| Author | Message | ||
     Nateba |
My bike has been stalling on and off at low-idle and while stopped at lights, etc. It has also been starting a little rough. I've read a bunch of stumble/stall threads, and I'm just looking for some quick insight. 2008 Uly, 6,000 miles - purchased used last year with 4,xxx. I live in Portland, OR, where it frequently rains and the weather hovers around 45 degrees in the rain. I took the battery off and had it charged at AutoZone, and was told it was still good. It sits on a tender at all times. I'm guessing it's the original battery. Is it possible that the battery just discharges after a bit of stop-and go riding, or are the symptoms wrong? I'm not much of a mechanic, which is why I'm asking. New battery, or trip to money-lane (HD mechanic?) | ||
| Froggy |
First thing I would do is remove and clean your Idle Air Control (IAC), it does what it says and controls you idle, they tend to get gunked up and can cause the issue you describe. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?142838/634269 | ||
| Ourdee |
eBr RACING ECM. Check the plug outlets on your ecm for cracks. | ||
| Arcticktm |
I wouldn't just change the battery for that, especially if it tested OK. More likely something erratic related the big shaking our bikes do at idle? ECM connectors worth check, per Ourdee. Maybe look through the Uly issues list to verify your ground connectors are solid as well. | ||
| Etennuly |
Always make the first check be spark plugs. Pull them and check their condition. If they are wet at all they will cause your problem. You can throw a lot of money and time away if you do not check this first. Checking the plugs first can find and lead you to other problems. | ||
| Motorbike |
When you check your ECM, as Ourdee suggested, you will need to look very closely for signs of the seat rubbing on the connectors. Also, the cracks in the ECM will not be very obvious so you need to examine under good lighting and maybe use a magnifying glass. If you decide to replace the ECM, be sure to relocate it to a safe location. Do a search on the ECM, there are tons of threads about all of this and many pictures too. Thanks. | ||
| Untamed |
Change the plugs first and see how it runs. I have a 2008 Uly as well and had to replace the original battery last year. Once started, the battery did not cause any running problems, it just would not hold a charge for more than a day. So if it is the original, it will likely need to be replaced this year, but not now. Replace the plugs and go from there. | ||
| Ratbuell |
TPS reset. No money out tools required. Yes, the battery will discharge in stop n go. These bikes dont charge below 2200 rpm. Keep it revving for at least 30 minutes to replace the cold start crank power drain. | ||
| Ratbuell |
And put a voltmeter / gauge on it to keep an eye on charging status... | ||
| Nateba |
Thanks for all the input. I just recently changed the spark plugs two months ago with iridiums, so I'm guessing they're not fouled yet. I will definitely do the TPS reset. I totally forgot about that. I've checked the ECM and can't see any cracks yet, but I'll get a glass and take a closer look, along with the IAC clean. I'll get back on here after the weekend, hopefully with good news. | ||
| Etennuly |
A spark plug can foul the day you install it. Many of the Buells sold new in dealerships had to have the plugs changed with no miles on them. A few cold starts without riding the bike will tend to kill them. Just because they are "kind of new" does not mean they are not junk. Still it is a free diagnostic check to look at them. |
