Hi there.
First of all, I am not very technical - so be gentle with me!

I have a 2005 Heritage Softail, with a Stage 1 (SE pipes).

Until now it has run perfectly. However, I have recently noticed a slight loss of power. Also, sometimes when cruising at say 70mph, I have noticed that it doesn't run consistently (you get odd/slight surges in power).

I had the plugs and air filter changed by a HD dealer, but it is still doing it.

A good mate of mine said it may need a power commander (or something similar), but I don't understand why it has only just started doing it? It has about 9000 miles on the clock.

Has anyone else ever noticed this on their bike?

Thanks for your help!

 

Check your Battery
and I'm sure you'll get more replies to this

The PC will give you power but your correct its not a cure to what your experiencing right now
Good luck be sure to post what it was so we all will no

 

Look for a loose battery cable, especially the earth one. If a cable is slightly loose, it will pass enough current to get the engine running when it's at rest. Then, it will jounce about and occasionally break contact just long enough to cause the engine control electronics to reset.

 

My Heritage has been running like that for quite some time. It has never been enough surge for me to worry about it. The battery is connected tightly so I don't think that's my issue. I think it's more related to fuel delivery. My bike is carburated and has been changed to a mikuni 42. When I'm running at a steady 60 - 65 mph and it starts with that surging I can opne the thottle a little and pick up a little speed then slow back down, it will remidy it for a short time. But like I said, it;s not enough for me to worry about.

 

Thanks everyone.

I don't think it is the battery - but I will check.

It sounds like Sanford has the exact same issue. I heard a rumour that in the UK, when we "stage 1" our bikes, we tend to forget to put a fuel regulator on the bikes - while in the US they tend to fit one. Not sure if that's the case - but I still have a hunch it may be the issue?

 

Thought i would give you all an update.

My bike needed a petrol/gas regulator in the end. Aparently it was running too lean. I was told that this was because the dealer who fitted the "stage one" pipes, should also have fitted a regulator so that the bike would run properly with the new pipes.

It now runs like a dream!

Hope this helps others.