Vapor lock?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
No prob. Im just a smart ***. Vapor lock title got me. Almost never happens in any vehicle.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 204
Likes: 4
From: Fort Worth, TX
Any changes since last year?
If you have had any tuning done, timing advanced too far can cause what you are describing.
Weak battery or loose/corroded cables also cause this.
Starter solenoid or starter are other things to check.
If you have had any tuning done, timing advanced too far can cause what you are describing.
Weak battery or loose/corroded cables also cause this.
Starter solenoid or starter are other things to check.
Most of them are MMI grads, no?
There are 2. yes TWO "HD" mechanics I trust in this world.
Both ran their own shops for years, one in Neon, Kentucky, the other in Bethleham, PA, and both were offered enough to go to work for local HD shops.
I had to have a shift shaft replaced under warranty last week. (Yes, even with everything I've done, my warranty is intact). When they brought it back out, the first thing I did was make sure it still had oil in it.... I don't trust them.
What's worse than a HD mechanic?
In order, going down...
HD Service Writer
HD Parts guy
HD Salesman
Some of them are awesome guys, super nice to chit chat with, but I don't trust any of them for solid, honest advice.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Catawissa, Pa
Nope. No changes. I realize timing advanced too far would cause this as well as pinging. No issues like that and I'm pretty sure the timing is all computer controlled on FI bikes, no?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 127
I'm pretty sure that the original poster was referring to the rubber isolaters that are now in the rear wheel hub. It was about 2009 that they stated putting them in there to smooth out the ride a little.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 14
From: connecticut
Everyone is a mechanic till they have to fix something.
What do you have for mods on your bike?
You should be checking your battery cable connections at both ends then use a meter to check your voltage drop at the starter.
What do you have for mods on your bike?
You should be checking your battery cable connections at both ends then use a meter to check your voltage drop at the starter.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Catawissa, Pa
Only mod's are 2" Rush slip on's and a K&N filter. Nothing else mechanical and nothing different since 2009. Going to do some checking this week. Probably take it to my brothers shop and let him load test the battery. If that's ok load test the starter and go from there.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Sometimes when hot mine will be difficult to turn over. i have come to starting the bike immediately upon energizing the system after a short hot soak. Not waiting for the fuel pump to completely load the system.
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Catawissa, Pa
Battery checked out ok. I have a theory that it's the lower grade gas I've been running. I would normally run the mid grade but the last couple times I filled up with the recommended premium. No problems since. Lower grade gas will more easily combust under extreme pressure and heat which is why you get "spark knock" or "pinging" so this must be it. That's the only answer I can come up with. Thanks for all the input!