Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

idle

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 22, 2010 | 06:09 AM
  #1  
lost06's Avatar
lost06
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Default idle

I have an 06 Fatboy that is pretty stock except for a set of V&H big Radius pipes and a stage 1 kit. The thing is that when the bike is idling, it doesn't have that potato, patato sound. I've heard some stock 883's that sounds lumpier than mine. Is there something wrong?
 
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2010 | 06:55 AM
  #2  
draftsman's Avatar
draftsman
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
Default

I "think" what you heard was a carburated bike and you are comparing it to an injected bike. With fuel injection you cant get the lower idle that is needed for the patato sound. I believe (If I remember correctly) that the lowest you can run it is 900 RPM without damage to the engine. The oil pump will not get sufficient oiling to the engine with less than that.
 
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2010 | 06:17 PM
  #3  
lost06's Avatar
lost06
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Default

You're probably right. Is there a cam out there that will give it that thump? Or would it be possible to switch over to carb?
 
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2010 | 06:19 PM
  #4  
DR. V-TWIN's Avatar
DR. V-TWIN
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
Default

Slap in a cam and that will help, but it will never sound just like a carbed bike.
 
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2010 | 10:37 AM
  #5  
FBTRIKE's Avatar
FBTRIKE
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 505
Likes: 1
From: Pine, Colorado
Default

Andrews 21 cam in my changed the idle sound a lot. A little rougher idle and better sound too. Plus much better low end torque.
 
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2010 | 12:15 AM
  #6  
lost06's Avatar
lost06
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Default

I'm kind of new to bike mods. Is Andrews 21 the part number?

I like the reliability of the fuel injection but man... that lumpy Harley sound is the best. I've had my fatty for about 2 years and have just started to notice things I like from one bike to another. I wish I would have realized the difference in the sound between the f.i. and carbed bikes. But oh well.


Thanks for the inputs guys. I'm definitely going to consider the cam though.
 
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2010 | 12:18 AM
  #7  
DR. V-TWIN's Avatar
DR. V-TWIN
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
Default

That is the part number, they make a gear drive versions and a chain driver version. There are tons of other kinds of cams too. I put in S?E 203 cams and my sound was instantly louder and the idle a much nicer slow lope to it. Put my bike next to a bike with stock cams and the sound difference is very apparent.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
blindrocket
Sportster Models
8
Jun 2, 2012 06:19 PM
howolf
Engine Mechanical Topics
17
Jan 18, 2009 07:10 PM
devils haircut
Dyna Glide Models
18
Sep 27, 2008 10:30 PM
mbjam359
Ignition/Tuner/ECM/Fuel Injection
12
Apr 10, 2008 07:39 PM
07 standard
Exhaust System Topics
27
Feb 29, 2008 08:44 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:47 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE