I have a 1990 Sportster that had work done to it before I bought it (about 3 years ago). I have two problems. Not sure they are related, but that may be.
The older problem, I have been replacing the battery about once a year. I assume it's a short of some sort. I will be able to track this down, but thought it would be worth mentioning here.
The new problem is, I started the bike and it started right up. I let it run a couple of minutes and got on to ride. I got about 1/4 of a mile away and the engine started puttering. It took more gas to get it to move, then it puttered and stalled. I, then, could not get it to start again and almost killed the battery trying.
I got the bike back home (pushing quite a bit) and put it back on the battery tender. A week later, with the indicator telling me the battery was charged, I did the same thing and it died again. It seems like it's not getting fuel, but it went another 1/4 mile or so the second time.
I assume this might be a fuel issue, but I'm not sure and wanted to look for some advice.
I have some engine work experience (on older cars, not bikes). I guess I'm asking where I should start and what someone with some experience might start and what steps you'd take.
I appreciate any help or guidance anyone could offer. I just can't afford to bring it into a mechanic right now and I'm frustrated that I'm losing riding time. I would love to get it fixed before next Spring.
Thanks.
The older problem, I have been replacing the battery about once a year. I assume it's a short of some sort. I will be able to track this down, but thought it would be worth mentioning here.
The new problem is, I started the bike and it started right up. I let it run a couple of minutes and got on to ride. I got about 1/4 of a mile away and the engine started puttering. It took more gas to get it to move, then it puttered and stalled. I, then, could not get it to start again and almost killed the battery trying.
I got the bike back home (pushing quite a bit) and put it back on the battery tender. A week later, with the indicator telling me the battery was charged, I did the same thing and it died again. It seems like it's not getting fuel, but it went another 1/4 mile or so the second time.
I assume this might be a fuel issue, but I'm not sure and wanted to look for some advice.
I have some engine work experience (on older cars, not bikes). I guess I'm asking where I should start and what someone with some experience might start and what steps you'd take.
I appreciate any help or guidance anyone could offer. I just can't afford to bring it into a mechanic right now and I'm frustrated that I'm losing riding time. I would love to get it fixed before next Spring.
Thanks.