Let me explain the problem:
I live in Poland, recently I bought Road King 2001, which was imported form the US, i got the original key and everything seemed fine.
Here is the problem: From the moment i start engine, everything works fine for about 3-5 minutes, i can ride it, engine works good and everything seems in order. After these 5 minutes it suddenly stops! Engine goes off, like it was cut and every try to start it again fails - i turn the key, starter motor seems to be working but it just won't start the engine. After about 30 minutes i try again - suddenly it works... for another 5 minutes.

I'd very much appreciate any tips you could give me, because i don't have any clue on what could cause the problem. Besides i'm a total amateur, it's the first HD ever, i don't really know the technical language, but i will try to answer any questions you have.

Oh, and taking it to the engineer is the last option i'd try, cause here in Poland, we got only 1 or two workshops that repair Harley's so the price is a bit too high.

 

Sounds like it is ignition related, when you crank it after it quits does it attempt to start at all or does it just crank?

 

Take a look at your Maxi fuse to determine if it is a 40 Amp or 50 Amp. There are Service Bulletins that may apply.

http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/~preston/M1151.pdf

http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/~preston/M1151A.pdf

 

do you know if the bike is loaded with a security system? It may be that if the security systme is installed and not de-activated then it would turn off as a security reason. Keep at it and I am sure it is something minor thats happening ot the bike to make it stop after running 5 minutes.

 

I have to add that a manual is a critical component in Harley ownership these days, especially if you plan to do all you can yourself. You could probably order one on line. It would do you as well to pick up the Electrical manual as well.
Until then, their is a wealth of information to be shared here throughout the forum. I hope the fine folks here can get you on your way to recovery.

aka Bob

 

Alright, i will check the fuse later, it might be this, but still i have some doubts. It's not that after the engine stops there is no electrical power at all like the bulletin says. I wish i understood how exactly the circuit breaker works, but i believe it should cut off all the power, not just interfere with the starter.
When you try to start the engine it cranks like it does normally but there is no ignition at all until you wait 30 minutes, then it starts normally for another 5. I don't know, maybe it is temeperature related of something like that.

As for the alarm system, i don't think it could be that - i got the original key with the remote for an alarm which seems to be working fine. That was my first thought - that there is some kind of immobiliser, but don't know how to check it for sure.

I agree that the manual is critical, but the problem is that it's hard to get in in my language, still as soon as i find one i'm planning on buying it. Till then your help is very much appreciated, as you are all a bit more experienced than i am

 

had a similar problems a few years back on my 01 rkc, ended up being the ignition switch try wiggling it a bit next time it happens. If that works go out and get a new switch as I did..

 

What were your symptoms? Strangely it's always nearly the same amount of time, works 5 minutes and again after 30..

 

Now i'm thinking it could be the alarm... I turned it on with the remote and can't turn it off again. Maybe that is the source of problem, triggering off the alarm doesn't deactivate the immobiliser or something. Is there any way to uninstall the alarm system permanently?

 

If you have a clogged fuel filter or valve at the bottom of the tank, it could be running out of gas and drip enough down in 30 minutes to run for a few more. That particular model did have some problems where the fuel line connected to the tank.