Odd comment about Harleys not starting
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,486
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From: Huntington Beach, CA
Odd comment about Harleys not starting
I was reading an article in one of the leading motorcycle magazines about the Milwaukee 8 engine, and the reviewer made a very odd comment. He stated that the M-8 bikes "finally" start on the first try, and went on to say that other Harleys -- he referred to Softails in particular -- typically do not start on the first try.
I found this baffling. Now, I admit I have only owned two recent year Harleys -- one Sportster and my current 2015 Fat Boy. But both of these bikes absolutely start on the first try, first time every time. What is this guy talking about? Do some of your bikes out there require multiple trys to start?
I found this baffling. Now, I admit I have only owned two recent year Harleys -- one Sportster and my current 2015 Fat Boy. But both of these bikes absolutely start on the first try, first time every time. What is this guy talking about? Do some of your bikes out there require multiple trys to start?
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 427
Likes: 85
From: Queen Creek, AZ
In stock form new Harley's start up like any other bike on the market. Electronic ignitions see to that. I think most of the hard starting issues begin after engine modifications are performed or routine maintenance items, i.e. gas filters, spark plugs, etc., are not tended to. These "reviews" have a built in bias and are very subjective. I hardly ever read them and when I do, I never believe anything I read without confirmation from other sources.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Lafayette, Louisiana
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,070
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From: Los Angeles
I actually have an '86 XLCR clone that starts 1st time every time and doesn't leak oil. My '07 Night train explodes, BAM every time and actually scares me sometimes, LOL I guess bad reputations die hard!
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My 16 Fat Boy has always been a slow starter. I had a Heritage that was hesitant to start but the Fat Boy takes the cake, needs 2 or 3 tries at least, and I have to hold the starter down for a good few seconds. Otherwise the display goes from clock mode to mileage if it misses one of the starts.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,400
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From: Fort Worth, TX
I would assume the writer was referring to the huge compensator problem HD's of the last handful of years have had. Grinding, kickback and all sorts of fun primary related issues with the starting system from about 2009 to 2013. The bike would not always start on the first try, and sometimes not even on the second try. At my shop we have replaced no less than 50 compensators in the last few years. For this reason I would not expect the average Joe who owns a Harley to know of this issue as common knowledge, but when I read it initially I didn't miss a beat or think twice about what he was referring to. I guess the difference of being in the business and fixing the shortcomings of the bike industry versus just owing and riding one (which at times I am so envious of!)