Monday, March 3, 2014

Harley Davidson Troubleshooting Guide

Harley-Davidson is of the only major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression.


Harley-Davidson is an American motorcycle manufacturer founded in Wisconsin in 1903. Although Harley-Davidson's are known for being well-engineered, like any machine they can still occasionally have mechanical problems. It is recommended that a certified mechanic conduct any extensive machinery work on the motorcycle for safety reasons. However, any Harley rider can pursue a brief troubleshooting and repair session at home with ease.


Instructions


1. Check the fluids in the upper portion of the front forks and the shocks. They must be topped off and fully-sealed. An oil leak can cause loss of control, reduce contact patch integrity, and force tires to bounce on rough pavement.


2. Adjust the carburetor to lessen a rough idle or to eliminate sputtering when starting. To do so, turn the carburetor screw with a wrench until you get a desired fuel flow to run the motor smoothly.


3. Test the battery to ensure maximum power. An auto supply store will usually test the battery for free. Batteries generally fail in three ways: not charging; not holding the charge; or not releasing a charge under load. The headlights won't work with one of the first two problems. If the battery isn't releasing the charge, the headlights can still work but the engine won't turn over. Replace the battery if needed.


4. Inspect the bike for any visible damage. Harley-Davidson recalled many 2008 models for cracks in the fuel filter shell, and they recalled several 2009 and 2010 models to reinforce the front fuel tank mounts. A crack in this area can result in a loss of fuel pressure, which causes frequent stalls and loss of performance.


5. Ensure that air pressure is at an appropriate level. Allow the bike to remain stationary few hours, then test again. Low air pressure can indicate a leak in the air tubing extending from each shock, or fork tube, to the Schrader valve. Be sure to also inspect the tubing for kinks, cracks or leaks. Replace any tubing, or fittings, that are damaged.








Related Posts:




  • Install A Fork Bag On A Harley Davidson Motorcycle

    Install a Fork Bag on a Harley Davidson MotorcycleProviding a convenient place to carry tools and other small belongings, fork bags have been a common addition to Harley-Davidson's motorcycles ove...


  • Change The Three Oil Compartments On The Harley Davidson Twin Cam Motorcycle

    Change the Three Oil Compartments on the Harley Davidson Twin Cam MotorcycleAs the owner of a Twin Cam 88-powered Harley-Davidson motorcycle, it is your job to ensure that the engine, primary clut...


  • Remove A Harley Davidson Road King Starter

    Many Harley Davidson Road King owners love to tinker with their motorcycles in the garage. And because motorcycle maintenance and repair can be very costly over time, this includes learning do the...


  • Troubleshoot A Harley

    Troubleshooting a Harley Davidson can be done with some patience.Harley-Davidson was founded by Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson in 1903 when they developed a one-cylinder motorcycle. They e...


  • Learn Harley Davidson Motorcycles

    Harley-Davidson is an American icon.Harley-Davidson Motor Company has long held a high ranking among the elite motorcycle manufacturers of the world. Their motorcycles are vastly popular and their...