Help, engine running crappy,
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Novice
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio
Help, engine running crappy,
I'm new to motorcycles. I've recently bought an 06' XL 883 w/ 12,000 miles on the odometer, screamin eagle pipes and the seller said the carb had been jetted up. The bike is in good shape, but is running poorly. Specifically, I always have to use the choke to get the bike started, unless its already been started and warmed up. When started, the bike idles weakly until it gets warmed up. Also, when its not warmed up, I will pull on the throttle and the engine 'skips' a beat initially(engine fart?). The bike seems fine after its been run for about 10 minutes. I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to engines, so does anyone know what the problem could be?
Thanks everyone,
Jd
Thanks everyone,
Jd
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
That all sounds quite normal for a carb'd Sporty. Once you start the cold motor, use the throttle lock to hold the motor at a fast idle and ease the choke in part way. The bike is ready to ride when the cylinder jugs are warm to the touch with the palm of your hand.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
yeah I kind of figured that. Any air cooled engine has tolerances built in for the expansion and contraction of the parts due to heat. So it's only natural to wait until the engine is warm. I figure if I get on, and I can feel the heat on my knees, I'm good to go......
I was referring to having to hold the throttle open, work the choke etc. Call me lazy but I like pushing the button and letting the engine warm up while I zip up, put on the bucket, put on the gloves, close the garage door etc etc.
I was referring to having to hold the throttle open, work the choke etc. Call me lazy but I like pushing the button and letting the engine warm up while I zip up, put on the bucket, put on the gloves, close the garage door etc etc.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,019
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From: Western New York
Yep 2006 1200C here and it needs it warmup time to get going same as Me ! Been that way since day 1, saleman even told Me it needed to warm up before take off ( Salesman usally don't point that chit out ). I heard before from 1 of My riding Buddies that not letting the engine warm up before excessive twisting of the throttle ( How I ride ) will cause the gaskets to blow & leak ( But thanks for the confirmation cHarley ). I also heard that when Aliens attack they will send a electronic pulse that wipes out all EFI programing, so I have that going for Me also.
...... Ride safe .....WVleo
...... Ride safe .....WVleo
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
Like said before, there's nothing wrong with your bike.
Mine- Start full choke. Put in earplugs, reduce choke to 1/2. Put on helmet, reduce choke to 1/3. Put on gloves, get on, ride out to main road (about 1/2 mile), when I am done with my left turn onto the main road, push in choke all the way. Ride easy the first 3 miles (it's 30 mph speed limit with lots of deer all the time any way), by the time I'm at the highway the bike is warmed up and ready to go.
Yours is fine.
Mine- Start full choke. Put in earplugs, reduce choke to 1/2. Put on helmet, reduce choke to 1/3. Put on gloves, get on, ride out to main road (about 1/2 mile), when I am done with my left turn onto the main road, push in choke all the way. Ride easy the first 3 miles (it's 30 mph speed limit with lots of deer all the time any way), by the time I'm at the highway the bike is warmed up and ready to go.
Yours is fine.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
From: The Suncoast (FLA)
What's been said is true for the most part, but... check your idle mixture screw, it may be too lean. Both my Sporties have started with just a bit of choke and the idle soon settles, I leave it on a for maybe a block and then close it. I do drive all my cars and bikes gently until they reach operating temperature because before then is when the most wear occurs.
http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/hd_cv_mods.htm
p.s. When my bikes run poorly, I check for vacuum leaks.
http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/hd_cv_mods.htm
p.s. When my bikes run poorly, I check for vacuum leaks.
Last edited by Sundog; May 23, 2010 at 12:46 PM.
Advanced
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 58
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From: NC
good info thanks.