motor skipping

I have a 2001 road king efi.The bike is stock except for an Arlen Ness air cleaner.It has a little over 37,000 miles.The bike just started skipping occasionally,getting worse each time I ride it,it acts like it is out of gas and the engine light comes on when it skips and goes out when it clears.I changed the cam chain tensioners,serviced the bike and checked all grounds and conections,I do not see anything out of the ordinary.ANY help or ideas would be appreciated.

[tipper1]

I'm not being a smart a$$, but did you check or change the plugs, clean or oil the air filter and last but not least chk the fuel filter......

[Wrightturn]

Either set up a jumper wire and decode or have the dealer decode. You have a trouble code stored and can save a lot of diagnostic time.

yes i changed plugs and oil cleaned air filter but not the fuel filter that is next on my to do list,thank you

[JCourneyaP]

Get the code generating read. Save time and money. Sometimes those computers can make life a bit easier.

I bought a handheld one for my car. Paid for itself the first time I used it. Saved me a ton of dough. They make em for bikes that you can purchase?

[hdnt1550]

the light is probably turned on by the knock sensor. I would check the fuel filter. HD recomends changing it every 25,000 miles any way.


Be careful pulling it out of the tank and buy 1 extra hose clamp because you will need it.

[evoKENevo]

I hesitate posting this..'cuz I don't know MUCH about EFI etc..but, I'd be suprised to read that it's a fuel-filter causing your "skipping". I mean,generally speaking, once a filters clogged it's clogged..and,the problem does'nt usually just come & go. Then,again.......?????

Meanwhile,I've heard/read that R&R'ing an EFI filter,in the tank, is'nt exactly simple..and although it can't hurt,I'd go with Wright's and JC's recommendations...first !! I mean "hey"..it's THERE for you..why not take advantage of it..especially with ALL the little OTHER things there to queer the works !?!

where would i find a reader for h.d ,at the dealer ? looked online no luck finding one for harleys but honestly did not spend a lot of time looking either.

Originally Posted by hdnt1550

the light is probably turned on by the knock sensor. I would check the fuel filter. HD recomends changing it every 25,000 miles any way.


Be careful pulling it out of the tank and buy 1 extra hose clamp because you will need it.

fuel filter was my first thought (and hope) but it did not seem right but it seems to be a reoccuring theme,so i will try that thank you.

[Wrightturn]

Hey James,

You don`t need to buy anything other than a factory shop manual. You have the early efi and someone here may be able to get you the info you need. I have a 99 and an 02 but both will be different. I believe your bike uses a jumper wir to go into decode. Your engine light will flash and you count the flashes. Two flashes followed by four flashes is a ign coil problem for example. The manual gives you the codes.
Any dealer can scan for you. The charge varies from 20 to 35 dollars. Ask first and get a print out. Some of these guys were trained by P.T. Barnum.