Idle adjustment without tachometer
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Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Portola Valley
Idle adjustment without tachometer
Hi all,
I previously had some problems with my 05 XL1200C that she had the tendency to die once stopped if I didn´t play around with the throttle. Some new spark plugs and, probably the most important change, a new air filter later, she runs much better. However, I have the feeling that with the new air filter she idles a little high, especially when warm. Maybe because of the increased air intake with the new filter? The old one was really clotted. I reduced the idle speed a little bit using the idle adjustment screw on top of the carb while she was warm but this morning it felt like it might have been a little too low. She almost died again when waiting at the traffic light.
Anyway, so the correct idle rpm apparently is around 1000rpm. But how do I control for that without a tachometer. Do you guys go by sound? PotatoPotatoPotato? I did some research and it seems like that old V-twin sound is not really recommended on a more "modern" Harley, is that correct?
It would also be willing to go to a dealership to get it properly adjusted but It is also kind of nice to be able to perform these little tunings on your own.
Thanks in advance
Alex
I previously had some problems with my 05 XL1200C that she had the tendency to die once stopped if I didn´t play around with the throttle. Some new spark plugs and, probably the most important change, a new air filter later, she runs much better. However, I have the feeling that with the new air filter she idles a little high, especially when warm. Maybe because of the increased air intake with the new filter? The old one was really clotted. I reduced the idle speed a little bit using the idle adjustment screw on top of the carb while she was warm but this morning it felt like it might have been a little too low. She almost died again when waiting at the traffic light.
Anyway, so the correct idle rpm apparently is around 1000rpm. But how do I control for that without a tachometer. Do you guys go by sound? PotatoPotatoPotato? I did some research and it seems like that old V-twin sound is not really recommended on a more "modern" Harley, is that correct?
It would also be willing to go to a dealership to get it properly adjusted but It is also kind of nice to be able to perform these little tunings on your own.
Thanks in advance
Alex
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
I just do it by sound, but on an EVO Sporty (yours), the "PotatoPotatoPotato" idle sound likely means it's set a bit too low, probably in the 800-900 RPM range. While the potato sound is sweet, an idle speed that low can create loss of oil flow problems.
Also, weather conditions like temperature, humidity and barometric pressure, will affect idle speed. So it's normal for the idle speed to vary from day to day.
Also, weather conditions like temperature, humidity and barometric pressure, will affect idle speed. So it's normal for the idle speed to vary from day to day.
Last edited by cHarley; Aug 28, 2014 at 01:16 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
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