EFI hesitation before fully "warmed-up" ??

[why_me]

I usually let my fuel pump prime before hitting the starter, by usually, I mean every time I start it. When it is cooler out, I will smoke a cigarette while it warms up, after 5 minutes, the bike is warm and the smoke break is over. But during that 5 minutes, the bike will act like it missed an entire firing cycle about 3 times, and the RPM's/exhaust note will change multiple times. I can tell by the sound when I can get on the bike and have no hesitation. This has been something that has bothered me since the first time I had it happen, I mentioned it to the shop guy at the dealership, he said sporties are cold blooded and really need to warm up before riding. Not exactly acceptable to me. I'm somewhat relieved to hear that more than just me is havng the problem. Sounds like the changes in the computers map isn't changing smoothly to me. As the bike warms up and the computer tries to adjust the curves and pulses to compensate for the heat, it pukes and tries to stall. Fortunately, it has caught it before actually stalling every time so far. I'm going to be interested if it stays the same, gets better or worse after my stage 1 and dyno tune. In the mean time, I hope they come up with an actual fix for this issue.

This ad is not displayed to registered and logged-in members. Register your free account today and become a member on HD Forums!

[PigInaBlanket]

How cold is it when this happens? My bike has never had this problem but then again it has only dipped down toI think the mid 50s since I got it.

I just turn on the key, put the run/stop switch to run and immediately hit the starter button, I don't wait for the light to go out or the soundof the fuel pump to stop. After putting on the PC III this way makes it start quicker, otherwise it cranks quite a few times.Found out this trick here on the forums as some others were having the longer start issues too.

[drosgarage]

I spoke with my Dealer today and he said he had never heard of such a thing. Then he got kinda defensive about the set-up and down load. "I've done tons of those downloads and no problems!"
My place is out in the sticks though, and kinda small. I'm thinking if any of their hillbilly-assed customers had a lag they wouldn't say anything about it. ya know? They may just conclude it's Hillbilly-assed normal!
In any event, I'm going with the "wait a minute" theory inthe morning and see if it helps the skip. BRB...

[machpilot]

i remember when i picked up my 07 the dealer told me to let it run for about 30 seconds to 1 min to let the engine properly set its self up.....oil, computer reading fuel mixes etc etc.....when i take off immediately from start...i get a little hesitation.....but once the bike runs for a bit it doesnt do it anymore....and thats stock except cycleshack slip ons.....i JUST bought a SE A/C and a fuel pak.....i guess we will see what happens.....

[psychobooe]

Sorry to bump a two year old thread, but I'm having this same issue with my '08 1200L. It's frustrating that it's happening, but comforting to see that others are having the same problem.
Has Harley addressed the issue at all or presented any kind of fix? Thanks for the help.

[Hal64hd]

Switch from premium to regular fuel in the winter helps. The general rule is the colder the temp and the higher the altitude the less octane is required. Premium fuel will cause a stumble in cold temps and throwing more fuel in makes it worse because of the inability to burn it.

[psychobooe]

That's interesting. I know that higher altitudes have lower octane gas. I live in Abilene, TX at about 1800' above sea level and our premium gas is only 91. I might try running mid grade gas for a tank to see if there is a difference.
Thanks for the tip.
By the way, do you run regular gas in your VROD in the winter?

[Hal64hd]

Yes I do, I find it starts and reponds better in the cooler temps and doesn't stumble like it does with the premium in cold temps. And the same for my wifes sporty