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Sportster not starting (been sitting unused for a while)

  • Sprocket
    Sprocket
    4 years ago
    Hi everyone.
    My 08 Sportster has not been started for a few years. I have charged the battery and topped up the oil but it won't fire up.
    Any suggestions on how to get it to start? I think it could be stale fuel

  • Sprocket
    Sprocket
    4 years ago
    Thanks Chester,
    I'll give that a go at the weekend.
  • STEAMER
    STEAMER
    4 years ago
    Hi Sprocket,  as Chester said. Plus when was fuel filter last done.  Is it kicking over and just not starting?
  • Sprocket
    Sprocket
    4 years ago
    No idea last time fuel filter was done. The starter goes a bit then starts clicking.
    It used to be regularly serviced because of using it daily for 10 years. 
  • STEAMER
    STEAMER
    4 years ago
    The clicking sounds like battery flat, even if you charged it, a cell could have colapsed.  Do the fuel filter, peace of mind. Normally every 40,000km, well thats what my book says. Mines in tank  above fuel tap
  • B.Zanetti
    B.Zanetti
    4 years ago
    “Starts clicking”
    Your battery is fucked or your leads need a good clean.
  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    4 years ago
    You must shampoo the battery leads when a bike has been sitting Sprocket.
    Otherwise you are just chasing your tail.

  • Sprocket
    Sprocket
    4 years ago
    Yes you are probably right about the battery.
  • imoo6170
    imoo6170
    4 years ago
    Agree with the above - Battery (probably needs replacing) - also make sure your earth wire off the battery is secure and not loose.
  • daddyracer56
    daddyracer56
    4 years ago
    don;t top up da oil level as its more than likely wet sumped a bit or most of it , when ya start it up it will pump it back to da tank and overfilled 
  • Gemmakhan
    Gemmakhan
    4 years ago
    Daddy racer is spot on. If you have added oil prior to starting you are now overfill. Drain oil from dump hose on oil tank. Remove plugs and turn motor over with charger on battery. Once oil is drained put in recommended amount minus 750 ml. Replace plugs and fuel. A quick squirt aero start in air filter and bike should start. Run for awhile the recheck oil and do the righty and replace oil filter. 
  • Sprocket
    Sprocket
    4 years ago
    Thanks guys. 
    I would never have though of that.
  • Krash Kinkade
    Krash Kinkade
    4 years ago
    Quoting Sprocket on 15 Oct 2020 08:32 PM

    Thanks guys. 

    I would never have though of that.

    daddyracer56 right, as dry sump, oil tank high up , bike standing around, oil gradually migrates to the crank case. when you check oil level , you think it is low. But should first fire up motor warm up, then check.
  • Sprocket
    Sprocket
    4 years ago
    Well guys your advice was spot on. Thanks heaps.
     The Aerostart in the air cleaner; having the battery on the trickle charger; changing the fuel; draining the oil because it was too full and she started fine.
    I have given it an oil change. Pumped up the tyres. Next on the list is to replace the belt, the battery, and spark plugs, rear tyre, a new drain oil hose and a good detail.

    Thanks again
  • Wideglider
    Wideglider
    4 years ago
    Glad it's all starting to happen for you.
    Watch those tyres though, they deteriorate over time (they have a manufacture date on sidewall) - especially if they were flat & bike sitting on the one spot for a long while. I'd be replacing them. 
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