I have about 150 miles on my new 48, and really from the beginning it had a pretty rough idle, but I wasn't sure if that was normal, and it didn't affect me much the first week I was riding because I was just kicking around the neighborhood and not navigating any real traffic. By rough idle I mean when I slowly let the clutch out all the way in first gear to navigate some traffic at a red light, it really audibly and physically putts and sputters along, feeling like it might stall out at some point (it hasn't yet). Is this normal? Should i be holding the clutch in just a little and adding a touch of throttle to attain the same type of 5-7 mph crawl until traffic gets going? My only basis of comparison is the little Honda nighthawk i did my BRC on and that idled along much more smoothly.

Thanks for the insight!

 

Just took a spin around to see if I could articulate a little better. When idling along with the clutch out and no throttle in first gear, the bike actually feels like it's rocking back and forth, it will kick me forward and pull me back, not literally backwards of course, but the feeling I get is like being jerked back and forth because of abrupt acceleration/deceleration while idling.

Also, is it normal for the oil light to be on when the key is in the ignition, but the engine is not physically running (dahs/lights are the only thing powered up)? If not, I imagine that could be the source of my problems...

Thanks!

 

Engine not running equals no oil pressure which means you get the light.

 

^^^^ That. Harley's aren't exactly known for smooth idle, but if it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. I'd contact the dealer with such a new bike.

 

the engine is rubber mounted. your feeling the engine rocking back and forth. on that Honda it was a solid mount to the frame. give it a little gas it will smooth out as the load is taken off engine from idle.

 

I would not worry about it too much . Check your oil level regularly during break in. If the bike is still a concern at your !K service mention it to your dealer. My dyna ran like crap till about 400 miles. By the 1K the motor smoothed way out and ran much much better. My past experience with sportsters says they do the same. Try giving it a little more gas off idle and pull your clutch in when it starts to buck and let it out smoothly with appropriate acceleration .

Also +1 on what cowboy said.

 

Yeah same here with my 48, engine was a bit rough in the beginning but after about 500 she smoothed right out. If you're still concerned swing to the dealer and test ride another new 48 and compare.

 

I would add that as this is a different engine riding habits need to change.
Primary chain jerking or slapping around because its too low RPM's, is what you are feeling.
You don't engage the clutch to ride along at idle, that lugs the engine, roll along until you need to give thrust then give gas & clutch out enough to get the effect you want then clutch in and idle.
These engines are very different from rice rockets, bearings totally different, oil supply to the bearings etc...

Good luck, glad you found the forum & keep it on the rubber.

.

 

Normal.......give it some throttle. If giving it throttle makes you go to fast for the situation your in......feather the clutch.

 

+1 Other than coasting it downhill, the only way you can ride a 1200 Sporty at 5-7 MPH, without it bucking and jerking, is with the clutch feathered. AKA, riding in the friction zone.