2001 Road King 14,000 miles. It's been running fine since I got it in Oct., but since the snow I haven't had it running for a couple of weeks. It's been really could the past few days. I was in the garage with my brother (he's messing with his 883) so I figured I'd start mine & let it run......


It cranks, and tries to start, but never really turns over. I tried giving it a little gas while cranking (this always works on my sportbike), and it made a pretty loud knock, and a little smoke came out around the air filter ?

any ideas ?

 

Check your "VOLT" gauge reading.
If it's reading less than 10 volts your bike will crank over but may not start.

Charge your battery and try again.
In cooler/colder weather, I spray a little starting spray into the air cleaner.
This will reduce the amount of cranking needed to start your bike.

Your bike has EFI. There's no need for you to touch the throttle to start the bike.

Another personal opinion here, but if you start your bike, once it starts, let it run long enough to get the engine and oil good and warm before shutting the engine off.

 

Agreed check your battery. Might wanna look into a tender

 

Your bike has EFI.

I didn't see that anywhere in his post. I think there were more carbs back then. Sounds to me like,yes, it prolly is a weak battery.

 

I hooked the tender to it, we'll see ?

Sorry forgot to mention it is fuel injected.

 

in any case- IF you get it started, then you have to make sure you run it to operating temperature.

otherwise moisture will condense in the motor and exhaust...corrupt the oil, corrode the bearings, rust the mufflers etc etc.


so just leave it until you are going to ride.

otherwise you are doing the bike, your wallet and your self no favors.

mike

 

So, battery was probably week when you tried to start her the first time and by you twisting the throttle you flooded her. Charge the battery, and pull out the plugs and clean them off. After the battery's fully charged, reinstall the plugs, and try starting her again, this time don't twist the throttle.

 

Will do, thanks !!

 

Thanks, this worked imediately. I put some Stabil in it, and wanted to get some through the lines.