2008 Roadster runs like crap

[Bradler]

Hello,

I have a 2008 1200 roadster that runs like crap. Over the past week or so it seemed that when I would hit a bump in the 2300-2800 rpm range it sounded like it could cut out. On Friday when I got into town from the highway driving around with the rpms around 2200 it was surging and cutting out. I have a PCIII, so I was like let me take the PCIII off and see what happens. I did that and it got worse and by worse I mean the surging was much more noticeable. I also swapped the start and system relays but that did not seem to help. So I then tried new plugs and took it for a spin around the block and it was not as bad as before but it was not complete warmed up either. I pulled the tank off to check for water in the gas and did not see any. I will be putting the tank back on tonight or tomorrow night but don't see it being any better. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[JBGoode]

Could be shitty gas....

[Bob F]

Could be shitty gas..

My first thought too. Your tanks off, dump that gas and put a can of dry gas in your next tank. Your vapor valve may be bad?

Keep us updated.

[lfvc77]

Welcome to the forum.

[Brad]

Do you also lose electric when it craps out? (Speedo drops to 0, lights go out, etc)

[Bradler]

I will definitely not put the gas back in the bike. I don't lose any electrical when it starts surging or when I hit bumps. Thanks for the suggestions so far.

[Old Goat Ninja]

Hello,

I have a 2008 1200 roadster that runs like crap. Over the past week or so it seemed that when I would hit a bump in the 2300-2800 rpm range it sounded like it could cut out.

Maybe I am wrong, but I am never in that RPM unless I am passing through it to a higher RPM... I cruise 3000+ , usually more like 3500 - 4000. Runs better there. I will stutter at a steady 2200 RPM too. 2200 is lugging the engine. Unless EFI is different, but I doubt it.

[Bicster]

Could it be carbon build up from lugging the engine or maybe the Power Commander playing up? Ive heard of Power Commanders going wrong many times, to the tune of they are more trouble than they are worth.

[sportsterpaul]

If it's ignition start checking connections as well, and welcome to the forum!

[NI-STR]

Check your battery connections! If loose, it really F---s up an FI bike.
I know first hand:frownthre

[XLFREAK]

Do you also lose electric when it craps out? (Speedo drops to 0, lights go out, etc)

What does it mean if that happens? I have a 2007 1200 low and my bike just died the other day going down the road and I the speedo dropped to zero even though I was moving. Not sure about all the other electrical. I tried to start it but nothing. I cycled the kill switch and then the fuel pump primed and it started.

[sportsterpaul]

At times the main circut breaker will kick off, usually waiting 30 seconds will bring it back. My '06 R had a few of these issues over a year ago but not since, go figure?

[Bradler]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I replaced the plugs and fuel and still not right. I will be checking the battery cables tonight and if that don't help it is to the stealership for service. I don't think I need to drive around a 3k rpm or more to have a smooth ride, but that is just my opinion. I will update this thread when I get the bike back. Again thanks for the help.

[SkullBasher]

I have seen tons of posts on here for 07+ bikes and the crankcase position sensor. The problems sound similar I would try that.

[XLFREAK]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I replaced the plugs and fuel and still not right. I will be checking the battery cables tonight and if that don't help it is to the stealership for service. I don't think I need to drive around a 3k rpm or more to have a smooth ride, but that is just my opinion. I will update this thread when I get the bike back. Again thanks for the help.

I agree. I don't agree with the other people that say that in order for the sportster to run its best and most efficient that you need to run in high rpm's all the time. I tried that before and never got out of 4th gear in town and lost 3-4 mpg.

[Rico 05R]

Have you checked your speedo to see if your bike is throwing any trouble codes?

[jcasella]

+1 on crank position sensor. Bike runs like crap when they go, looks just like a fuel problem. Almost any shop will have them should be around $50.

[sportsterpaul]

And for the record it may be a Crank posistion sensor and still NOT show a trouble code!

[Bradler]

Thanks for the new suggestion. I will stop and buy a cps tonight on the way home. I did check for codes and there was none.

[SkullBasher]

Any luck, we do like to know when things are fixed, and what fixed it! Also pictures help.

[ProfX]

Any solution yet?

[Bradler]

I received a call from the H-D dealer today and they said it is really lean in that rpm range even with the PCIII tune I have. I am going to see if Fuel-Moto can adjust tune with info from dealer, if not I guess I will have to have it dyno tuned which I don't really want to pay for. I will update this thread as I learn more. Thanks for the help.