Idles high when hot

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Jul 23, 2013 | 02:41 PM

Pdfisherman

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From: MA

Idles high when hot

I have a 2005 883. The only mod I have done is cycle shack slip ons. I have found that the bike idles really high when hot. When I start it up and let it warm up with the choke, thn shut the choke off, it it perfect. Then as I ride it, when I stop at a light or stop sign the bike is idling higher than it was, and it sounds like it is too high. I don't have a tachometer, but I can tell its high. I don't think I should adjust the idle because then it will probably stall when it is not warm. Any ideas what it could be, or what I can do? I believe it did this with the stock pipes, I can just tell now because these pipes are louder.

Jul 23, 2013 | 05:15 PM

raq1025

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Joined: Mar 2012

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From: Land O Lakes, FL

I'm posting because I see that quite a few have looked at your post but not responded. Unfortunately, I don't really have an answer.
I have an '05 1200 and it does something similar. I have a tach on mine & when hot it'll idle a couple of hundred rpm higher (~1200ish). It's noticeable, but not really high. I have heard that it's pretty common. I have never seen a posted explanation or solution. It's kind of a "they all do that" thing.
Hopefully someone with more experience will post for you.

Jul 23, 2013 | 05:17 PM

tripn88

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Joined: Apr 2011

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From: So-Cal

Sounds like an intake leak. Mine does idle a little higher when hot but not much.

Jul 23, 2013 | 07:37 PM

Pdfisherman

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From: MA

Thanks for the responses. From what I've read, sportster idle a little high. Mine just seems like more than a little. It loses the low rumble sound and sounds like I am giving it gas. Any way to test for an intake leak, or places to look?

Jul 23, 2013 | 08:00 PM

HOTLAP

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 5,067

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From: Edmonton Alberta Canada

Run an UNLIT propane torch slowly around the intake & carb area while the bike is idling, if there is a leak the RPM's will increase.

Jul 23, 2013 | 08:38 PM

Jester 08 Nightster

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Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 566

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From: Milton, PA

I had an 'issue' with this with my old carbed Ninja. Personally after I ran into it a few time I chalked it up to just maintenance carb adjustment. In the late fall, winter, and early spring I would find my bike would idle way to low and sometimes stall out so I had to adjust the idle with the enrichment screw. Then in the summer the idle would get to high when things really got warm. Maybe I'm wrong but it seemed logical to me that it would need adjusting semi regularly. Why else would they put the **** on it?

Jul 23, 2013 | 08:47 PM

Pdfisherman

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From: MA

Thanks HOTLAP, I will try that.
Jester 08 Nighster, I'm sure that I may need adjustment but I am worried that since it only idles high when hot, if I lower the idle, it won't run when it is cold.

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Jul 23, 2013 | 10:03 PM

PanHeadRich

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 2,591

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From: Big Bear City, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pdfisherman

I have a 2005 883. I have found that the bike idles really high when hot. When I start it up and let it warm up with the choke, thn shut the choke off, it it perfect. Then as I ride it, when I stop at a light or stop sign the bike is idling higher than it was, and it sounds like it is too high.

If your bike's Carbureted rather than Fuel Injected, that's normal. This has always happened on all HD's as far back as you go. When the carb and fuel get hot, the idle increases. On the older HD's we use to adjust the idle as we rode them. You could reach the idle screw and turn it with your finger & thumb.

My Carbureted Evo & Sportster do the same thing, no big deal. I set the idle where I want it once the engine is good & hot. Just pull the Mixture/Choke lever out enough to keep it running right. As it warms, push it in a bit. As I ride and it warms more, I push it in a bit more until I reach the full operating temperature.

Throughout my life I've probably had 15 to 20 different HD's. All of them have done this, even my first 1948 Panhead. There's nothing wrong with your bike. Just set the idle where you want it when the engine is hot, and control it with the mixture unit you reach full temp.

If your bike is Injected, I don't have a clue. I've never owned an Injected bike.