There may come a time when you need to adjust the idle on your fuel-injected Harley Davidson. Perhaps you’ve just installed a new exhaust system, and the idle is too high, or maybe the bike is running rough, and you think an adjustment could help.
No matter the reason, it’s essential to know how to adjust your bike’s idle properly. In this article, we will walk you through the process step-by-step.
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What is idle, and why do we need to adjust it?
Idle is the speed at which your engine runs when you are not giving it gas. Having the idle set correctly is important because if it’s too low, your engine may stall. If it’s too high, you may experience “engine ping” (a knocking sound that occurs when the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders is detonating prematurely).
How to adjust the idle on a Harley Davidson?
There are two ways to adjust the idle on a Harley Davidson: manually or with a scanner.
You must locate the screws on the throttle body to adjust the idle manually. There are usually two screws, one for each throttle body. The screw on the left is for the idle mixture, and then the screw on the right is for the idle speed.
If you need to turn the screw clockwise, it will lean out the mixture and raise the idle. If you need to turn the screw counterclockwise, it will richen the mix and make the idle lower.
To adjust the idle with a scanner, you must connect the scanner to the diagnostic port on your bike. Once the scanner is connected, you must select the “Idlelearn” function. This will allow you to adjust the idle speed and mixture through the scanner.
It’s important to note that when you adjust the idle, you should only make minor adjustments at once. This will help prevent your engine from going too lean or too rich.
Tips for keeping your bike idle in check
Now that you know how to adjust the idle on your Harley Davidson, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always warm up your bike before making any adjustments. This will help ensure that the engine is running at its optimal temperature.
- When adjusting the idle mixture, it’s best to start with the screw furthest from the air filter. This will help prevent any unmetered air from entering the engine.
- Be sure to check your bike’s service manual before making any adjustments. This will help you understand how the idle system works on your specific model of Harley Davidson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Harley idling so high?
If your Harley is idling high, it could be due to a number of factors. Check the air filter to see if it’s dirty or blocked. The idle mixture may be too rich if the air filter is clean. You can adjust the mix by turning the screw on the throttle body clockwise.
Where is the idle screw located?
The idle screw is usually located on the throttle body. There are usually two screws, one for each throttle body. The screw on the left is for the idle mixture, and the screw on the right is for the idle speed.
What should I do if my Harley won’t idle?
If your Harley doesn’t idle, the idle mixture may be too lean. You can adjust the mix by turning the screw on the throttle body counterclockwise. If this doesn’t work, the idle speed may be too low. You can adjust the idle speed by turning the screw on the throttle body clockwise.
What RPM should a Harley idle at?
The idle speed on a Harley Davidson can vary depending on the model. However, most Harleys will idle around 950 RPM.
Final Words
Adjusting the idle on your Harley Davidson is a relatively simple task that can be done manually or with a scanner. Check your service manual before making any adjustments, and always warm up your bike before adjusting the idle. Following these tips will help ensure that your motorcycle idles correctly.
I hope this guide was helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Happy riding!
I recently bought a 2001 Harley Davidson Electra glide Police edition. There are after market pipes on the bike and the idle is very low (500) rpm. it stalls out at idle. Can this idle really be adjusted on this bike manually with the throttle body screws? I was under the impression that a scanner was needed.