I purchased a 2001 XLH Sportster 883 a few months ago for a bobber project. Well I've reassembled the bike and now it won't start. I didn't touch the motor as part of the project. She turns over but will not fire. I've got fuel (can see it squirt into the carb when I roll the throttle), got air, so it must be spark. I pulled the front plug and ground to the head. Hit the switch and I got one spark then nothing even though I kept the starter on for 5-10 seconds after that initial spark. Same result for the rear plug. Not sure where to start here. This is my first HD but have had a Triumph and rebuilt an old '49 Sunbeam S8 but of course that was a 6v bare minimum system so my experience with newer systems is very limited. Ideas? Thanks!!!!! --TC

 

go over all the electical spark stuff....make sure its all plugged in tight, esp. the low voltage on the coil...and the plug for the ignition controller....did you mess with the ignition controller...sometimes when the timing is real far off it will do what you are describing, also check the bell behind the controller to make sure it is tight and in the groove..

 

Thanks! Ignition controller is behind the riveted cover correct? I literally pulled the engine and wiring loom off, they sat in the garage for about 4 months while the frame was done, paint, etc. so I haven't touched anything.

 

Well, with that little nodule of info......You might have set off the bank angle sensor/Tilt switch. Try cycling the ignition a few times.

 

than it is prolly not a timing issue.....as long as the bike ran before the tear down...and I am not sure this bike has a bank angle sensor..I think they came out around 03....you can check the book and find out...

 

Sorry all, was out of town for a bit. Ended up being a bad bank angle sensor. Swapped it out and she fired right up!!! Thanks again for the ideas!!!

 

2001 Sportster xlh 883 hugger has a Bank Angle Sensor... Located on the side of the battery mount... Little black box looking thing

 

Haha looks like he found and replaced the BAS... about 8 years ago.