2005 Harley Davidson XL 1200 C Sportster Custom Logo
Posted on May 11, 2009
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Harley runs nice in 40-50 deg. weather only

2005 harley davidson XLC . Here's the story, Ride the bike for about 20 miles. Throttles up and down ok through town and on the highway. Now get off the highway come into town to your 1st stop light and stop. Now let the throttle drop to an Idle sitting at the light. Engine still behaving idling nicley. Now, the fun begins. The light changes green and you "try" to throttle up and it sputters,pops, almost sounds like running out of gas. Let up on the throttle and it Idles nicley again. Pull off to the side of the road, shut off the bike and wait for about 15 min. After 15 min. the bike starts up ok and the throttles corrected. Now, prior to this I have ridden my bike in 40 deg. weather with no problems. Also, I have done the air filter, oil filter ,oil change , both spark plugs ( .040) and a new battery. For my 10K mile scheduled maintenance. Now , I noticed my "In tank temperature Guage was above 150 deg. when this happens. When the temp. drops below 150 deg. the bikes ok.Or is this a coinsidence. Now heres the kicker, when I ride at 50 deg. or below non of these problems occure. On changing the plugs , I noticed a small sooty black on the threads and electrode, but the porceline is almost still white.and sparks ok. Now from reading spark plugs in the past you would think I was loading up from the carb.But this dose'nt happen when it's cold out . Could this be a temperature related thing.on an air cooled engine? Today , I took the bike for a short ride ( 5 miles) to warm it up . On the way back it started to do the popping thing again when releasing the throttle to Idle. I'm still rolling, I down shift , pop the clutch out to assist the engine back up to speed and give a little throtte.Engine is running ok again as long as I keep the RPM's Up. Possible carb trouble? If so. Why only when weathers warm? Thanks for listening , hope theres a solution. Tom

  • tpaddack57 May 13, 2009

    Hey Tim, Thanks for responding to a fellow rider. I am using Harley Davidson Syn 3 oil and I only use premium fuel. That is a good Idea about standing up away from the engine to assist in cooling.Thanks again. Tom

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tim winter

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  • Posted on May 11, 2009
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Hey Tom, gonna try and help ya here...typical vapor lock/overheating is what your describing and i sure hear a lot of it w/harleys...are you using a very high grade synthetic oil , like castrol Syntec Actevo ? are you filling up w/ premium gasoline ?
make sure your timing is not too far advanced and don;'t let it idle too low...when you come to a stoplight stand up for a strech while letting your engine get air not blocked by your legs....all these things will help greatly......Good luck to you friend...Tim

  • tim winter May 13, 2009

    Thanks for the response, check that timing when you get a chance and back it down a degree or two...Tim

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Bobby Blevins

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  • Posted on Sep 26, 2012
Bobby Blevins
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The bike is running too lean,and needs to be rejetted.

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2005 Harley Davidson XLC. There was a pop from

Check the front wheel. The speedo drive normally resides on the front wheel hub. Take a look at that and see if it looks normal, I'm thinking your cable broke inside the speedo drive which made the "pop" sound. There is a possibility the drive could also have cratered but this will have to be determined when the speedo drive is removed from the front axle and inspected for damage and function.
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How to ride a harley?

# Find a suitable and rideable Harley Davidson motorcycle. Not every Harley is suitable for 'cruising' or riding distances shorter than a few blocks or miles. If you really want to enjoy all a Harley has to offer, find a Harley that runs well, is comfortable, and one that you can handle. If you find the bike too heavy, drop down a level or improve your riding skills on another, smaller bike first. In general, the bike "heaviness" runs in the following order, from heaviest to lightest: 1. Road King 2. Softail (includes Fatboy) 3. Dyna Glide 4. Sportster * A note about the Sportster: Some consider it the most difficult to ride, despite its lightness. This is due to its relative unbalance and high placement of the gas tank thus raising the center of gravity. Despite this, it remains one of the most fun Harley's to ride, and is exemplified in carrying the honor of being the longest running production motorcycle in United States history. # Decide how you're going to get your Harley, either by borrowing, renting, or buying. Sometimes renting or borrowing (provided that you have a motorcycle license) is the best way to introduce yourself to the world of Harleys without a huge financial commitment. # Observe the bike. Look at the subtleties and richness of the chrome, or lack thereof, and special features unique to the design of the particular Harley you are going to ride. Prep the bike for ride by checking the gas level, tires, lights, and any obvious flaws or defects. # Get on the bike. Remember, "right is wrong." Get on the bike from the left side, as it is good etiquette. Feel the handlebars, feel the weight of the bike underneath you. Pull the choke if need-be. Then... # Start the bike. Listen to it. Feel it underneath you. Let it warm up as you warm up to the bike. # Ride the bike. See the road scurry underneath you. Feel the wind in your face and on your body. See how it's just much better when on the bike. Feel the rumble in between your legs. Lean back. See the blur of the side road as you look straight ahead. # Enjoy the ride. Harley Davidson motorcycles enjoy a rich and storied tradition. Riding one is not about the speed or handling of the bike per se, but rather, the enjoyment of the feel and embodiment of the entire experience. Look at the scenery, hear and feel the engine. Look to your right... to your left. Even look up at the sky - all the while making sure to keep another eye on the road to stay safe. Beware of 'cagers' ie. car drivers.
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