'07 Ultra. Started acting up today and got worse throughout the day. I've managed to figure out that the problem is in the ignition switch. If the forks are turned left, all is well, powers up and runs. Straighten the forks out and I lose all power immediately. I was able to limp it from Sturgis back to the Holiday Inn in Spearfish by using duct tape around the ignition switch and keeping upward/forward pressure on it (toward the radio). Stopped for dinner when we got to Spearfish and had a heck of a time getting the duct tape situated to apply just the right pressure again, doubt I can make it the 48 miles to Rapid City HD in the morning. Is there anything I can do here with limited tools? Anything I should be looking for? Other than pulling the shaft out to pull the fairing, I've never messed with the ignition much. Should I just call RCHD in the morning to see if they can tow me in? FWIW, it's been rainy and cold, and we've been out riding in it. Could something have gotten wet?

Any advice is appreciated.

 

Hey stro, I posted on the other forum in my thread. Seeing this here makes me think yours might be in the wiring since it works far left. Mine is still workable if I jiggle the switch so I think it might be the switch itself, but have to take it all apart to see.

 

Not trying to be the bearer of bad news, but Black Hills HD will more than likely not be able to look at it for a few days. Hope I'm wrong. Maybe, since it's this late, the rush has slowed down.
You might want to check if there are any indys set up right in or near Main Street Sturgis. They usually have tents set up with all their gear and if they are still there, you may be able to get one a lot sooner than you'll get in in Rapid City.

 

That was my first thought. It first quit in Sturgis this afternoon so we walked around asking folks where we might be able to find a mechanic. The place is already like a ghost town. Can't believe how quickly everyone cleared out. I can find a smokin deal on t-shirts, but no indy's to be found.

 

Mine had power, but when engine light came on, it would stumble or go into limp mode. Check the wiring bundle between fairing and front of gas tank, could be grounding out.

 

Stro,
Not sure if this will help or not, but there is a guy in Blackhawk (not quite as far as Rapid City) that does pretty good work. Blackhawk Custom V-Twin is the name of the business. The guy is kind of an ornery 'ol cus, but does decent work.

Another thought is to talk to the folks at Lehman Trikes. They build the Ultra Trike for H-D and probably have sufficient knowledge (and tools) to assist you and they are right there in Spearfish!

 

Thanks guys. I had it towed in to Rapid City HD and was back on the road about 3 hours later with a new ignition switch. Now kicking back in Cody, Wy. I'll be seeing Yellowstone for the first time tomorrow!

 

man that's great news. it's good to hear that you got it back up and running dependably.

 

Man this internet is somethin. One minute you are broke down, then the next minute someone is telling you either how to fix-it or where to go to get it fixed....I gotta get mobile........Glad you are "On the road again"!!!!!

 

Right on. That's good to hear. Enjoy the rest of your trip.