Why does my bike turn over several times before it starts

 

You say several or do you mean a couple? My understanding is it does this to confirm corrected rotation before allowing it to start. If it actually is several you'll need to provide more details....year, mileage, etc.

 

I've heard they do that to built oil pressure before they fire up.

 

@jimroadking This area is to discuss any issues you are having with the Harley Davidson Forum website software, not bike issues. Suggest you post in one of the technical areas.

 

Uhhm because internal combustion engines don't instantaneously start.

 

I think it rotates 4 strokes

 

What year RoadKing?

Carb models can fire quicker the FI because the FI needs two-three revolutions to set timing.

 

Think maybe you have gone but if not.. Welcome to the HDFORUM.

And for others who may not know.

On a Harley motor, even the carburetor ones, they have a crank position sensor. It's beside the oil filter and yes in the way of a cup wrench without a notch.

It reads the notches on the crank wheel to know were pistons are

Once it reads usually almost one turn, it enables ignition on at correct timing. It also enables on a FI motor fuel pump to start and it runs all the time motor is running.

Motor usually starts within a very few seconds in the 4 strokes or so. .

if it doesn't, you have other issues.