Since the weather has cooled a bit, I've noticed that the idle speed on my '05 1200 has increased. I understand adjusting the idle screw on the carb, what I need to know is what kind of tach to use and/or how to hook it up to get engine speed readings. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

First, you have to ask yourself, why is it idleing faster in the winter? Cooler air is denser, that means your mixture will be leaner which typically increases the idle speed a bit. Try turning the mixture screw out about 1/4 turn first. Oh, and you'll have to turn it back in come spring.

If that doesn't do it, then go for the idle adjustment.

 

Not going to hurt anything by turning it down a bit...why bother? Harley has a mini tachometer for around $160, and you can find cheaper ones on EBay. Sorry, but never understood the need to get the idle speed right on, as long as the engine is idling well.

 

My concern is that it was idling normally last winter and all of this year. Suddenly the idle has gone up considerably. I understand that normal idle speed should be between 950-1050, but going by my ear, it's even higher than that. I simply want to make sure it's running in that range.

 

check for an air leak if the idle never changed before. if not, then just adjust the idle screw

my bike ran rich during the summer, but with this cooler weather, it's been running in the right mixture, the plugs tell all (well the basics of what you need to know, at least) I also had to lower my idle a bit.