I own an '81 FXS,bought it new with re-enlistment money.Yes I still have it.It has been really faithful all these years.Since I also have a '09 Roadking,I don't ride it much anymore.Hopefully my son can get 30 more years out of it.

The last couple of years it hasn't been ridin',but the last few times it was the plugs fouled out at about 25 miles,not oil but soot.Change plugs,good for another 25 miles.

I do not like the fact that I can't just go out and fire her up for a ride.Time to get busy.

This is what I have done so far:
1.drained tanks and carb(S&S)
2.checked coil--good
3.checked plug wires-1 good,1 with no continuity (changed plug wires)

This is what I have not done:
1.cleaned carb
2.checked stator
3.checked checked ignition control module
4.checked regulator/rectifier

BTW the battery needs to be replaced.

How would you proceed at this point?

 

replace float needle and seat, readjust float to specs. did you move to a higher elevation? might have to rejet, altho weak spark could cause the same complaint.timing might be retarded.hope you get her running

 

Before you do any electrical tests change and charge the battery. An easy test would be to see if it is charging is just use a volt meter on the battery. It should go to about 14.5 while it's running.

 

fresh gas,new battery,runs good.one thing I noticed was some how I had the regulator wire attached to bottom of circuit breaker,moved to battery,charges fine.now for an oil change and a set of tires--all good.

 

Post some pics of that FXS

 

Sounds like the valve or tappet (pushrods) are out of adjustment. How many mile on it and have you ever adjusted them since you bought it new. Give it a try, it might wake that old dog up. Hope that help.

 

I still have some long overdue pmcs to take care of.Bleed brakes,adjust lifters and primary chain.Change all the oil's.As it is,the bike runs fine.Still,sitting and not being rode is any machine's worst enemy.Like I said the old girl has always been faithful,always fired right up after tours outside the U.S.She don't look like she did brand new,but I still have all the original parts,tanks,handlebars,seat,got it all except the dash and speedo.I guess I must have gave it to someone at one time who needed it.Need to find another.

 

update---turns out the white wire from the ignition module to the coil had gotten pinched and was arcing/grounding.Piece of cake,now she's running like she should!!

 

don't ya love the easy fixes? enjoy!