Sportster startup help!
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Stage II
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: tejas
Sportster startup help!
Hi, I'm a new rider on a 2001 sportster 1200 custom, its recently had some trouble turning over on first startup and will either need a little throttle or choke to get it going but once it starts it doesnt need any help. Also in case this might be the root of the problem, after turning the bike off the oil light will turn on even though I changed the oil not too long ago by myself. Also today when I turned it off the engine kept revving for a sec then sounded like it stalled,(i killed it while in nuetral.) Also just replaced the battery as well, Please help!
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 149
Likes: 4
From: Alaska
You want the oil light to come on when the ignition is on but the motor is not running. It lets you know the light works. It sounds like you are not getting enough fuel at idle. I am not familar with the carbs on these bikes but I would assume there should be an adjustment on the carb itself the the throttle position to bring your idle speed up.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, AZ
Hard Start
I also have a 2001 1200XLC and it doesn't start on the first shot either which is not unusual for a carbureted bike (try it in 30 degree weather!); I put mine on a trickle charger and that helps esp winter. The oil indicates oil pressure so with the bike not running it will light if you haven't ran it yet and take a bit after you stop it to go light off; if it stays on after you start it, THEN worry (also that light will not indicate "how good your oil is" but is for PRESSURE only!); I change mine twice a year; before and after winter or use the recommended mileage as a guide. Harley engines use engine heat to aid combustion, so the run on is not that unusual. If it vexes you, take it to the dealer (I assume if you are "new" you are not inclined to change jets) and have them adjust jet size (could be too rich) if you plugs a BLACK and not GRAY. From, here though, it sounds like you have nothing to worry about as mine has 55K on it and has done all that... I even get hard starts on really hot days to boot! Harley's are fickle and demanding and YOU'LL LNOW when something is REALLY WRONG!
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Hi, I'm a new rider on a 2001 sportster 1200 custom, its recently had some trouble turning over on first startup and will either need a little throttle or choke to get it going but once it starts it doesnt need any help. Also in case this might be the root of the problem, after turning the bike off the oil light will turn on even though I changed the oil not too long ago by myself. Also today when I turned it off the engine kept revving for a sec then sounded like it stalled,(i killed it while in nuetral.) Also just replaced the battery as well, Please help!
"Turning Over" means the starter is cranking (spinning) the motor, it has nothing to do with the motor actually running.
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Stage II
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2
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From: tejas
I also have a 2001 1200XLC and it doesn't start on the first shot either which is not unusual for a carbureted bike (try it in 30 degree weather!); I put mine on a trickle charger and that helps esp winter. The oil indicates oil pressure so with the bike not running it will light if you haven't ran it yet and take a bit after you stop it to go light off; if it stays on after you start it, THEN worry (also that light will not indicate "how good your oil is" but is for PRESSURE only!); I change mine twice a year; before and after winter or use the recommended mileage as a guide. Harley engines use engine heat to aid combustion, so the run on is not that unusual. If it vexes you, take it to the dealer (I assume if you are "new" you are not inclined to change jets) and have them adjust jet size (could be too rich) if you plugs a BLACK and not GRAY. From, here though, it sounds like you have nothing to worry about as mine has 55K on it and has done all that... I even get hard starts on really hot days to boot! Harley's are fickle and demanding and YOU'LL LNOW when something is REALLY WRONG!
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