Riding an '09 rk on a normal day (not to hot/cold, wet, etc.) when i came to a stop and it shuts down - restarted normally but now its in limp mode (parade mode according to the dealer) - no lights on dash - okay so i ride home slow - really slow - but i get home okay - removed seat - pulled ecm out and then plugged it back in - bike runs fine - no lights - nothing ! Went to dealer with questions and they want to "flash" ecm - for $150 - but now i'm thinking why fix what isn't broken - but i'm no techie and bow to those more knowledable with a question - if it's working fine now should i drop the cash to see why it "burped" or just keep on rollin" down the road ?

 

A burp this time could turn into a fart next time. (metaphorically speaking) For that matter - well lets not go there!
Is this a first time, or has it happened before? Electrical problems suck! Could any codes be pulled before you reset it? I'd want to know vs. "limping" back home.

 

How do you know it is in "limp mode"?

 

Because you can open the throttle as much as you want and the motor will not spin over ~2500rpm and you can flat forget moving faster than about 10mph.

 

The bike has zero other problems and after and before this minor one - I really "flogged the dog" with it trying to get it to "burp" again - hard accell-hard decell: full throttle stops - you name it I did it - nothing, nada, zip - performs like a circus monkey. I just have a tough time dropping a buck an a half to be told, " yep,it shutdown alright, but it's fine now" .

 

I think there's a Harley TSB on this. Something about the pins from the electronic throttle connections not making good contact. Supposed to be a pretty common problem.

Search for "fretting" and you might find some threads about it.

 

Check the battery cables, they could be loose, specially the ground.

 

That is correct and when you unplugged it, it got a better connection. Seen a few bikes had to have the pins replaced, right off the floor.

 

good luck on the find....another thing to put on our touring troublshooting charts

 

Check your throttle body plug and ecu plug under your seat with a magnifiying glass for a corroded pin. If there are none that are fretting bad just put some dielectric grease on them. There is a SB out on this issue on the new TBW bikes same symptoms you are having. Dealer would rather charge you the 150 to put the grease on the pins. Give it a try that throttle body plug takes a beating with heat and vibs i greased all mine when i saw the SB