Hi all,

Just rode Adelaide to Brisbane on my '06 Night Train (with lowered suspension and a single seat! OUCH!) then two days later did the 870km round-trip to Hervey Bay overnight for a Freedom run..

To the point; the bike has done 29,000kms never missed a beat - until now. Heading into Brisbane on the motorway, sitting at a steady speed, with the throttle in a 'part-open' position (e'g' not accelerating and only just 'cruising') the motor has a 'pop' or 'stumble'. Much like as if it were a faulty coil or plug...except it idles fine, runs out to the rev limiter in any gear, accelerates smoothly with no missing or popping.

Changed plugs, no difference. Thought there may have been some water or contaminants in one of the many fuel stops along the way, so ran some injector cleaner through over the last 800 + kms. Still no difference. This 'pop' only occurs at that 'part-open' throttle, when the motor is warm, and when holding a steady, just on 'cruising' speed.

Any thoughts?

thanks, Glenn

Hi Scotty,
The exhaust and air cleaner have been on the bike now for several thousand kms, and this has only occured in the last few. I may have described it incorrectly by using the term 'pop'. It has a great pop on decel, which I actually like. This situation is actually more of a 'stumble' or even 'misfire' as if one or both cylinders just didn't fire, or as if (on a carby bike) that it coughs back through the carb. Even though I have fitted Hooker Troublemaker pipes and a complete S&S teardrop air cleaner, I am probably the only person in Australia that hasn't yet decided on which type of fuel management device to use. The bike runs absolutely strong and hard, with no problems - until now. As I said, this is only in that part-throttle, steady speed situation that it happens. Thanks for any input and advice, Glenn

Well, I've checked the pipes, all seems tight and I've checked under the seat - electrical connections etc - again, all seems good there. Called a couple of the Harley shops up here and discussed the issue with them, appears that none of them are really interested in diagnosing problems, their solution is to fit a fuel management system, as this will "make the bike run so much better, you won't even care about the misfire".......
One has even said that the Troublemakers are a very poor pipe, and that I need new Vance and Hines pipes and a Power Commander!
What happened to fixing things instead of just bolting on new parts????

Hi Scotty,
I've been swayed by the general consensus here that, as Brisbane is "600 feet higher above sea level" than adelaide, that a Power Commander is needed minimum, with a Fuelmax being the local optimim favourite management system. I have located a PC 111 USB on Ebay but the seller states that as it is for a 'Touring' bike (2006 FLHX Street Glide) it may not fit my Night Train...I thought the unit was the same, and only the maps varied? Any advice?
Oh, and I'm afraid I've been sucked in by the sunshine, the awesomely big good roads, and the perfect riding lifestyle in Brisbane..I'm not coming back!

Hi all,
current observations re; the 'stumble or misfire' in my 06 Night Train.
1) 'misfire' occurs only under 120kmh. Over that, seems to run strong and hard, no 'pop' or 'misfire'
2) rain makes the 'pop' or miss more frequent and more sever. (I have checked all the connections under the tank and behind the rectifier and under the ignition switch and around the coil including the HT leads. I have unplugged, dried, and sprayed all with WD-40 and re-assembled)
3) The Alarm 'key' light. This light works as per normal (lights up with ignition, goes out after a few seconds) BUT..once engine is fired, this 'key' light comes back on, stays on for approx 4-5 seconds and then goes out. This has only been a new 'fault', happened only yesterday. I did have a turn light globe blown, but this has been replaced now and the 'fault' still exists.
Any thoughts? thanks Glenn

Well, despite not really thinking it would work, I swapped my Troublemakers for my stock head pipes and S&S slip-on mufflers. Result? Humble pie is being served....a 50km run down the highway, with part-open throttle at different speeds showed no noticeable 'pop' or 'miss'. It is quieter, (and seems to run and idle smoother, maybe that's just due to being quieter) but a 400km ride tomorrow will be the test. Guess some good pipes and a Power Commander are coming sooner rather than later.....now, which pipes are the best?