Hello!

Wondering if I could tap someones brain here as I am stumped...

I have a 2008 RoadStar 1700 I bought new a couple of months ago so still under warranty but since it wont start, I would have to have it towed to the shop and issue may or may not be covered under warranty...

List of complications
Barns Big Air Kit,
Vance and Hines Fuel Pak,
Vance and Hines LongShots,
Yamaha air (injecter?) elimination kit.

Without getting too windy, I put on all but the AIEK about 600 miles ago. Was running into issues w/ backfires and lousy fuel econ. Found that there was supposed to be the AIEK installed w/ the pipes since they do not have the bungs for the O2 sensors. After that was installed it ran much better (oil change, new spark plugs at same time). put about 50 miles on w/ no issue. Yesterday I try to start it and it wont catch. Suspecting the TPS I used the FuelPak calibration to determine it is working.
Key on, gauges sweep normally and fuel gauge shows full (just filled it). when cranking, fuel gauge goes to zero and low fuel light flashes. then it goes back to full. Once it sounded like it backfired and puff of smoke came out of the air filter.
(got a video of the scenario that I am working on shrinking to post)

Reading through some of the other posts on here, I am suspecting the fuel sender. Any way to test it?

from seattle wa

1. lose the fuel pak and see what it does. you don't need it
2. have bungs for o2 sensors installed on your pipes. you need them

from Texas and do what Tug said.

Thanks guys. Tried deleting the fuelpak just now but dark/cold/full tank.... Going to have to wait til I can enlist a buddy so I don't drop the tank.

FYI - vid of issue http://youtu.be/xGqwxoqwzl4

@Tug - nice shot from Alki! Know any shops in town that could put the bungs on off hand? assuming I do get the bungs on, then presumably delete the AIEK?

From Texas.
Try charging the battery. Usually the fuel gauge won't swing like that unless the voltage is dropping below a certain point. The key off battery voltage should be at least 12.8 volts. If the bike has been sitting in the showroom that long with the battery installed I don't think there'll be much life left in it.

Also, like Tug said disconnect the fuel pak.

To me it sounds like the spark plugs are fuel/carbon fouled. I would pull the plugs check if they are wet or black with carbon and clean them up with a propane torch.

Almost any welding shop should be able to weld in the bungs for ya. And like DaveJ said check the plugs also

and yeah I like that pic too. It was actually kinda cold when I took it in late oct beautiful day though

Where are you? I'm in White Center

from beautiful N/E Georgia.
I don't know much about tuning the F/I motors...I'm a carburetor kinda' guy.
Hope it all works out for you.

the fuel sending unit has nothing to do with sending fuel. it is in the tank and is what gives your gas gauge it's reading. Other than that, that is not the issue.

As someone else mention, take the battery and get it load tested, it could be that simple....weak battery

I am not trying to hijack, but I have a quick question.

I unhooked my battery the other day to do the trailer tail light mod and when I put the battery back in the gauges swept then went back to their resting places. Should I be concerned?