I have a 2004 1200xl custom. I put a stage 1 screaming eagle kit on it in 2006 (exhaust and air filter). I ran it for a year and then it started to backfire through the carburetor. i brought it to a different Harley dealer last year and they told me the jets were to small so I had them put bigger jets on it. that resolved the problem. a couple of weeks ago 2010, it started running hot and the oil temp is know running at 200 degrees (synthetic oil). the front cylinder is also starting to make a tapping noise. I do not know if it is the head or the valve? or what?. I am afraid to ride it as I do not want to damage the motor and I also do not know what is going on with it. the other problem I am having is every now and then after I stop to fuel up and start the bike back up, there is a slapping noise in the motor and the bike will not fire the 1st time. there is also another noise starting to come from the tranny and when I shift into 2nd gear it misses and I have to toe it twice. I also just had it serviced a couple of months ago after taking it out of storage last winter (actually it was sitting in my living room). fluid change and a once over but everything was ok'd then. the bike has 17,500 miles

 

200 degree oil temp is not hot.

Bwana

 

+1 on the oil temp. 200, not too hot.
The slap you hear when starting it hot is the motor kicking back against the starter because of the compression. Very typical, especially on bikes that have been punched out.
The hotter it gets, the more noise it will make. Run it on a cooler day and see if it makes the same noises.
Check/change your primary fluid and check your clutch adjustment.
Report back and let us know what's up.
John

 

Yep....

In the 'EVO Based' engines (both the 883 and 1200) a normal hot operating temperature between 195 to 215 measured at the tank/sump is fine.

But you should know that not all 'tank temp gauges' are the same...

Once to tried 2 different (and new) tank gauges in my Sportster, just because I was curious... There was over a 10 degree difference in the reading..

 

thank you very much for the info. I am feeling very secure and will check out all the advise. we are in the middle of a heat wave high 90"s in new hampshire but when I take it out I will let you know. thanks again. keep the rubber down and enjoy the ride - tryr

 

I rode on Tuesday and it was 104 here in Maryland. Put about 65 miles on. They can handle the heat, just keep it moving.

 

I rode to laconia during bike week a couple weeks ago and forgot to put my sun screen on. I new I was going to get burnt a little bit but when I got home I have a 2nd degree burn on my right forearm.