2001 Harley Davidson XL Sportster 883 - Page 3 - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

Have you changed anything on the engine or exhaust? If so your bike needs a re-map. If not having a re-map won't hurt it will put the bike back to factory specs. Most times this will fix this problem.

you have to remove clutch pach from engine and use special clutch press to remove clip to release clutch and plates.

sounds like just the key switch has failed. Check the connector, and make sure no pins have pushed out of either side of the connector.

Before I change it, I'd get a multimeter and test it.

Sure, go right ahead.

The question is can you wire an after market 3 wire light to a bike that came factory with only 2 wires the after market lights with 3 wires are blk for ground purple turn signal and blue for running light and the bike factory wires blk for ground and purple for turn signal. so where do you hook up the blue wire at onto the bike so i can have running and brake lights ?

Good gas or old gas? Gas lying around in high temperatures goes off. If compression is good and timing is correct then engine must start. Has the bike being laid up for a lenght of time? Did it just stop? Has someone been at the carb?

generator/alternator wire?

under the seat ??

There is a groove in the ignition switch housing, the groove runs 90 degrees to the threads on the switch. You need to align the groove with the protruding area that the ignition switch bracket protruding area. That should be the only way the switch will go through the ignition switch mounting bracket. Then the threaded ring on the outside of the bracket and switch will tighten the new switch and the protruding area will prevent the switch from rotating. If the mount bracket that the new switch goes through does not have the protrusion to prevent the switch from rotating, it will need to be replaced or a fab shop can put a spot of weld in the correct location and file to fit the groove. Most likely to be less expensive to replace the housing. A Harley dealer may have the parts or can order. If you wanted to relocate your ignition switch now would be the time. If you have a non-Harley ignition switch that doesn't fit the stock housing that would explain the problem also. If that is the case you will need to make something to stop the rotation of the switch in either direction. A switch with flat sides requires a housing with flat sides, or you can make something with a set screw to prevent rotation.

lengthen the line

Because it's only when a passenger is on the bike, my first thought is the seat is moving/rubbing on the wiring affecting those items you listed.Remove the seat and check for any marks to indicate chaffing on the wires, and check wires in the area for breaks.

There is a vacuum line under the gas tank on the left side, check to make sure it hasn't rotted out. If it has you can replace just the vacuum line and not whole piece.

Check the battery, if it is charged, You need a new ignition switch

Watch this video and it is detailed. You will find it on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttEl_oC86XY

Check the fuses ...sounds like you may have fried one or two, Also that is a very tight fit where the brake light switch is....make sure you are not grounding out in the bars where the switch fits in the groove

what year and model is your ride? Is this a kick start set up? How are you starting it with out a battery? Is it running with the battery not hooked up?

getta clymer manual and fix the clutch

Change the mufflers or replace the entire exhaust system.

Hi 2 wires are for the light one is tailight the other is for the brake element. when you apply the brakes the tailight get brighter.the 3rd wire is the ground wire for the tailight unit.