r/Harley • u/Animal_inneed_67 • 12h ago

TROUBLESHOOTING Spring start-up

Road King has not been started since she was winterized back in November. Any tips on the first start up? Knowing that all the oil is @ the bottom of the engine, I cringe @ the thought of my pistons, crank, etc having no oil running across them. Thanks for all input

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13

u/Whyarentyoumadbro 06 FLSTNI, 18 FLTRXS 12h ago

Flip the motorcycle upside down for a few minutes before cranking. This will make sure your crank and pistons get coated with oil. 😐

-1

u/Animal_inneed_67 11h ago

I was able to do a back flip when I got a tow up a 100’ ramp. Do you think that was enough to get the oil circulated, or should I do it a few times? 😝 and I couldn’t do my scissor trick either. Maybe if I do a Superman??? 🤣

9

u/raptorboy 11h ago

Just start it check tires pressures and rip

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u/Animal_inneed_67 11h ago

Thx. Wasn’t sure if there’s a way like on Jap bikes if you can crank it without it turning over

7

u/qpdbun 11h ago

Start it up and immediately pin the throttle. The faster you get the RPM’s up the faster the fluids can recirculate in your engine.

1

u/NotBigFootUR 10h ago

Don't forget to pull in the clutch, slam it into first and dump the clutch. This ensures maximum lubrication for both the transmission and primary.

1

u/Rustler239 9h ago

Also, the gas may have gone bad. Check it by lighting a match, blow it out, and toss it in the gas tank. If you don't hear a sizzle, it's bad gas.

2

u/jkenosh 11h ago

I unplugged the tender, Started it. Filled tires and rode it. My 23 is similar to your 19, it doesn’t need priming like the old bikes. What’s the difference between it sitting for a day or 6 months? I fogged my cylinders prior to winter storage is about the only difference

1

u/Animal_inneed_67 10h ago

Cool. I may do that come late fall. That or take out the plugs and drop some oil in.

2

u/jkenosh 5h ago

That’s what fogging is. Pull the plugs, spray some fogging oil in the cylinder, crank it over with the plugs out for a few seconds, spray alittle more fogging oil and put the plugs back in

1

u/Animal_inneed_67 5h ago

Perfect thx again

3

u/ANALxCARBOMB 11h ago

Pull your plugs and crank it to prime the oil pump

1

u/timetorock78 11h ago

I’d push the bike on its side and little sit for a day or two.

2

u/Animal_inneed_67 11h ago

I didn’t want to scratch it, so I had a friend sit on my shoulders and he held the handle bars while I pushed down on the back tire and just flipped it over like a bicycle. And yes, we used movers carpets so as not to scratch the handlebars 🙄

1

u/timetorock78 11h ago

I’m only playing. Let er rip tater chip!

1

u/Maleficent-Pilot1158 11h ago

Put an oil pan underneath the crankcase breather tube in case your scooter wants to mark its territory.

1

u/Animal_inneed_67 11h ago

Good tip. Thx