I just bought this bike and it won't idle unless its completely warmed up. The previous owner says it's done this since he got it. It's annoying waiting 10-15 minutes on an idle.... Any thoughts? '91 heritage Soft

 

Carbureted. Adjust your idle up a little then readjust your fuel/air setting until the rpm increases. When it reaches optimum stop, then tweak it back about 1/8th turn. Readjust idle. See how that works once the engine is warm. If this doesn't work check your hoses for leaks and diaphragm. Have you ever pulled the carb. and checked the bowl for crud? I doubt that's the problem as you would experience similar issues once warm.

 

You dont give very much info. Mods, etc? Anyway, not uncommon for that yr to be real lean. The EPA is your friend. Slap a Dynojet kit into it and all will be well. Great product, not expensive, works well and is adjustable for later mods if you make any.

 

honestly I'm not sure why i posted that question. I don't know anything about motors..... I'm not sure what I was expecting here...... Thanks for the reply though. I just drive I don't motor fix

 

It should idle fine. There is something wrong with it. You need to get it checked out since you say you know little about engines. Could be way to rich and this washes oil from cylinder and this is hard on motors. In summer mine starts off at 1500rpm and drops right down to a steady lope between 1050 to 1000 in about 30-50 seconds at 85-95 degrees outside temperature. About 10 mile ride nets 900-950 steady idle. Think the 50rpm was built into 04 to help Harley pu-pu . I run year round and in the high 30's mine starts right up and idles fine.

 

Yeah several: Since you don't wrench on bikes.

1. Nice looking bike. Looks well maintained from the photo.
2. Find an independent Harley motorcycle shop nearby (go meet & get to know them) and take it to them and have them give it a tune up, oil change (all 3 holes) and adjust/clean your carburetor along with the choke. If you don't know have them explain how the choke works.
3. While there have them check your tires, brakes and drive belt.

Then ride it like you stole it. But every 5000 miles or once each year take it back and have them look it over and do the oil change again.

If you do this you will get many many happy miles from your bike.

 

I think this is very good advice. Also, ask around, you will find some great small mom and pop shops out there that know their schitt and will treat you like a human being, even if you aren't. Good luck and ride safe. TJ