After the startup process the engine light comes on for a second then goes off. Is this something that will correct itself after a few startups? or is something else going on?

 

On my '08 Nightster, you turn the ignition on, hit the on switch, the engine light comes on, you wait until it goes off (2 or 3 seconds), and then hit the start switch. You're not suppose to hit the start switch until the engine light goes off......

 

In other words, your bike sounds like it's doing what it's suppose to do......

 

yea thats what i do i got an 09.... then the light comes on for a second after it started then goes off i know its not supposed to come on again but it does then its off. It doesn't stay on so im wondering why its on for a second then off

 

Ok turn the key on and the light should come on while the fuel pump primes then go out-now it is ok to start the bike, but the light should not come back on. If the lights comes on after start up and goes out that means there is a trouble code in history. Count I bet the light stays on for 4 seconds. As long as there are no more codes tripped the light will stop comming on after 50 start ups or the dealer can clear the code out with the scan tool, but might charge you. I know this because my XL50 did this after I had the rear head gasket done and the shop forgot to reset the PCM and I noticed it when I went to ride it home, they told me about what I just told you.