20 Most Recent 2004 Harley Davidson XL 883 Sportster - Page 7 Questions & Answers

If it turns over quickly but won't actually start or run, your battery sounds OK. Depending on the model year and whether it is fitted with points or electronic ignition, start with the simple stuff first - make sure you have fuel in the tank and that the tank valve is actually open. If you remove the fuel line from the tank valve, open the valve and nothing comes out, there's your problem. Check for a spark (take a plug out - checking for obvious fouling - then pop the ignition lead back onto the plug top and hold it close to the crankcase as you turn the motor over). If a good spark jumps across the gap, it's unlikely to be an ignition problem - unles the other plug is at fault. If both plugs are good, it's either an ignition timing problem - unlikely with electronic systems - or your carburettor, or a compression issue. In the latter two cases, you'll need more specialised skills than your question suggests - time to phone a friend...!

carborator needs to be cleaned and the float needs to be reset

There is a hose that comes down between the rear down tubes on the frame, it goes back and attaches to the the frame. It doesn't look like it should be a drain hose but it is. Make sure you bring the temp up on the bike before you drain the oil and check the oil tank before you refill, I usually need to use a turkey baster to remove the last of the old oil out of mine. When you refill the tank make sure to only fill it to about hal lf way between the low and full marks on the dip stick to reduce blow by. Also don't forget to put about 4 ounces in the oil filter to prime the motor.

u know if it iznt electric then u hav carb n compression left-do an inspec on the fuel system-low speed gas n air jet specially-mite want to buy a manual-always git other opinions 1st or ull keep being a partz replacer

jack up bike so front wheel is off the ground remove brake cal. wire it up out of way.then remove front fender.loosen axle nut and remove and remove wheel then loosen pinch bolt on the thriple trees hang on to fork tubes they may slide out

replace your electronic ignition module

The battery might just be done or warn out, if you get lights when you turn the key on, and can honk the horn and everything, then it should click, if you are able to honk the horn and lights etc. and they aren't real weak, when you hit the starter it should tick, if your lights are bright and horn is loud and brake light responds quickly, then I'd ask a Harley dealer about it.

i wouldnt ride a bike with the brake lite on - get it taken care of

you dont need to conect to any clean ground on bike

B0563 is high voltage; check regulator and stator output first; inspect regulator ground; actual fault is more than 16v to battery=big boom under your ****=bad; probably bad reg ground or regulator; but need to check stator while you are there! good luck...T

Don't know what a magnOt is ?Is it anything like a magnEt(magnet- one of those things that iron sticks to).Anyway maybe check condensors if it has them

Check the plugs, replace the air filter, oil and oil filter. Check the steering head bearings for excessive play, check the swingarm for play, check the wheels for play, check the brake pads.

There is a spring inside the Primary that pulls the shifter back to the neutral position....it is broken......common problem with the Sportster.

anything that has at least 18 AH (amp hours) should be fine CCA's (cold cranking amps) are what count check your old battery or, your bike's specifications

I have had a keyswitch go and cause this type of problem on my wifes 1200 Sporty.

All anyone is doing at this point is guessing on the jet size. With all the work you've had done I would go ahead and pay for a dyno tune up.

It sounds like the idle jet is clogged, if the choke is on it will continue to run however (very rich).black unspent fuel which will blacken the spark plugs and eventually foul out...take the carburator off and take it apart....there is an idle jet, blow thru it,or run a very fine wire thru it, you should be able to hold it up to the light and see the light.....same thing for the main jet...make sure the float bowl is cleaned out and install a new fuel filter.....check the gas tank for any rust..........if there is rust in the tank.....it must be cleaned and a tank sealer must be applied......there are several kits available..

With just this info.Not knowing if the engine is stock or has bigger cams or high comp pistons.I would say check the starter solenoid by running jumper wire from one side to the other.then check ALL connections for corrosion and tightness

Sounds like it jumped time.. Check your timing ..

check out the videos https://www.google.com/search?q=1988+harley+davidson+sportster+replacement+clutch ..