Help!! - 2008 Nightster Issue

[Burgester72]

So it's been about 2 weeks since I started it up. It started like a charm as usual and I let it idle for about 40 minutes as I was talking to a friend. Longer idle time than usual by about 35 minutes as the time got away from me while visiting...I have read that Harley's go through a test at the factory where they idle for a long period of time under very hot conditions in regards to outside weather temperature. In the back of my mind I kept thinking that it's ok for it to idle a bit because they get tested like this in the factory and it's no problem for a Harley to idle...

So when I put the bike in first gear and began to take off it "knocked" and I pulled the clutch in. I did this 3 more times and got worried and shut the bike off.

The bike was very "HOT" at this point and even smelled hot. Hotter than I have ever seen the bike.

When I went to start the bike it knocked, caughed and didn't want to start. I tried to start it about 3 times and gave up. The bike was so hot I eventually pulled it out into the windy parking lot and let mother nature cool it down. Thankfully there was a good head wind and the bike cooled down quickly.

It started up "after the cool down" and made the worst knocking sound. I shut it off as quick as I heard the knocking sound and was pretty upset that something bad wrong was happening inside the engine.

I let it sit and cool way down for about 15 minutes.

I hit the start button again and the knocking sound was gone, bike started right up, I rode it about 3 miles and parked it.

Has anyone ran across this before?

[2007Low]

Nope, I never idle after start up for more than about two minutes.

I don't think you need to be overly concerned about it as long as it rides and runs normal. However, I would not idle the bike for more than a few minutes, unless you have to get out and get on it right away. Then I would probably just warm it up til the heads are at least warm to the touch, maybe 5 minutes max.

I thought you made a misprint when you posted this, but 40 minutes, what the hell were you thinking.

[Tin Man 2]

Dont try to blame the Bike for your actions, All air cooled bikes need to have air circulation to cool. Check your Owners Manual, you will find it mentioned many times, do not let the bike idle for extended periods. Sounds like you got off easy this time. But you may have damaged some gaskets and or seals that will show up later.

[scott1963]

I would change the oil and filter ASAP

[ElectricCityIron]

Ya when i bought my 2010 iron the service manager made the point clear...DO NOT LET THIS BIKE IDLE FOR MORE THEN 10 MIN.....even that was pushing it. He did say to let it idle for a couple of min, or until rocker box was warm before riding though...but this is about a min min and a half at the most....

40 min...i let my bike idle once for like 5 min at 32 degrees outside and i got nervous, immediately taking it for an easy ride home from work...g luck

[jharback]

You got lucky. These bikes need to move to keep cool. Never idle for more than five minutes.

[Mbagger]

Just because the knocking sound was gone for your 3 mile ride home does not mean it will not return.

Change the oil & filter right away.

If you are not under warranty, now might be the time to purchase an extended warranty.

[colonelangus]

Originally Posted by Mbagger

Just because the knocking sound was gone for your 3 mile ride home does not mean it will not return.

Change the oil & filter right away.

If you are not under warranty, now might be the time to purchase an extended warranty.

x2

and dont mention this ever happened

[linkin5]

The manual says not to let the bike sit and idle. On my 07 I never have.

[shotgun46]

40 minutes oh my I am surprised it did not seize up on you