It may all be in my head but:

2011 flhrc

My scoot seems to run rough when it's hot out. Engine doesn't feel as crisp as normal and kinda feels like I'm pulling a trailer or there is drag somewhere.

Also, the exhaust seems more "baffled" and quite when it's running well.

I am wondering if I have an exhaust leak that somehow closes when I put it up on the jack and then vibrates loose after I have been riding for a while or maybe my filter is oily?? I feel like it is associated with putting it on the jack and the ambient temp.

Also my front end feels a lot better after I ha e had it on the jack. Installed progressive monotubes.

Is it all in my head?

 

I would start with the air filter and spark plugs

 

TypicAl diagnostic questions:
-how long has it been doing this?
- was anything done to the bike prior to this problem?

 

I think it has been doing this for a few months....very intermittently. Sometimes she is running perfect and if I can describe the throttle and engine response I would say crisp, responsive, and more powerful. Engine sounds more "exact" along with the pipes quieter. When she is running rough, it is hard to explain the symptoms. Like I noted it is kind of like pulling a trailer or there is drag on it...the engine seemed rough like it was vibrating excessively but not in relation to RPMs. I first noticed it happening and after I would put it up on the jack for some reason it would go away. Thought there might be an exhaust leak and somehow it was reseating or whatever when I put it on the jack. It has been running well lately and now we have had a heat spell and same symptoms. I did check the oil when I got home today and it was right under the top full line when hot, so I sucked some oil out thinking maybe air intake issue with possibility that oil got all over filter. Haven't check the filter yet. I bought the bike last October used. V&H power duals, SE air cleaner, and SE Tuner. But it seems to run well otherwise...not much backfire and what not. The left pipe has more soot than the right and much more heat coming off it when I just start the thing in my garage and let idle. The left pipe is also the only pipe that gets wet. Thanks for the replies guys!! At least she is still running. First Harley so....

 

When it's hot out my HDs have all lost that "crisp" feeling you describe. Just the nature of the beast. Might want to check for a local dyno shop and have them check out your tune. If possible find the previous owner and get some info on who actually did the tune last. A new set of spark plugs may help and it's less than $10. Unless your have a true dual exhaust system the left muffler will in most cases be much cooler than the right side. Hope this helps.

 

This is a good place to start. You might also use premium grade gas, if you aren't.

 

I know that on my '06 Rk with fuel injection, when it gets hot outside and the bike runs hotter, it idles down a good bit. I thought that I had read that when the bike gets hot, the computer retards the timing some. I would assume this is what lowers the idle on mine. So when timing is retarded, the bike would seem to loose a little power or "oomph". Just a thought.

Head

 

the hotter the ambient air temperature , the less dense the air is ,effectively leaning out the fuel air mixture into the cylinders. if the bike is running lean to start with it only going to run leaning the hotter it is . As other suggested you may need to recheck the tune on the bike

 

Id lean towards a good tuning, by a reputable tuner

 

Awesome! Thanks guys. First Harley so I thought it might just be nature of the beast. I remember back in the day when I first started riding long distances. I rebuilt on old 1980 Suzuki GS 1100L with my stepdad. Started noticing all the different sounds an engine makes and thinking there were all sorts of problems with it. Told me stepdad...this thing has a valve ticking or something...he just replied...no, you have an 1100cc engine between your legs. I check the spark plugs and they look pretty good to me. Install of stage 1 was done at the dealer. But it is good to hear it may be somewhat typical but could check the tune...Thanks Here are pics of the plugs.