• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Motorcycleall

Motorcycle Blog & Reviews for Riders

  • Motorcycleall
  • Home
  • Brands
    • Honda
    • Yamaha
    • Suzuki
    • Kawasaki
    • KTM
    • Hyosung
    • Buell Blast
  • Accessories
    • Battery
    • Gps Tracker
    • Gps
    • Engine Parts
  • Blog

by John Watson Leave a Comment

How to Adjust Idle on Fuel Injected Harley Davidson

With shop rates at a local Harley Dealership starting at around $70 an hour, and that’s if you are lucky, it pays to learn how to do some things yourself for your Harley.

Sure, with the complex jobs, you’ll need a competent shop, either independent or an official one of Harley, but because you frequently need to fine-tune the Harley idle controlling the air and fuel mixture, it pays to learn how to adjust idle on fuel injected Harley Davidson yourself.

Step 1 – Know where’s the idle adjustment screw or knob

For most modern fuel-injected Harley, there’s usually a knob that you turn to adjust the idle. This knob can be located on either side of the bike. And if no knob, there should be a Phillips head screw to turn.

Check best screws for H-D idle adjustment.

Step 2 – Know what the proper idle should be

Harley’s idle is faster than you think. So to get the proper settings for your idle, consult your manual. You don’t want to turn it too low.

Step 3 – Use your tach whenever possible

Most Harleys come with a tach, which is of great help in setting your Harley to the proper idle. Just connect it with the idle cable. If you don’t have a tach, you’ll need to go by sound and the bike’s feel. A properly tuned Harley should make a gentle thud while running.

Here you can find the best tach (Tachometer) and idle cable for your Harley.

Step 4 – Start your Harley and let it run for a few minutes

If you have a tach, carefully watch the tach as the bike warms up. Then, comfortably sitting on the bike, gently let the bike go forward a few feet and watch that tach. It should tell you pretty much all you need.

If you think the idle needs further adjusting, make no more than 1 or 2 turns on the idle and test it again. In most cases, 1 or 2 turns is all that you need to put your bike into the proper idle. But if it still sounds out of tune, then a couple of more turns may be required.

Two reminders at the end – 

Remember, you do not want your Harley adjusted too low, which is the major problem with most do-it-your-selfers. But, conversely, if you adjust idle on fuel injected Harley Davidson less carefully and rev the idle up too high, you can actually do damage to the engine.

Further remember, it’s idle speed alone that counts and the oil pressure going through the engine, which is why Harley does not encourage you to make your own adjustments. But if you know what you are doing, you can save a lot of money and get a better ride in the process.

Filed Under: Blog

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclosure
  • Terms of Services
  • Privacy Policy

Handcrafted with on the Genesis Framework

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT