Any thoughts on gas additives? 2008 Heritage Softtail Classic. Occasionally has some difficulty starting up -- backfires/sputters once or twice before cranking up.

 

Don't know how many miles you have on it but I would check the plugs or if it is close to a service interval do the full service. You really shouldn't need any additives.

 

What additives were you thinking about? I don't know of any that can help a fuel injected bike avoid the hiccups. My Ducati does that too and it takes a bit to crank it over. The battery not pumping out enough juice was the culprit in my case.

 

Thanks Guys... appreciate the feedback

 

I have a very occasional starting issue with my 08 Heritage. Bike will crank and then spit out the intake and almost sound like it's trying to turn over backwards. Wouldn't call it backfiring though. Someone suggested the starter may have a worn or chipped gear on it? Could be I guess. Wife's 08 Deluxe never has the issue.

 

I also had the backfire/spit thing happening on my 07. it turned out to be the battery. I put on a new h-d battery and bought the batt. tender junior,and it hasnt happened since.

 

have that a few times when hot. i found if i open the throttle and crank it resolves the issue. has done that from day 3 with either thundermax or stock ecm.