It does not take a committee to troubleshoot a motorcycle.
Harley Davidson's original compensator on 95-cubic-inch and larger twin cams may have been inadequate for the added torque produced by the newer engine. Harley now factory installs more robust compensators. There are sometimes electronic problems with fuel injected Harleys that can be difficult to diagnose. The usual procedure for that is to retrieve and translate the trouble codes. Beyond that, troubleshooting a 95-cubic-inch twin cam is not very different from troubleshooting a flathead 45. The process always begins with throwing your leg over the bike and sitting down.
Instructions
1. Open the petcock and extend the choke. Turn the ignition key switch to "On," the handlebar run switch to "On" and start the motorcycle. If the starter does not operate, your battery is dead.
2. Shake the motorcycle from side to side and listen for gas sloshing in the fuel tank. If you hear sloshing and the starter turns over, but the bike does not start, check the spark plugs, the plug wires and the coil.
3. Inspect the spark plug wires for breaks, wear and corrosion from the coil to the plugs. Remove the front spark plug with a socket wrench and a spark plug socket and inspect the plug. If you see anything other than a perfectly intact plug with a light gray or tan coating on the electrodes, your spark plug must be replaced.
4. Start the motorcycle and idle in neutral until the rocker box covers under your left hand are warm to the touch. Ride the motorcycle.
5. Listen as you ride. If you hear knocks or pings and your spark plugs are in good shape then the gasoline in your fuel tank is bad. If you hear a typewriter chattering either your pushrods or your tappets are improperly adjusted. If you hear a squeal when you stopped your brakes are worn out.
6. Change gears. If the bike shifts hard, the shifter rod on the lower left side of the motorcycle may be bent. If the transmission jumps out of gear, the shifter forks in the transmission are improperly adjusted.
7. Brake to a stop. If the brakes do not hold, the brake fluid in your master cylinder is low.
Tags: spark plug, fuel tank, fuel tank hear, Harley Davidson, improperly adjusted