2014 Engine Roughness
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Stage I
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
2014 Engine Roughness
I just bought a 2014 XL1200 C Sportster with less than 1700 miles on it. Seems, the more I ride it, the rougher the engine runs. It seems to have plenty of power, but I have to keep the RPM up above 2000-2250 for it to run have way decent and not shake like a wet dog. It is very east to lug the engine unless I keep the RPM up. I know Harley's aren't known for smoothness, but if this is normal, I'm ready to trade for something else.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 275
Likes: 64
From: So Cal
After I got my 2013 1200c
I thought something was wrong w the bike.
Took some getting use to and let the Eng rev higher a bit. Now I love the bike it has so much character. Don't rush. Try it out for a few months then decide. But you might have the dealer test it to be sure nothing is wrong.
Good luck.
I thought something was wrong w the bike.
Took some getting use to and let the Eng rev higher a bit. Now I love the bike it has so much character. Don't rush. Try it out for a few months then decide. But you might have the dealer test it to be sure nothing is wrong.
Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,186
Likes: 4,907
From: England
I have a 2017 XL1200T and I am finding the happy spot around 3000rpm.
It will pull and run at lower rpm but I don't know where the low point is.
I have pulled out of sharp turns in 3rd a couple of times when I should of been in 2nd but I don't know what the engine speed was.
It will pull and run at lower rpm but I don't know where the low point is.
I have pulled out of sharp turns in 3rd a couple of times when I should of been in 2nd but I don't know what the engine speed was.
Last edited by Andy from Sandy; Nov 11, 2017 at 04:18 PM.
I just bought a 2014 XL1200 C Sportster with less than 1700 miles on it. Seems, the more I ride it, the rougher the engine runs. It seems to have plenty of power, but I have to keep the RPM up above 2000-2250 for it to run have way decent and not shake like a wet dog. It is very east to lug the engine unless I keep the RPM up. I know Harley's aren't known for smoothness, but if this is normal, I'm ready to trade for something else.
a nice tune will help a bit but, they are raw bikes
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,525
Likes: 12,121
From: Indianapolis
I agree, coming from metric bikes the Sportster is a 'raw' bike. I likes it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 420
From: Santa Fe NM
I cruise anywhere between 3000 and 4000 RPM's and the bike is perfectly happy. Get those RPM's up and it won't be so rough.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 253
From: Northern Los Angeles area.
This bike is _barely_ broken in. Put more miles on it and it will loosen up and become smoother.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,186
Likes: 4,907
From: England
I thought about this thread this morning in that we have no context as we don't have bike details.
Mine has Khrome Werks slip on mufflers, Screaming Eagle air cleaner and the ecu has been re-mapped using the FP3 tuner with the best tune I could find. After that I used the auto tune feature.
The bike pulls much better from lower revs and will run at lower revs than it did with the stock HD parts and tune.
Mine has Khrome Werks slip on mufflers, Screaming Eagle air cleaner and the ecu has been re-mapped using the FP3 tuner with the best tune I could find. After that I used the auto tune feature.
The bike pulls much better from lower revs and will run at lower revs than it did with the stock HD parts and tune.
Last edited by Andy from Sandy; Nov 12, 2017 at 09:35 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 716
From: Pennsyleffinvania
Up the rpm's. Do you have a windshield? If so remove it and see if air buffeting is a factor. Handlebar adjustment may help. Forward controls can make it worse or better. What kind of seat? What type of grips, helmet and gloves? Have you done any work to the bike, like adjusting the belt? Many factors can contribute to ride quality and smoothness. Trial and error + seat time will get you the best ride.