That's posed me a perplexing situation with mine. I checked the mufflers and they're fairly well coated with black soot, which in my mind says the engine is running too rich. But after start-up, if I push that enrichment **** (EK) in too much too soon, the motor objects. Seems like it has to get thoroughly warmed up (a mile or two) before I can finally completely close it. It'd be nice if it had an "automatic choke (or AEK)" to take care of itself, or maybe EFI will solve that problem. But once it's warmed up it runs very smoothly, with no hicups, bad behavior or black smoke. Maybe it's all just the result of our rather cool (damn cold) weather. Not sure if I want to mess with a good running engine.

 

Being a resident of the land of salt and NO SNOW this year but usally buried up to are arrrsses - I never really considered winter riding - till this year - I got a sneak ride in in Jan mainly due to a combination of freak warm weather and a kids bday (gota be cool). I'm at the point that washing salt off may be a viiable option and as far as the a EK, listen the the motor - it idels higher when warm, push the darn thing in - heck by the time I get all the winter garb on, the engines been runnin at idel for 5 min.

 

You're right - and re-reading my post, I see how I may have been confusing. Better said (maybe?) is that despite that higher altitude (1200' MSL), the colder weather results in a lower "density" altitude (lower than normal), causing one to run leaner (than normal)... Hope this makes more sense!

 

Hi.
Yes I have trouble to start the damm Bike. I was wondering with tose temperature (around Zero) you had the same problem:
If I do not use the bike for eve 2 days, I have to try to start 4-5 times before the engine turns with the enricher fully out! I'm always afraid to suck up the battery! I am also affraid that if I leave the bike for some days, or week, I won't be able to start it up!

I have to tell you that the dealer had to change the battery once in my new sportster.
I really like to know, do you have any trouble with it?
Thanks
Lucospock

 

In the winter the battery will lose "juice" quickly because of the cold temperatures and extra cranking required to fire up the bike. Get a Battery Tender, hook it up when bike is stored, and it will keep your battery topped off and your bike will easily start everytime.

Do a search on this forum for "Battery Tender" and you'll see....

Thumper26

 

Agree completely with Thumper26, a Battery Tender is just one those "tools" that any person should have for their motorcycles. It'll prolong the life of your battery in the long run and give you a bit more peace of mind when you push that Starter button, at those temperatures.

 

Just so I understand. enrichener, is that what I use to call the choke??

 

John-O,

That's it!

Thumper26

 

Thanks. Now I understand the thread lol.. Dang, must be getting old if i'm still calling it a choke LOL [:-]

 

John_O,

One more thing, the kick stand is a "jiffy stand" in Harley-Davidson parlance. Been that way since at least 1947 from literature I've read...

Makes you wonder why they don't call the mirrors "a where you've been device" - LOL!

Thumper26