Hi all,

I previously had some problems with my 05 XL1200C that she had the tendency to die once stopped if I didnīt play around with the throttle. Some new spark plugs and, probably the most important change, a new air filter later, she runs much better. However, I have the feeling that with the new air filter she idles a little high, especially when warm. Maybe because of the increased air intake with the new filter? The old one was really clotted. I reduced the idle speed a little bit using the idle adjustment screw on top of the carb while she was warm but this morning it felt like it might have been a little too low. She almost died again when waiting at the traffic light.

Anyway, so the correct idle rpm apparently is around 1000rpm. But how do I control for that without a tachometer. Do you guys go by sound? PotatoPotatoPotato? I did some research and it seems like that old V-twin sound is not really recommended on a more "modern" Harley, is that correct?

It would also be willing to go to a dealership to get it properly adjusted but It is also kind of nice to be able to perform these little tunings on your own.

Thanks in advance
Alex

 

I just do it by sound, but on an EVO Sporty (yours), the "PotatoPotatoPotato" idle sound likely means it's set a bit too low, probably in the 800-900 RPM range. While the potato sound is sweet, an idle speed that low can create loss of oil flow problems.

Also, weather conditions like temperature, humidity and barometric pressure, will affect idle speed. So it's normal for the idle speed to vary from day to day.

 

Thanks for the tip Charley.

So far I only read about problems with the idle being too low. Are there also issues related to too high idle?

 

No, not as long as it's not unreasonably (WAY) high, other than excess fuel consumption.

 

Just put the idle where the bike likes it. As long as it's not racing you are good.