Hello, I'm new here and to Harley's, to be honest bikes in general although I do work on cars so I have a general knowledge of mechanics but that's about it.

I just bought my first Harley last week. It's an '89 1200 with about 12k miles (who knows if that's accurate). I was riding today at about 40mph and it just stalled out and I coasted off and parked. Obviously I still had gas, then I checked the plugs which I didn't do right when I bought it and they were smoked pretty hard so I changed those and still nothing, they were getting spark because when I went to check to see if it'd arch it shocked the **** out of me. The ignition turns and lights come on and it turns over. Still does not want to start.

Like I said, I'm still new to bikes so any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

How much gas is in it? Did you try switching the petcock valve to Reserve?
Take the air cleaner off, look into the carb throat as you twist the throttle. Can you see any fuel squirting into the throat when you twist the throttle?

 

I did try switching it to reserve because it did sound low but not that low, but then again I haven't had a Harley tank before. I didn't have a screw driver at the time (had a friend come out who happened to have a crescent wrench with him which is how I checked the plugs). I'm going to feel like a real idiot if that's what it is though. If you have any other stuff I should check before I drive back out there that'd be awesome, I now have tools to bring with me (as well as a little gas).

Thanks.

 

have you check'd to see if the vacuum line is still on pitcock,,I have seen them come off while riding,,hope this fix's you up dude

 

So yeah, I'm an idiot. I guess I thought the petcock inlet would be a little lower than it was. I went back and through some gas in it and she started right up. Now I feel pretty embarrassed :/ but now I know that I can't let it get that low despite hearing gas sloshing around down there. The joys of getting a new bike I guess. Not used to not having a gauge haha!

Well, I'm glad to be a part of the forums and a harley owner now. I'll be sticking around for sure, thanks guys.