Hello all

Brand new Nightster here with a whopping 20 miles (all back roads). Today while doing some low gear practice runs on start/stop I had some stalling issues. And normally the stall wouldn’t even come at full release, but at about “4”. Previously I didn’t have issues and suddenly today it became consistent. The same time my bike began to have the high temp gauge light on. Signifying over heating. Keep in mind this is 10 minutes into just basic 1st gear stop and starts and a 65 degree day.

I went home and even though it was a brand new bike I checked my coolant. It was completely dry! No coolant at all inside and the min/max dip was bone dry. Obviously I know where my overheat came from. I have since filled the coolant and verified it is where it should be.

I am just curious on if such an issue could cause more stalls on take off than normal, or if that would not impact a stall. Trying to figure out if I was screwing up still or if this was a part of it.

‘Thanks for any input. (And nice quality HD! Deliver a brand new liquid cooled bike with no coolant?!).

Also, in road mode should this bike have the ability to take off from a stop with just clutch release and no throttle? Today even that was stalling which I found odd. Before it worked fine.

 

I think you have to complain to dealership (and to HD directly) immediately. You may have irreversible engine damage due to lack of coolant.

 

It depends on where the torque curve is and your clutch control. My Sportster won't take off but I can get it rolling on tickover.

You need to get the bike back to the dealer ASAP.

The only thing I would say though is regardless of age and mileage what is in the owner's manual? Some pre ride checks and post ride checks are listed that you ought to do be doing.

 

Get your *** back to the dealer and take with you. I would call to make them pick it up if possible.

 

How much coolant did you have to add? Just a small top up or a complete fill? If the latter, stalling is probably the least of your worries. I would be looking for a new bike.

 

Many Pan Ams were delivered with slightly less coolant in the resi than spec resulting in dry dipsticks when checked. Not low enough to cause damage. Mine was one, took just a splash of distilled water to correct. I can't imagine your bike was anywhere close to hot enough to cause it to tighten up to the point of being stall prone. I agree you should see your dealer but I don't think you've done major damage.