I have an 09 883 Low Sportster. If I let it sit for more than a couple days without riding it, it makes a weird sound when starting it up. The sound is kind of like a sputtering sound when it injects the fuel, then when the engine starts it sounds like something is spinning up. Normally it just makes that low whirring sound when injecting.

Once the bike starts everything runs fine.

I did some googling and found 2 possible explanations.

1. The fuel pump has a broken bearing or there is something else wrong with it.

2. It is a normal sound and it is because the fuel drains back into the tank over time and the pump has to re-prime the line.

I posted a video on youtube of me starting the bike when it makes that sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vh1wS5mCD8

Is that something I should worry about? Bike still has its warranty so I might get it checked out just in case.

 

Nope, not normal, sounds like a bad fuel pump to me.

 

+1 Not a normal sound. Sometimes mine sounds simular to that, but not that loud or for that long. I would get that looked at. Don't let them tell you just to ride it till it dies. If they insist nothing is wrong, take it somewhere else.

 

Mine does that high pitched whine kinda like a jet engine but not the spitting sound

 

I have an 09 883L as well. I let it sit for two weeks while I was on an operating. I came back, started her up just fine. Fuel pump, boss.

 

definitely not normal. it's still under warranty as an '09 so take it in asap.

 

just curious, mine has the same sound of something spooling up like a jet when it has been sitting for a few weeks. Anyone know what makes that noise?

 

as chevy94ss said mine does the whine after sitting a few days...but when ridden daily, no noise. i have almost 11000 miles, still starts. my bro in laws nightster does it too

 

Just for intrest sake fully charge the battery (battry charger not ridding) and then try.H.

 

Mine does this too, not very often though, I can't make it do it on command...interesting