High idle to mask problems?

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May 9, 2011 | 02:40 PM

tmac00333

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From: Florida

High idle to mask problems?

I'm considering trading my '06 Heritage on a 2000 Fat Boy, straight up. Mine has over 11,000 miles. The Fat Boy has under 5,000 and it's a beauty.

When I rode the Fat Boy, I loved everything about it except the idle was set real high. It's carbuerated and the guy obviously didn't ride it much. Maybe the carb is just dirty. Are there other reasons he might have it idling so high? Masking some problem he doesn't want me to know about?

My Heritage is EFI by the way, and I love everything about the bike I currently own. I've just always loved Fat Boys.

Thanks for any help...

May 9, 2011 | 02:43 PM

Tracker56

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Joined: Apr 2009

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From: Southern Maine

Turn down the idle and see how she runs...

May 9, 2011 | 03:22 PM

tmac00333

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From: Florida

I just talked to the previous owner. Sounded like a pretty straight-up guy. Said he bought the bike as an investment, brand new in 2000, and it sat in storage for five years. Wife wants him to sell it and buy a jeep. So he filled it with kerosene and put it in storage.

Says the low-idle jet is probably plugged. That's easy to fix, right? Just take out the carb and run a wire through the plugged hole?

May 9, 2011 | 03:27 PM

lo-rider

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Joined: Apr 2010

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From: Marina del Rey

This is too EZ.

Have your dealer do a pre-purchase inspection, if you can't just turn down the idle, to check for yourself.

May 9, 2011 | 03:33 PM

jlasoftail

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2009

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From: P.E.I. Canada

I have to ask... What makes a '00 fatboy worth the same as a '06 heritage? you're extra miles don't add up to anything. Is the fatboy got a pile of extras or something?

May 9, 2011 | 03:41 PM

Mike NY

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Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Westchester, NY

I still don't get it. His wife wants him to sell it and buy a Jeep so he decides he wants to trade for a different bike?

I would walk away..

Mike
NY

May 9, 2011 | 03:57 PM

tmac00333

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlasoftail

I have to ask... What makes a '00 fatboy worth the same as a '06 heritage? you're extra miles don't add up to anything. Is the fatboy got a pile of extras or something?

That's a good question. Looks have a lot to do with it. Also, it's only got 4,800 miles on it, and it's a limited edition model. One of only 125 built that year. Beautiful paint scheme. Stroker motor - even though the pipes are stock, it sounds as good as mine, and mine has V&H Long Shots. The Fat Boys is spotless, a lot of chrome. It's got more power than mine, even though mine has Stage 1. Taller gearing. Plus, it's carbuerated, which I like, easier to work on.

You don't think it's a good deal?

By the way, he's already traded the bike for a jeep. I'm dealing with the owner of this tiny, used car dealer. Foreign guy, don't think he knows much about bikes.