Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Ignition problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 9, 2010 | 09:28 AM
  #1  
bookie boy's Avatar
bookie boy
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Default Ignition problems

Hi have just bought a 2001 sporster 1200 with an ignition fault. When cranking using a spark tester it only gives one or two sparks, then completely out of the blue it will start and run for about 10 secs before cutting out and losing it's spark. I have ruled out the coil and starter relay as they work fine on my friends same model sporster. Have taken the inspection plate off and can see the cdi/cam position sensor has an led on it and that flashes when cranking so I assume that is receiving a signal. Any help would be appreciated. Did think about bank angle sensor but don't know how to test it. have checked wires on connector going to engine and they seem ok
 
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2010 | 07:40 PM
  #2  
Booey424's Avatar
Booey424
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,945
Likes: 6
From: Letart,WV
Default

I had a similar problem. It was the connection to the coil. The small wires on the top of the coil were loose. The "L" connection was not tight enough. I just clamped it down with plyers and rebooted it.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2010 | 04:31 AM
  #3  
bookie boy's Avatar
bookie boy
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks for the reply. Have checked the coil connections but good point. I notice that Ultima do a complete ignition cheaper than Harley want for a modual. Are these good or just cheap?
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bcoish
EVO
11
Apr 29, 2019 09:09 PM
1988lowrider
EVO
11
Jun 1, 2018 03:31 PM
Felix the cat
Sportster Models
1
Oct 10, 2013 11:41 PM
djfugate623
Ignition/Tuner/ECM/Fuel Injection
2
May 12, 2009 07:54 AM
davisrf
Sportster Models
3
May 19, 2008 01:24 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:54 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE