Hi,

Owner of an '08 Heritage visiting from the Softail forum.&nbsp\\; I just picked up an '04 XL1200C with 3400km (~2000miles). Obviously the previous owner did not have time to really enjoy the bike.

I took it to the dealer for an oil change, had an engin guard installed and ordered the touring windshield.&nbsp\\; I'll let my wife pick out bags when she gets back from her business trip. &nbsp\\;

So I took the bike out for a ride and after about 20 min I came to a town and stopped at a red light.&nbsp\\; The bike idled for a sec or two, then stalled.&nbsp\\; My HC has EFI so I'm not sure happened.&nbsp\\; My question is this:&nbsp\\; does the idle need to be adjusted?&nbsp\\; did the bike still need choke after 20 min? or is this something that just happens on carburated Sportsters?

 

You think it could be 'normal' for a Sportster to stall out at stops with a warmed up motor ?
&nbsp\\;I for one can tell you it's NOT normal. First thing to do is go with the easy fix and turn up the idle a little bit, that might take care of it. You should not need any choke at all after the motor is hot or after the first 2 or 3 miles when it's warm out...

 

If the bike&nbsp\\;has stock pipes and air cleaner, they will sometimes do that.&nbsp\\; No need for choke after 20 minutes (even in the coldest of weather).&nbsp\\;
&nbsp\\;
I would first check the plugs and possibly get fresh gas, with some seafoam added to the tank.&nbsp\\; 2004 with only 2,000 miles.&nbsp\\; Obviously, it's been idle more than it's been moving.

 

Hmmm, fresh gas... good point. thanks.

 

you can only set the idle so low on the newer models or they will turn themselves off. Mine will and its an 03 So yeah its normal if you have the idle set to low.

 

no it is not normal.&nbsp\\; I have a 98 with a carb and I do not ever recall it doing that.&nbsp\\; No, you should not need the choke after 20 minutes.&nbsp\\; Probably the fuel screen, some gum in the carb or something.&nbsp\\; Fresh gas may cure it.&nbsp\\; I do run a little sea foam throught the tank from time to time.&nbsp\\; May have just been a fluke.

 

The choke is only to start the bike. Once its started, push the choke in and use the throttle lock to keep the idle high to warm the bike up. 3 minutes and the bike should be good to go. Be sure and loosen the throttle lock.

 

Its a feature! H-D is trying to go green and save you gas.

 

Check to see if it only happens when the engine is hot. If so, it could be the crank position sensor.

 

It is unusual, you could have too much choke or not enough during warm up.