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Podcast-In this episode we talk about Rick (Big Daddy) Kane's large-scale project he just completed on his 2001 Harley-Davidson Road King, named “Chola”. This bike has a ton of rich history and you really need to go back and listen to Podcast Episode #106, where Rick breaks it all down for you. That will help you have a more true appreciation for this current project.
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Rick decided to do a full electronic fuel injection (EFI) to carburetor conversion on Chola. Yah, this is not something you hear about being done very often, but it can be and is done on occasion. Of course, there are reasons to do something as drastic as this. In Rick's case, he was having troubles with the older Magneti Marelli style EFI system Harley used from 1995-2001. These systems did not utilize O2 sensors in the exhaust for tuning. TheseMagneti Marelli systems are well known for causing problems and annoyances.
In 2002, Harley-Davidson switched and started using the Delphi EFI systems on their motorcycles, which are more reliable and utilize exhaust O2 sensors for proper tuning.
This Magneti Marelli system left us stranded late one night in the middle of nowhere in the pitch black. I followed and Rick was barely able to limp the bike back to town. Listen in as we tell the story.
These types of EFI problems require expensive computers to properly diagnose. So, Rick took it to a friend of ours at a dealership to diagnose it with their computers. Things were never just right after several times to the shop to diagnose and Rick spent about $800. He actually had to push his Road King home about 1 1/2 miles! It ended up being recurring annoying problems with the cam timing sensor and neutral throttle sensor.
Rick decided he'd had enough with the Magneti Marelli EFI system and wanted to get rid of it all together. He could have converted to the new Delphi EFI system but has always loved carburetors. Rick made the decision to do a full conversion from Magneti Marelli EFI to a carburetor system instead. Once and for all, he wanted no more problems with his 2001 Harley-Davidson Road King.
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Listen in as Rick describes the exact process he went through and the exact parts he used to make the carb conversion. He lays it all out for you in this episode and tells of what carburetor he went with. Rick is a wealth of knowledge on this subject and I learned a ton from him. He has some great resources for you if you might be contemplating this project.
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A brother Thank you for this awesome cast, great information. I have a 2000 harley davidson road king classic efi and it is a pain in my pocket. Listening to this gives me hope that I can keepy bike and it be reliable. Everything you guys discussed is pretty much what my efi is doing and I’ve thought about switching to carb, but this gives me more confidence to do so. I can’t find anyone my way in Socal that will touch that mm efi system.
I’m no mechanic at all, but I got the HD shop manual for my bike and work on it myself with help from some family and friends due to me being disabled, so I can only due so much before my knees give out. But it’s been a learning experience as well as frustrating as hell.
You guys rock Bro keep up the good work and thanks for looking out for other bikers.
Rubin Sanchez
This kit that was purchased to convert efi to carb from 4x4tuuf.com. I tried the website and nothing comes up. i have a 1999 road king and want to convert mine. I am in Oregon and the shops around here have no idea what i am talking about. Any chance i can maybe get a working link or website to find this kit?
We’re not familiar with that company etc as of recent. Not sure where they went. Sorry.
I’m doing the conversion on my ’01 FLHRCi. I bought an ignition wiring harness for a ’01 FLHR carb bike. Everything hooks up just fine with the exception of the Engine Temperature Sensor. Did Rick use that sensor, or just leave it unplugged? Logic tells me that the sensor isn’t needed for a carbureted bike, but as we all know, logic is seldom considered when the MOCO is involved. Any info is appreciated.
Thanks, Jason
Jason,
I asked Rick and this is what he said, “It’s not needed. But that said I used a kit that completely changed out the factor wiring so I’m not 100% sure. I’m just going of my gut.”
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Law Abiding Biker™ Team
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wow i was looking for input on converting an 03 ultra . i already did a 01 and it worked great until i blew it up changing the magneti was pretty easy with the help of a very good friend who i think made the wiring harness to eliminate the computer very simple plug and play witth the right connectors all i needed was a stock ignition module intake and carb i went with mikuni never did set it up for the cruise but everything else worked just fine
oh there is an error in your write up when harley started using delphi they diod not use o2 sencors untill i think 04 but i know they did not use them from 02 through 03
I just had my 99 Roadking changed to an S&S carb system, and they didn’t change the ignition system. Can i still get the wiring harness and what ignition system do i need?
Please help it runs like %$#@t and the gas mileage was cut in half.
thanks
Jo-Jo