Strange smell while riding : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

hdchris · 10-12-2009, 07:29 PM

I've experienced a smell while riding 3 times now over a period of time. The first time I thought it was someone in front of me, the next time I started to wonder if it was my bike. It's not exactly like a hot brake smell, more of a hot electrical smell I guess. The third time was this past Saturday. So Sunday when I was getting ready to wash it, I pulled the seat off and I can smell it if I take a wiff behind the battery...where the PCV is. My worst fear is that something is shorting out with the way the PCV has to be crammed in there. I'm not experiencing any problems...yet. Another theory I have is the smell of the Severe Gear lube in the trans is coming out the vent and making its way up. Anyone ever experience this? Thoughts?

Thanks,
Chris

TonyJ · 10-12-2009, 09:10 PM

I had a similar smell. Found out the ground in my headlite bucket wasnt good and the pigtail was burning up.

jonny oz · 10-13-2009, 03:19 PM

i would do a thorough search for any burnt/melted wires, connections etc. now is the time, don't wait till you're out somewhere! good luck.

savedbymonkeys · 10-13-2009, 04:54 PM

Chris -

I have smelled that too - like an electrical wire overheating. Oh crap - now I gotta go looking for burnt wires.

07roadking60 · 10-13-2009, 05:29 PM

The headlight connector will make a smell like that if it is melting. If you change to a higher wattage bulb, it can melt the connector. The bulb itself will also develop an odor if it it about to blow. I have had one shatter and it smelled that way.

hdchris · 10-13-2009, 08:22 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. I hate this, 09 bike with 2900 miles and I'm looking for a possible gremlin. I'll keep my eyes out for any melted electrical stuff. I'd feel better if I didn't have that darn PC crammed under the seat. I don't think I'll ever get one of those again. Haven't had any problems with it functionally though. I need to pull it out and make sure there aren't any wires mashed under there somewhere.

Chris

machinist · 10-13-2009, 10:56 PM

its usually my boot on the LSR

jerry34208 · 10-13-2009, 11:29 PM

+1 on the headlight. Pull the connector off and have a look see.

Hogzilla 57 · 10-14-2009, 06:42 AM

An '09 with 2900 miles? The Hog should still be under warranty. Bring it to HD and have them dick with it.
Mike

gunnysgt · 10-14-2009, 07:41 AM

One other thing you might check. I bought an 09 Street Bob in August. I had a burning smell as well. Found out the pigtail that hangs behind the rear cylinder to charge the battery had found it's way on to the rear cylinder and was melting. They had loosened it in the showroom to keep the battery charged and was not secured again. They replaced it of courst.

ChopperDude · 10-14-2009, 10:47 AM

You aren't eating bean burrito's from Taco Bell before riding, are you ?

nightrob · 10-14-2009, 11:12 AM

And if you have pets check your shoes also!!

hdchris · 10-14-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunnysgt

One other thing you might check. I bought an 09 Street Bob in August. I had a burning smell as well. Found out the pigtail that hangs behind the rear cylinder to charge the battery had found it's way on to the rear cylinder and was melting. They had loosened it in the showroom to keep the battery charged and was not secured again. They replaced it of courst.

Thanks, I'll have a look see.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hogzilla 57

An '09 with 2900 miles? The Hog should still be under warranty. Bring it to HD and have them dick with it.
Mike

I don't let them touch my bikes anymore... unless something major would happen under warranty. I'm sure there are some good dealer mechanics out there, I just don't know any. Plus, I'm not sure if I actually have a problem yet.

Hogzilla 57 · 10-16-2009, 12:23 PM

Listen, Chris............Unless you manage to find the cause of the 'smell', you're gonna find it at the worst possible time, the farthest distance from home. Always happens.
Mike