Idle Question
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: MA
Idle Question
I have a 2005 883. I recently put on a set of cycle shack slip ons. I noticed my bike seems to idle high. Can I just lower the idle using the idle screw? Will this make the bike stall when cold? Is there any disadvantage to lowering the idle, or is this what I should do?
Thanks
Thanks
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,591
Likes: 4,020
From: San Diego, CA
Do you have an upgraded air intake/cleaner as well? If not, a minor adjust should do it. If so, may need a minor jet change and then adjust.
For now, you may want to adjust your idle mixture a bit (see many good posts about it) as well as the speed screw adjustment.
Also, check your spark plug color. Lots of posts on this as well.
Easy problems to solve.
John
For now, you may want to adjust your idle mixture a bit (see many good posts about it) as well as the speed screw adjustment.
Also, check your spark plug color. Lots of posts on this as well.
Easy problems to solve.
John
Last edited by John Harper; Sep 21, 2013 at 07:55 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 431
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis, MO
Too low of an idle might give a nice sound but will lug the engine. So be careful. FWIW, my EFI Sportster is set to 1050 idle I believe.
-Beer
-Beer
Last edited by iwantmybeerbackplease; Sep 22, 2013 at 12:43 AM.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: MA
Thanks guys,
I have the stock air cleaner on the bike. The only screw I have adjusted is the idle speed screw. I didn't touch the idle mixture.
Also, you said that it may lug the engine. What's wrong with that? ( not being sarcastic, just wondering what it means?). Will it cause any harm, or jus make it harder to take off?
I have the stock air cleaner on the bike. The only screw I have adjusted is the idle speed screw. I didn't touch the idle mixture.
Also, you said that it may lug the engine. What's wrong with that? ( not being sarcastic, just wondering what it means?). Will it cause any harm, or jus make it harder to take off?
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,591
Likes: 4,020
From: San Diego, CA
Thanks guys,
I have the stock air cleaner on the bike. The only screw I have adjusted is the idle speed screw. I didn't touch the idle mixture.
Also, you said that it may lug the engine. What's wrong with that? ( not being sarcastic, just wondering what it means?). Will it cause any harm, or jus make it harder to take off?
I have the stock air cleaner on the bike. The only screw I have adjusted is the idle speed screw. I didn't touch the idle mixture.
Also, you said that it may lug the engine. What's wrong with that? ( not being sarcastic, just wondering what it means?). Will it cause any harm, or jus make it harder to take off?
Too low of an idle speed on the other hand, can deprive the top end of the engine (rockers and valves, etc.) of necessary oil flow, idle speed recommended is generally 1000-1100 rpm.
John
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Intermediate
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From: MA
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 431
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis, MO
Someone with an experienced ear should be able to tell you when you're in the neighborhood of 1000-1100. Besides that, I don't think you're going to be able to measure rpm without a tach, but I'm not an engine guy.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,591
Likes: 4,020
From: San Diego, CA
I do it by ear, you can tell when it's too low and also too high. When it's completely warm (30 minute ride) and it sounds nice and smooth (sewing machine sound?) at idle, that should be okay.
I err (ear?) to the high side on my bike. Oil flow is good.
John
I err (ear?) to the high side on my bike. Oil flow is good.
John
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