My girlfriend just got an injected 04 Wide Glide, and when the engine is cold, it takes a long time to start. It has 13,400 miles, stage 1, open K&N filter, SE exhaust--no baflfles. You press the start button, and the engine turns over plenty fast, but just keeps turning over. We have to try 3 or 4 times for about 10-15 seconds each until it finally starts. then it runs pretty rough for a few minutes, then runs fine.

It does pop and crackle, even when warmed up, if you partially let off the throttle from a cruise. It doesn't do that if you let off all the way.

So where should I start with the starting problem?

 

Check the fuel rail for leaks (the fuel line to the throttle body) and also for the pressure (dealer help). Low pressure on the rail will do just what you describe. Even a slight leak will cause the rail pressure to decline....

 

well, I think I figured it out. I can wrap a towel around the air cleaner, and it starts IMMEDIATELY when you hit the button. So I figure it doesn't have the stage 1 download, and is getting too much air flow.

Well, I'm right...it doesn't have the stage 1, but DOES have the SERT!!!! Problem is, I bet the original owner kept the box, and there's no chance of finding it. Bummer.

 

would the baffles being removed cause this? Maybe I can make it work out by finding some SE II baffles.

 

Try shoving the baffels back in and see what the start situation does...That's strange, a throttle body that needs choked...something not right there. A stock bike will start with no breather attached at all, but that same bike will not run worth a darn without proper back pressure on the exhaust. Running an engine without the correct back pressure does bad things to valves, gaskets and piston tops.

 

I would, but I don't have the baffles. They weren't there when she bought the bike.