Harley startup after sitting for over a year
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: South Texas
Harley startup after sitting for over a year
I have a 1999 Heritage Softail Classic which hasn’t been started in over a year. Need some advice on what to do before attempting to try to restart. Bike has been garage kept and on my bike stand. Open for for any help. Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,165
Likes: 1,910
From: Doghouse... mostly
If you added a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank then just put it on the floor, insert the key, and fire it up! If you put non-ethanol gas in the tank then put it on the floor, insert the key, and fire it up. Not rocket surgery!
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 38
Likes: 5
From: Nova Scotia
Ok, since you're asking I'll put in my two cents. Fresh gas is good to have but not a necessity. But if the gas tank was not full I would first add some fresh gas before starting. Make sure the battery is in good condition and fully charged. Personally, what I do every spring before starting it (I live in Canada so the bike sits for months) is I pull the plugs and squirt a little bit (half a teaspoon full) of oil into the cylinders then I turn it over with the plugs removed for a good 15-20 seconds. I do this to ensure the cylinders are lubricated and want the oil pump to start circulating oil throughout the engine. Think of a fresh rebuild. Do you just add oil and just start 'er up or do you first prime the oil pump and get the life blood running and pressure built up before start up? Remember, most wear occurs on start up and your bike has had A LOT OF TIME to allow the oil to drain from those cylinders. Oil is in the engine to prevent metal to metal contact so make sure it has a chance to do that. Now, put the plugs back in (good opportunity to check the condition of the plugs and gapping) and fire it up. Let the bike idle for about a minute and listen for any unusual noises. Do a quick walk around and check lights and brakes either before you start it or while waiting for it to warm up. Now go for a ride. Make sure the ride is long enough to bring the engine up to standard operating temperature to burn off any excess moisture and make all the parts happy to know each other again. Dump the old oil and put in some fresh stuff upon your return since it sat for a year (I wouldn't do it if the bike sat for a few months over winter unless the oil was nearing it service limit). Show your ride some TLC and it will reward you with a long service life.
Last edited by Tc88b; Jan 21, 2023 at 08:29 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 3,066
From: USA
Check the air pressure in the tires before you ride that bike anywhere. I guarantee you the tires are low.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: South Texas
Yes tank has fuel in it. I had added Sea Foam fuel additive and battery has been on a battery tender the entire time. I’ll give it a shot. Thanks
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,165
Likes: 1,910
From: Doghouse... mostly
Fire it up!!!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post