Switch Harley Softail
How do you start a modern Harley-Davidson Softail?
OK, I know this makes me a noob, but what is the starting procedure for a new HD? It occurs to me that I’ve never seen a key-slot on a Softail, just the toggle switch on the console. Where does the key go? Also, what are the settings on the fuel petcock?
Oh god…..yes, you are a NEWBIE alright!!!………..
Get an OWNER”S MANUAL from HD!!!!
There is no petcock on the newer HD’s….any of them, ALL…HD’s, since 07 are fuel injected. Turn the switch on, turn run/stop switch to on, hit starter button.
Pre-07, some were injected, some were carbed, needing you to pull the enrichener out for about 2 or 3 minutes for cold starts and fast warm-up. On carbed bikes, the petcock is self-explanatory if you LOOK at it, it shows the knob positions. The petcocks are vaCuum operated, meaning they won’t flow fuel if the engine isn’t turning, generally, most people leave them ON, but they can leak if the vacuum diaphragm is ripped or has a hole in it AND the carb folat needle sticks, generally, it is safe to just leave it in the ON position and flip to reserve when needed….BUT if you DO flip to reserve, REMEMBER TO PUT IT BACK TO ….ON….WHEN YOU FILL UP.
The KEY goes IN the switch on the dash, the switch had a hinged cover, lift it, insert key, they is only used to lock the switch to keep it from turning. All tank mounted switches are like that….ever since the 60′s
NOTE….Bob’s answer below on starting is for CARBED bikes….his instructions are void for fuel injection….hit the button and go……….AFTER a few minutes of warm up time!!!
