and understand it but was wondering if Harley's are cold-blooded or am I not letting her warm up long enough before I take off?? Second, I love the way the engine idles and the sound but it seems a little rough, which is okay with me because I think it's cool but I just want to make sure it's normal for Harley's. This is my first Harley and I will never want another brand of bike, my first bike was a Suzuki Savage 650, and this bike is my dream come true. Like I said I'm new to Harley's and want to make sure I treat my Sportster the way she needs to be treated.
I'd appreciate any help you could give me with my new bike.
I'd appreciate any help you could give me with my new bike.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
RE: New to the Harley experience
You'll find the Harley quite a bit more cold blooded than the Savage. My wife rode a Savage for a while and seldom had to use the choke. Same with her Intruder. I've always had to choke my bike first ride of the day, even in the summer. Don't worry about it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
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From:
RE: New to the Harley experience
I have two friend, both bought sportsters, both popped and spitted new. Dealer told them that is how they have to sell them to pass emissions requirements, but to bring them back and they will "fix" them (probibly re-jet or richen somehow) under warentee. I think the epa is on to it, as you will see posts that starting in 06 they will no longer be able to do such things to bikes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,296
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From:
RE: New to the Harley experience
I, too, am new to H-D. I have owned my new RoadKing for a bit over 2 weeks and just passed the 700 mile mark. Your observation regarding rough idling is right on. I sit at a stop light, and the Harley character thumps and thumps - people stare in awe wondering how a humanoid could ever ride such a beast!! Of course, they don't realize how nicely the engine smooths out once I get going 
- Have a great time with your Harley - I too love mine after putting a combined 100K on a Honda Spirit and a BMW R1100RT!!
- Have a great time with your Harley - I too love mine after putting a combined 100K on a Honda Spirit and a BMW R1100RT!!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,917
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From:
RE: New to the Harley experience
Man if the thing is Idleing rough, right on, I mean a 1200 is going to hit a awesome lick, it will sound better than most TC88 engine's,(notice I said most 
), and yes you do need to have it rejetted for better proformance and less sputering.
), and yes you do need to have it rejetted for better proformance and less sputering.
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