Could fouled spark plugs be the reason it takes me so long to start my bike in the morning? I don't have the tools at my apartment to check the plugs but I was talking to my inlaw who just got a sportster same model 96 and he says his fires right up. Even when it sits for a few days. This is not the case for me - you would think I was trying to start my bike in the North Pole it takes so long. Once it has run for awhile I have no problems the rest of the day. Me and him arn't real mechanical but the first thing that popes in my head is spark plugs - seeing how I have a new battery and fresh oil...any thoughts?

 

yes- especially for carb bikes... you gotta pull the plug and look. it will be pretty obvious if thats the problem. someone you know must be able to pull a plug for you- or if not, a local shop can.

 

Sounds like lack of maintenance bordering on negligence. Shameful that you haven't provided yourself even the most basic emergency tool kit.

 

I am ashamed. I think I'll wear my wife's pants tomorrow...

 

Once you check the spark plugs, check your battery voltage. My bike got progressively tougher and tougher to turn over first thing in the morning as the battery slowly died. This winter finally did it in...

 

All good advice,if you take the plugs out change them to new anyway.
What is the temperature when you are starting the bike,and what weight oil are you using?

 

Been starting it high 40 low 50s and I'm using 20w-50 Mobil 1 v twin

 

Sounds good,give her plenty of gas(twist throttle 7 or 8 times)and make sure your choke is closing off,i have to hold mine out by hand so it seals good when starting.

 

If the plugs haven't been changed in a while, put some new one's in (properly gapped). I just changed them out on my wife's '05 as part of the maintenance I'm doing.

The "Harley" plugs that were in there didn't look bad, but the new ones (I use Champion plugs) made a noticeable difference in start up and cold idle without doing anything else that should have affected performance.

It's a good idea to change them out considering how critical they are to ignition, and how inexpensive they are..... especially if the ones in your bike are old or you don't know how old they are. Make sure your choke is working until the engine warms up.

 

Thanks, I picked up some new spark plugs from the HD dealership. Hopefully I will be able to put them in after I get off work. Have to go pick up a long socket and a gap gauge at autozone first.