When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So I went on a 100 mile ride to a buddy's house the other day and when I was ready to leave I went to fire up the bike and had a massive backfire. This is a 2012 slim with about 3000 miles. Now after that every time I try and start the bike it takes more than one press on the starter button. Seems like the bike is just having issues turning over. The only thing I can think is that a plug is fouled but I'm not sure. Any ideas?
I've heard that backfire on a couple of occasions when I let off the starter a split-second too quick. Might want to yank your plugs and have a look. Hopefully it's nothing serious.
Put new plugs in and see. I have seen quite a few vehicles that were driven a lot round town and then on a long high speed drive and glazed the plugs over. Glass blasting plugs is pretty much thing of the past, and if they get glazed, it's like glass insulation on them. Best replaced. I doubt it's that if it is a bone stock FI bike, but do some mods and all bets are off. Mine pops pretty loud about ever 5 or 6 starts in the exhaust. Really would not call it massive but I started it one night at 12:30AM getting off work and a couple police officers looking for a bad guy were across the street and they jumped a foot off the ground. What amazed me is they had a sense of humor and laughed about it.
Why mess with it.. Ur still under warranty.. take it in and have a talk with Ur SM..
Backfiring is not unusual on start up. Even more on a non tune bike.. Sorry but a download it not like or the same as a good tune on the dyno with a good F/M system and a good tuner.
Even mine with the SERT and dynoed, on Hot starts will backfired a couple times a yr.
So if it was mine, before I'd start messing with it, I'd just take her in and have a talk with them at the dealership.
.
Last edited by oct1949; May 12, 2013 at 06:54 PM.
Reason: added more
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
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.
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.
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.