My 2002 sporty is having an issue. It usually takes a really long time to warm up, and until then, it only fires on 1 cylinder. If I am in a hurry and dont have time for the bike to warm up, it will only go about 70 mph tops. I can then feel the sputter of the 2nd cylinder starting to fire after a while, and then after a little bit it funs fine.

It also kind of sputters when taking of from a stop, but once i get going, it runs good.


Any ideas?

Thanks

 

Plug getting spark? if yes try a new plug.

 

Getting fuel to the cylinder? Is it running really rich or smells of gas?

 

try the coil or the plug wires.

 

Harleys don't care if your in a hurry, they don't like to run unless good and warm. Running the bike hard with a missing cylinder just runs raw fuel through it and can wash the cylinder walls. Fix it before you do any damage. Coil, plug, wire, etc. One carb for both cylinders so it's getting fuel, it's just not getting fire.

 

I was just riding the bike to work, and it was running fine on both cylinders. BUt then when i was idleing at a stop light, it died abd now wont start back up.

Im thinking its the coil, but i wont be able to check for spark till tomorrow.

Do coils usually act like that when they are going out?

 

Yes. They heat up and cause them to go out. Often when this happens, you can fire it back up after a ten minute set.

 

It's been sitting for a couple hours and still won't start.

 

Well you had to start somewhere.... There is a section in the Service Manual for troubleshooting that exact problem.

 

Start with the obvious. A set of spark plugs (Champion RA8HC) is less than $4.00 at your local auto parts store. Gap them at .040 and install. If that doesn't fix it, then go from there.