Sportster in 1st Gear?

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Aug 23, 2005 | 05:41 PM

#11

HWG010101

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Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 23

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RE: Sportster in 1st Gear?

Makes a lot of sense. I do recall that Yamaha Enduro 250 would crawl over stones and logs but even then I knew I preferred cruising. I'm going to work on slow techniques that I found on ridelikeapro.com.

Aug 23, 2005 | 05:47 PM

#12

HWG010101

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Novice

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 23

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RE: Sportster in 1st Gear?

Thanks to all who helped me out on this topic. At least I know the bike is not messed up so, unlike last night, I think I'll sleep a little better tonight. I'm glad I found this forum and friendly help. I'm going to have the bike checked out fully by a HD mechanic. Now I won't take it in and say something stupid like, "I can't get it in first gear." Wouldn't they have a lot of fun with that? Thank you everyone.

Aug 23, 2005 | 06:54 PM

#13

12Stones

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 7,437

Likes: 3

From: TEXAS!!!!

RE: Sportster in 1st Gear?

Glad you found us and hope you'll stick around a little while and enjoy. This place is a great place to get some knowledge as you can see.

Aug 23, 2005 | 10:28 PM

#14

John TN

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 21,949

Likes: 6

From: My house

RE: Sportster in 1st Gear?

LordVngr hit the nail on the head, it's the taller gearing that is your problem, when I got my Harley after riding metrics for most of my life I thought am I in first gear, but you will get use to it, in fact you have been given good advice about the friction zone, clutching and throttle control, just be careful when slowing to make a turn, this is where I was use to a little more engine braking, it felt like I was coasting in first gear when I got the HD, you'll get adjusted to it soon, go to a vacant parking lot and do some practicing this will help you a lot.

Aug 24, 2005 | 01:19 AM

#15

riverman

Cruiser

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 147

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From: Southwest Missouri

RE: Sportster in 1st Gear?

All though all that is said above is true (she ain't no dirt bike) there may be something else going on. I bought a '98-883 in June to take to Sturgis. I couldn't get her to idle and low speed was not possible. Just before I took the long ride we pulled the carb and gave her a good cleaning. Also had to change the low idle jet because somebody jacked it up with the wrong size screwdriver. Now she will idle way down. In heavy traffic (downtown Sturgis) once I get her past the friction point she will crawl along at about 5mph. You might consider popping the carb off and giving her a good cleaning. Also, check the tank, mine has 32K on it and it had a lot of sedament in the tank that was screwing up the fuel flow.