motorcycle help

[tallpaul]

I recently bought an '03 Indian Chief Roadmaster with just 2,260 miles on it. It was shipped to me last Wednesday and I have ridden it a couple of times since then and it ran fine the first two days. This is my first bike so I am having the usual beginners problems.

Today the 100 ci carburetated engine started backfiring on me when accelerating. Have I done some damage to the engine with all of my stalling of the engine? It doesn't always do it when riding just mainly after I shift and the rpms are down. What do you guys think?

[finster101]

Just a guess, but it sounds as though you may have loaded it up and fouled a plug. That is why it's backfiring under a load. You may also be shifting too soon. I know it is a big torquey motor , but they don't like being lugged. Try cleaning the plugs or replacing them and see if that helps.

[Curless]

I would def change plugs first, remember to (KISS) keep it simple stupid...not calling you stupid, just saying not to think the worst up front. Look and see if there is a fuel filter also that may be plugged...

[tallpaul]

I talked to some other guys tonight and they said it could be the plugs and. It has been raining since the problem started and water could have gotten to the plugs and wires. I need to get a cover for the bike.

The only reason I was assuming the worse is because the power plus engine on this bike is known to have problems, mostly for the flywheel. I'll check the fuel filter, but I wouldn't think that would be the problem because of the low mileage.

[Vortex]

If it is popping and it isnt fuel injected it sounds like your carb needs adjusting. If it was plugs it would be hard to start (but pull em and check anyway). An 03 bike with 2k miles means its been sitting a long time, there may be gunk in carb/tank too (hope not).

[finster101]

I talked to some other guys tonight and they said it could be the plugs and. It has been raining since the problem started and water could have gotten to the plugs and wires. I need to get a cover for the bike.

The only reason I was assuming the worse is because the power plus engine on this bike is known to have problems, mostly for the flywheel. I'll check the fuel filter, but I wouldn't think that would be the problem because of the low mileage.


If it is popping and it isnt fuel injected it sounds like your carb needs adjusting. If it was plugs it would be hard to start (but pull em and check anyway). An 03 bike with 2k miles means its been sitting a long time, there may be gunk in carb/tank too (hope not).


If it will not run with the plug wires wet, I hope you never get caught in the rain. I don't think that is the problem. As stated the carb could be gunked up or if out of adjustment could be running a little fat again loading up the plugs. I assume you meant that is was backfiring out the exhaust and not the carb. If it's the carb we have a different problem. Good luck with it.

[Odinson]

+1 on gas gunk. Stabilized gas goes bad in a year. Unstabilized gas goes bad in three months or less. You're going to have to nurse it through the first tank of gas or siphon it out. Then fuel injector cleaner gas additive and shots of carb cleaner in the intake while running. Run it on 93 for a few tanks.

Don't forget to change the oil since most bikes use motor oil for lube, cooling, and tranny fluid. Lots of side effects of bad oil.

Word was when Indian reemerged that they were not that dependable, but you know how rumors are.

[tallpaul]

I removed the first plug( the one closest to the forks) and it was white. The second one looked normal. What do you think caused it to look white?

[ImpalaSlayer]

white usually means lean, pics?

[tallpaul]

I would like to post pictures but I am still having trouble with security tokens. I downloaded Firefox like I was suggested to do but it still won't let me do it.

[ImpalaSlayer]

host them on photo bucket then copy and paste the [IMG] link and put it in the reply box here.

[Vortex]

white means running lean.

[tallpaul]

I did some research online and I found that the '02 and '03 models had a recall because of the vent tubes would get clogged easily when it got wet ouside. My problem started after we had some heavy rain. I will try fixing it tomorrow along with replacing the spark plugs.